Challenge in modifying engine

By L. SUGANYA|BESTARI JAYA|streets@nstp.com.my

THE RACE IS ON:The Perodua Eco-Challenge Race is back, and representatives from the car company visited one of the universities taking part to check on the progress of its car slated for the competition

THE Perodua Eco-Challenge race is back for the fourth year running and representatives from the automobile company visited Universiti Selangor (Unisel) to check on the progress of the latter's project.

This year, participants are required to modify an engine.

Perodua Design and Simulation Department deputy general manager Hasrol Hashim said that the modification can be anything from an additional system to enhanced fuel consumption.

"We do not allow the creation of a hybrid or electric motor engine," he said.

He added that participants have found many ways to modify the conventional combustion engine, showing that there is still room for improvement.

"We are looking forward to seeing the rest of the designs. So far, it has been good but we have yet to see a truly radical design," said Hasrol.

Last year, participants were required to build the body of a race car from ground up. The same teams will be competing this year.

Another addition to this year's competition is the marketing element.

Each participating university has to come up with a marketing plan for its design and present it.

Brand Management head Sulasi Mahadi said that the reason behind adding the marketing factor is to encourage students to practise what they learnt in theory.

"When we interview fresh graduates, we find that they are unable to translate what they learnt in universities to reality," she said.

Unisel racing team adviser and manager Professor Madya Muhidin Arifin said that his team is vying for the top prizes this year.

"We are focusing on a few things to make the project work, and we are confident that we will do a good job," he said.

Muhidin will be leading a team of 10 students from the engineering faculty and three students from the marketing faculty.

A total of 13 universities and polytechnics will be participating in this year's race, which is scheduled to be held next month at the Malacca International Motorsport Circuit.

Contestants will be competing in four categories -- the overall champion, engineering and design, time-attack, and the marketing and promotional category.

Professor Madya Muhidin Arifin (left) with his students hard at work on their car project. Pic by Chan Wai Yew

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Challenge in modifying engine

THE RACE IS ON:The Perodua Eco-Challenge Race is back, and representatives from the car company visited one of the universities taking part to check on the progress of its car slated for the competition

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