'AXOLOT' MOVES WITH LESS FUEL

'Axolot' moves with less fuel

Universiti Malaysia Sabah lecturer and Team 1UMS adviser Chua Bih Lii (left) with team members, (from left) Javier Isaac, Syamshul Rasyid, Agnesius Muslin, Mohd Nasib Syamsudin and Hasmil Hussein and ‘Axolot’.

KOTA KINABALU 2011/07/02: A group of Universiti Malaysia Sabah engineering students has developed a prototype eco-friendly vehicle which they hope could become an alternative to the inefficient internal combustion system used in conventional cars.

The body design of the vehicle is like that of a salamander, and built partially using fibreglass to improve its aerodynamics, hence, fuel consumption.

The three-wheeled, single-seat vehicle has a 35cc engine with a fuel injection system.

Called the "Axolot', the 70cm-tall vehicle will be showcased at the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia competition at the Sepang International Circuit on July 7 and 9.

About 100 teams from 13 countries around Asia will take part in the competition, which aims to address the global energy challenge and help the world meet its growing desire for mobility in a more sustainable way.

Calling themselves Team 1UMS, the 23 engineering students involved in the design and development of the prototype hope that their participation in the event will generate interest in research and innovation, particularly in automotive technology, and energy efficiency among the younger generation.

Their invention will be showcased in the prototype category for futuristic and streamlined vehicles designed to maximise fuel efficiency through innovative design.

"The long term objective is to build the most efficient petrol fuel prototype car in Asia and then develop a sustainable prototype car using renewable energy," said Syamshul Rashid, who heads the design team.

Boasting an average fuel consumption of 200km per litre with a top speed of 45kph, the Axolot will compete in the energy-source category for petrol fuelled cars at the eco-marathon challenge.

Team adviser Chua Bih Lii said the Axolot sports a distinctive military camouflage pattern, a surefire way to make it stand among the other vehicles expected to take part in the challenge.