Build A 100 MGP Car & Win $10M
Progressive Automotive which owns the Progressive Insurance Company has launched a campaign where the participants 
could win a portion of a cool $10 million prize by being one of the first contestants to field a production car capable of getting 100 mpg.
According to Progressive sources:
The independent and technology-neutral competition is open to teams from around the world that can design and build production-capable, 100 MPGe (miles per gallon energy equivalent) vehicles that people will want to buy and that meet market needs for price, size, capability, safety and performance in one of two classes: Mainstream and Alternative. Mainstream vehicles will be required to carry four or more passengers, have four or more wheels, and allow for a 200-mile range. Alternative Class vehicles will be required to carry two or more passengers, have no constraints on the number of wheels, and allow for a 100-mile range.
India’s Tata Motors has entered the competition, joining a field of some 70 competitors from 12 countries and 22 (U.S.) states. The X Prize contest is open to everyone including automakers and innovators and is Progressive’s very public effort to help break our dependency on oil.
Starting in September 2009, the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will launch a cross-country race in New York City, followed by nine other major markets across the U.S. Competing vehicles will be tested and featured in actual road conditions; X Prize organizers are currently seeking additional cities to host the remaining stages of the competition.
Winners will include those vehicles that exceed 100 MPG equivalent, fall under strict emissions caps and finish in the fastest time. The competition is scheduled to conclude sometime in 2010.
(Source: Progressive Automotive)
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May 16th, 2008 at 5:44 am
I hope this provides an added impetus to the OScar Project – I’ll be rooting for them.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
My idea for a safer small car will allow for a very small vehicle that is safe. A very small and light vehicle is a good way to get to 100 mpg.
Kinetic energy is proportional to mass. Wind resistance is proportional to cross section. Friction loss is proportional to engine and drive train size. Acceleration is inversely proportional to mass for a given engine power.
Smaller and lighter cars get better mpg. With added crumple zones, they can be safe. With side and rear bumpers, the car doors and trunk can be used only to keep out the wind and rain. They can be thin aluminum.
safersmallcars.com
May 17th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
My idea for a safer small car will allow for a very small vehicle that is safe. A very small and light vehicle is a good way to get to 100 mpg.
Kinetic energy is proportional to mass. Wind resistance is proportional to cross section. Friction loss is proportional to engine and drive train size. Acceleration is inversely proportional to mass for a given engine power.
Smaller and lighter cars get better mpg. With added crumple zones, they can be safe. With side and rear bumpers, the car doors and trunk can be used only to keep out the wind and rain. They can be thin aluminum.
safersmallcars.com
May 19th, 2008 at 12:24 am
My biggest worry on these small cars is the safety. Steve (above) makes a good point on how they might improve that, but it still seems to come down to it, less metal means less chance of coming out alive. Before I pt my wife or kids in one I would want to be sure there is a chance of them walking away from an accident.
May 19th, 2008 at 9:13 am
I’m with everyone who is concerned about safety. MPG is important, but not at the expense of passenger safety. Though the Smart car did fairly well in crash tests, I don’t want to ride in any car where I’m so vulnerable.
May 24th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I read similar article also named A 100 MGP Car & Win $10M – The Auto Writer – Automotive News, Views, and Fun Stuff, and it was completely different. Personally, I agree with you more, because this article makes a little bit more sense for me