Dutch Solar Car Wins Australian Outback Race

[jpak]

http://www.enn.com/alt.html?id=345

SYDNEY — Dutch team Nuon won the eighth World Solar Challenge on Wednesday, piloting their bug-shaped car in record time across the vast, inhospitable Australian outback.

Nuon's Nuna 3 car beat 21 other entrants from around the world over the gruelling 3,000 kilometres (1,860 miles) race from the tropical northern city of Darwin to Adelaide in South Australia state.

Using nothing but the power of the sun, Nuna 3 appeared to have broken its 2003 record of 30 hours and 54 minutes. Race director Chris Selwood said timings were yet to be made official but it seemed likely that Nuna 3 had set a new race record.

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The race began on Sunday and Nuna 3 averaged about 100 kmh (62 mph). Overcast, rainy weather was expected to slow the progress of the rest of the field.

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[oscarmitre]

1. They could have done it quicker

but when they crossed the border from the Northern Territory (which has no prima facie restriction on speed outside of towns - ie you can travel as fast as you wish provided it's not dangerous) into South Australia they had to obey speed limits of 110 kph and 100 kph - which they did scrupulously. And factor in that the last day was indeed quite overcast then this is an amazing achievement. Well done to Nuna 3.

[theHandpuppet]

2. Anyone have a pic of this vehicle?

I'm curious to see what she looks like.

[NNadir]

3. Sure. Here you go.

Ignore the SUV behind it that's carrying the rubber bands. The production model, which will selling in the millions of units by 2050, can be trailed by more efficient Honda Civic.