Following a tragic fire in Spain on 1 June 2006, where the world's most successful solar car 'Aurora 101', was totally destroyed, the Aurora team of volunteers has rebounded with a new solar supercar for the 2007 Panasonic World Solar Challenge. As a memory to the last decade it is also named 'Aurora 101'.
The new Aurora 101 has been built to the new Challenge Class rules of the 2007 WSC which place new emphasis on introducing practical features more like regular cars. Aurora has taken this theme of practicality even further by using high performance production solar cells from Sunpower. As a result the new car is eligible for the 'production class' in the 2007 event.
Aurora's second entry is separated by 20 years. Affectionately named 'Christine' this car first raced in the inaugural 1987 WSC finishing second to the mighty Sunraycer from GM USA. Christine also raced in 1990, claiming first place in the lead acid battery class then participated in the first Suzuka 'Dream Cup' in 1992, finishing in 8th position. For 2007, Christine retains its unique tilting solar panel but is upgraded in many ways to meet more up to date expectations.
Aurora 101 retains a single wheel front wheel drive layout with the high efficiency CSIRO wheel motor. Other Australian developed technologies from Armacel, Tritium, AERL, CAST and MoTeC are incorporated in the new Aurora 101. The body is shaped by the wind, designed to not create uplift or downforce. Its newly required headlights are high output LEDs from Osram. The new car weighs in at 160 kg, just lighter than the previous car but in spite of much added feature content.
Team member Shaun Johnson developed the aerodynamics but will not be present to see the car run as he is working for the Ferrari F1 team in Maranello, Italy.
We look forward to catching up with many international teams and solar car friends in Darwin. This includes the new Philippine team Sinag for which Aurora has been technical advisor and our sister team Aviva Southern Aurora from Hamilton Victoria.
Please read our daily reports which will commence Sunday, 14 October and will be transmitted from Australia's outback using a BGAN satellite connection provided by TC Communications.