An environmentally friendly racing car has helped propel University of Warwick researcher Dr Kerry Kirwan to the award of a prestigious British Science Association Isambard Kingdom Brunel Award Lecture.

The Award Lectures are coveted prizes for talented communicators with an interesting story to tell about their research. The British Science Association has identified Dr Kirwan as one of the five scientists and engineers who have demonstrated exceptional skills in communicating to non-specialist audiences to give these prestigious lectures at the British Science Festival at the University of Surrey next week.

Researchers at the University of Warwick have today, Tuesday 5th May, unveiled the “WorldFirst Formula 3 racing car” which is powered by chocolate, steered by carrots, has bodywork made from potatoes, and can still do 125mph around corners.

It is the first Formula 3 racing car designed and made from sustainable and renewable materials, putting the world first by effectively managing the planet’s resources.

WMG is proud to be one of over 100 exhibitors at the UK's first showcase of low carbon vehicle technology in all its forms.

Although many companies are looking to reduce their transport carbon footprint, a common cry from transport and fleet managers is that options are limited, and the costs and benefits of new technology difficult to predict. 

The WMG Hybrid & Eco-Friendly Vehicle Exhibition, held on 7 June at the Prodrive Test Track in Warwickshire, showcased hybrids and other green vehicles that are available now, with an opportunity to drive the vehicles back-to-back with conventional alternatives. Running in parallel with the Ride & Drive Event was an exhibition of green technologies and services, and seminars throughout the day to help buyers understand the options.

DRIVE THE LATEST ECO VEHICLES AT WARWICKSHIRE EVENT - THURSDAY 7 JUNE 2007 

Journalists can drive some of the world’s greenest vehicles this Thursday at an event showcasing some of the latest hybrid and eco-friendly vehicle technologies.

The Hybrid Vehicle Exhibition, organised by global innovation specialist WMG and Cenex, is on at the Prodrive test track in Warwickshire where there’ll be the chance to drive some of the greenest vehicles on the market.

Vehicles available to drive include: the new bio-fuelled Saab 93, the acclaimed Hydrogen 7 from BMW and the award winning electric delivery van from Coventry-based company Modec – currently taking London by storm.

WMG’s own Eco One green race car will also be demonstrated.

PR0107 issued on 22 March 2007

If you thought motor-racing was all about petrol-heads and champagne, WMG students at the University of Warwick will make you think again.

Eco One is an environmentally-friendly race car with a difference: its shell is made from hemp, the tyres made from potatoes and the brake pads made from cashew nut shells. It also runs entirely on bio-fuels and bio-lubricants.