May 7, 2008

Bentley Takes Greenpower Award

You wouldn’t think that ultraluxury marque Bentley Motors would dabble in tiny, efficient electric cars, but, like us, you’d be wrong. A Bentley Motors apprentice team has won a special “Spirit of Greenpower” award for its performance in the Greenpower Corporate Challenge that took place at Goodwood race circuit recently. The Bentley apprentice team designed, engineered and built the electric-powered car, which they entered into the Greenpower Challenge as well as a season of “F24+” racing.

In a bit of British cheekiness, the Bentley Greenpower car is called Continental DC (Direct Current), and it is powered by a 24-volt motor supplied with electricity by two 12-volt batteries. Designed for lightness and maximum power efficiency, the one-seater has a carbon-fiber chassis and low-rolling-resistance tires.

Greenpower is a series of events that aims to promote greater interest in young people to follow careers in the fields of engineering and technology. The 2008 Greenpower corporate challenge was the first race of the season. Some 25 teams entered -- 15 school entries and 10 company teams. The Bentley team achieved its goal of completing the four-hour race, despite some technical difficulties in the first section. The award was given in recognition of the excellent team spirit they showed in overcoming these initial technical challenges. The F24+ season consists of eight 90-minute endurance race events, which will culminate in a grand final at Goodwood in October.  Racetracks on the F24+ schedule include Dunsfold, Rockingham, Croft and Aintree, which are all in Britain somewhere.