EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

DATE: 9:30 – 11 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2015.

EVENT: The first public appearance of the sun-powered car that the University of Michigan Solar Car Team will race across Australia in the World Solar Challenge this October.

The World Solar Challenge is a 1,800-mile, weeklong journey that happens every two years. U-M’s team has finished third in the contest three times, most recently in 2011. U-M is also the reigning national champion, having accomplished its fifth consecutive win in the American Solar Challenge in 2014.

To arrive at the most aerodynamic design of their new vehicle, the students worked with one of the team’s sponsors, Siemens. They simulated more than 100 different geometries to find the most streamlined shape and placement of the driver. They also optimized the mechanical systems, including the suspension, steering and brakes. They named the new model “Aurum,” which is Latin for gold.
This year marks the team’s 25th anniversary.

RSVP: Register to attend by emailing Nicole Casal Moore, [email protected].

PLACE: The Henry Ford Museum, 20900 Oakwood in Dearborn, Mich. The unveiling will be near the Racing America exhibit. Use the clocktower entrance for easiest access. View a map of the Henry Ford campus.

WEB: Watch the unveiling ceremony live stream beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET. The car will be revealed about 10:30 a.m.
Follow along on social media via hashtag #UMSolar25.

SPONSORS: Major sponsors of the Solar Car team are Altair, Ford, GM, IMRA, Michigan Engineering and Siemens. Visit the team’s website for a full list.

More information:

• University of Michigan Solar Car Team
• Bridgestone World Solar Challenge