Running on e-fuel reduces emissions by more than 90% compared to a conventional petrol engine and emits no solid waste or microparticles from the tailpipe.
The Astara 01 CONCEPT is a 2WD buggy of the category T1.3. With only 1,621 kilos dry, it is the lightest car in its category. in its construction
lightweight materials aboundsuch as special steel, aluminum and carbon fiber. And single-axle drive means you can save a lot of pounds on drivetrains. As a result, you need much less energy to move.
Also,
that energy comes from e-fuel, closing the virtuous circle of this model. A car that runs on this synthetic fuel emits 90% less than a petrol car. In addition, it does not emit solid waste or microparticles from the exhaust pipe.
Astara TEAM is about to compete
in the Dakar 2023 with three units of the Astara 01 Concept driven by Laia Sanz-Maurizio Gerini, Carlos Checa-Marc Solà and Óscar Fuertes-Diego Vallejo. The intelligent design of this car, based on lightweight and synthetic fuel, makes it the most sustainable option to compete at the highest level in a race like the Dakar, where high doses of power and a lot of autonomy are required.
In fact, it was the most sustainable and environmentally friendly team in the 2022 Dakar, after measuring its carbon footprint (according to standardized protocols assessed by an independent entity) and largely neutralizing the low footprint generated by collaboration with various projects in Spain and Peru. By 2023, the footprint will be halved and 90 percent e-fuel will be used (compared to 70 percent last year), which will lead to better environmental results.
In a race like the Dakar
it takes a lot of energy to complete each stage, for the sum of hardness and extended mileage. E-fuel is the energy storage system with the highest energy density of all systems used in the Dakar: 10,752 kWh per litre. It is the way to transport an energy reserve that takes up less size and weight: the Astara 01 CONCEPT can carry 3,870 kWh with its full e-fuel tanks, which weigh only about 400 kilos. An electric car that wants to store the same amount of energy would need batteries of more than 22 tons (with an energy density of 0.17 kWh per kilo), making participation impossible.
With long suspension travel and rear-wheel drive, the car is an evolution of the Century Racing CR6, a very fast car that bases its effectiveness on its light weight, simplicity and mechanical robustness. The main evolution of this model is its adaptation to compete with synthetic fuel.
Chevrolet V8 engine It has undergone modifications to the injection system and a reprogramming of the Motec M1’s electronic management to adapt to e-fuel. The tanks and the entire piping system have also been adapted to the new ecological fuel.
In addition to
its very low carbon footprint Thanks to e-fuel, the other major advantages of this engine are its robustness, power (283 kW or 380 hp) and powerful torque delivery at full speed (with a maximum of 720 Nm at 4,300 rpm), two key features for brave the hard course and the dunes of the Dakar. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds and its top speed is limited to 170 km/h on the Dakar by regulation, but could exceed 225 km/h nationwide without restrictions.
The basis of the Astara 01 CONCEPT is an extensive one
bsteel pipe rack ultra-light and very resistant, which constitutes a safety certificate for the pilot and co-pilot, and on which the suspensions, engine and transmission are directly anchored; and the carbon fiber elements that make up the passenger compartment and exterior bodywork.
The whole chassis is designed
to withstand the harshness of the Dakar and effectively overcome the obstacles in your way. To do this, it has impressive 37-inch BF Goodrich tires (with electronically controlled inflation/deflation system) and double wishbone suspensions with a generous 440mm of travel.
The interior is designed to accommodate all the necessary instruments for the pilot and copilot, with as little weight as possible. A single piece of carbon forms the dashboard and center console; other large plates of this material are used to make the floor, the bases for the seats and the back wall. This model
it has air conditioning and the design ensures good visibility, key factors in a competition like the Dakar.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
