U of MN solar car, Centaurus, ready for 2008 race from Texas to Canada

New Vehicle, Centaurus, to replace Borealis III: Borealis III, the 7th generation UMN solar car, with the Tin Man in front of the Mechanical Engineering building, U of MN. The Borealis 3 won 2nd place in the 2005 North American Solar Challenge (from Texas to Canada).Courtesy Adem Rudin The University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project team provided a sneak preview of its newest car, Centaurus. The U of MN team placed 2nd in the 2005 North American Solar Challenge. The 2008 NASC will take place on July 13-22, 2008, on a route between Dallas, Texas and Calgary, Alberta.

"As many of the top cars were bumping up against the 65 mph (105 km/h) race speed limit in the 2005 event, race rules were changed in order to improve safety and limit performance. Open class cars are now only allowed 6 square meters of active cell area, and upright seating is required for both open and stock class cars."

Learn more about the solar race car, Centaurus

• News and photos
• Design of the Centaurus
• Centaurus Specifications
• FAQ about solar vehicle, Centaurus
• video of unveiling ceremony
• about the 4 team divisions
• past vehicles
• past races