After two years of intensive development work, the student team “Schluckspecht” has presented Hochschule Offenburg’s new energy-efficient vehicle. With the prototype, the students are aiming for a new long-distance record.
At the ceremonial roll-out of the “S8” in front of around 150 guests, the technical milestones of the new prototype were on full display. The most striking innovation: The front wheels are once again fully integrated into the body. Flow simulations had previously shown that this provides significant aerodynamic advantages when cornering and in crosswinds. Around 1,000 hours of work went into the lighter and stiffer CFRP body alone, whose elegant carbon weave shimmers blue at the rear. In addition, the interdisciplinary team optimized the chassis digitally and using industrial methods to maximize quality in every detail—from straight-line stability to driver feedback. At the end of June, the S8 will compete alongside the established “S5 Urban Concept” at the Shell Eco-marathon in Poland. The goal for both vehicles is to qualify for the World Drivers Championship in Qatar.
More information (in German): https://www.hs-offenburg.de/hochschule/news/artikel/1000-kilometer-mit-einer-kilowattstunde-sind-das-ziel
