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History:

Cal Poly Supermileage team originated in the late 80’s and competed into the early 90’s. In 1989, under the leadership of Dr. Iannce, they obtained a team best of 951 miles per gallon in a car they nicknamed “Cricket.”

The current team reformed supermileage in fall of 2004.

Competition:

The Supermileage competition requires the team to design and build a single-person, fuel-efficient vehicle. The goal is to obtain the highest gas mileage possible (using iso-octane fuel) while increasing the public’s awareness of fuel economy. All teams are required to use a 3.5hp Briggs and Stratton engine. The Engine may be extensively modified, but the engine block must remain. Teams are rated based on the gas mileage obtained, their presentation, and design report. The team that obtains the highest overall score wins the competition.

2006 Completed Car:

The 2006 Supermileage car uses an all carbon fiber monocoque to support the vehicle. The vehicle has three wheels: two in the front, which steer the vehicle, and one in the rear. The car is powered by a stock 3.5hp Briggs and Stratton engine with a stock carburetor. The vehicle weighs 95 pounds and has a top speed of 42miles per hour. In the 2006 competition we came in 6th place obtaining 861 miles per gallon.

Goals for the 2007 Car:

Our goal for the 2007 competition is to improve upon the solid foundation that our 2006 car set. Below is a list of the improvement we would like to accomplish for the 2007 car.

1. New carbon fiber body using last years molds
2. Remove as much weight as possible.
3. Fuel inject the engine using a custom built intake manifold.
4. Install a new engine head with overhead cam/valves.
5. Add electronic ignition with timing advance.
6. Insulate engine to prevent heat loss.
7. Increase the compression ratio as high as isooctane will allow w/o knock.
8. Reduce rotational inertia on engine and driveline components.