The automotive industry has always been a fertile ground for innovation and creativity. At a time when the commitment to make the automotive industry a more sustainable and environmentally responsible industry, and when synthetic fuels and biodiesel are gaining strength, it is worth remembering a project developed by the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. United, in 2009.
Dubbed WorldFirst, this initiative offered a new perspective of what not only a street car but a true racing car could be like.
The project team set out to show the capabilities of green technologies in the automotive field. Its main purpose was to create a car that stood out for its sustainability and for being a pioneer in its design and manufacturing process.
What they did was break with all the conventions established up to that point, creating a Formula 3 whose fuel came from chocolate and some of its components were made from materials such as soy. This wasn’t just another extravagant project; It was a declaration of intent about the future of sustainable mobility.
The vehicle, made with a potato skeleton, a carrot steering wheel, a soybean seat and hoisting brakes, defied all conventional expectations. The combination of plant fibers with resins allowed the creation of highly impact-resistant components, while refined chocolate oils were used to produce a biodiesel that powered the engine at surprising speeds of up to 235 km/h. This remarkable technological feat highlighted the innovation and potential of sustainable technologies in the automotive industry.
In addition to the innovative fuel, the project also focused on other key aspects of sustainability, such as the reduction of CO2 emissions and the use of economical and environmentally friendly materials. Lubricating oils, for example, were manufactured with vegetable oils, some of which came from waste from the chocolate industry and other sectors for use.
Dr Steve Maggs, a member of the research team, highlighted the importance of broadening the view on sustainability in the automotive industry: “As manufacturers focus on reducing engine emissions to meet future CO2 regulations, The WorldFirst project demonstrates the need to adopt a greener and more open mindset.
