On July 18th, at the Tecnopolo of Modena, the MoRe Modena Racing team from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore) unveiled its new competition prototypes for the 2024 Formula Student championship: the M24-LH, the hybrid prototype, and the M24-DL, the driverless prototype. These vehicles represent a significant step forward in the landscape of university competitions, born from the team’s innovation and dedication.
The M24-LH is a natural evolution of previous models, consolidating the experience gained over the years. With a carbon fiber monocoque chassis weighing just 19 kg, this vehicle is designed to integrate a custom 708 cc combustion engine powered by E85 ethanol. The car’s aerodynamics, entirely made of carbon fiber, generate 210 kg of downforce at 100 km/h, while the suspension system, with a push-rod configuration at the rear and pull-rod at the front, is fully adjustable. One of the main innovations of the car is the integration of an electric drivetrain, with two electric motors on the front wheels, which, together with the combustion engine, provide a total power output of over 100 HP. This technological advancement responds to the growing demand for sustainable solutions, promoting the adoption of decarbonization technologies.
The M24-DL, the driverless prototype, represents a further step towards the future of mobility. Equipped with a Suzuki GSXR600 engine, optimized by the students to maximize performance, the car weighs 260 kg. The carbon fiber monocoque is made with “cut and fold” technology, ensuring lightness and strength. Autonomous driving is made possible by a system of sensors, including a Lidar to detect the distance and position of cones marking the track, two 180° cameras to recognize the cones’ colors, and an IMU integrating an accelerometer, GPS, and gyroscope. These sensors, along with the software entirely developed by the team, allow the vehicle to move autonomously on the track.
The project’s Faculty Advisors, Prof. Matteo Giacopini and Prof. Alberto Vergnano, expressed great satisfaction with the results achieved. “It is always a great satisfaction to see the sacrifices our students have made over the past few months rewarded, which have led to the completion of the two prototypes that will compete this season. This is the first step of a long journey: now come the competitions where we are called to confirm the excellent results of previous seasons. We know it won’t be easy, but we are aware that a significant initial success has already been achieved.”
The presentation was enriched by the presence of students from the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay (IIT Bombay Racing), hosted in the facilities of the “Enzo Ferrari” Department of Engineering at Unimore. In this way, the Indian team was able to assemble and finalize their prototype, which will compete alongside the MMR-Hybrid team in the next race at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, from July 21st to 25th.
The unveiling event was a moment of great significance, not only for the MoRe Modena Racing team, but also for the sponsors and institutions that have always supported and believed in the project. During the day, attendees witnessed a practical ignition test of the cars and a driving demonstration of the M24-LH vehicle, once again highlighting the importance of research and innovation in the field of university automotive competitions. MoRe Modena Racing continues to be an excellent example of how passion, dedication, and collaboration can lead to extraordinary results, contributing to the development of innovative and sustainable solutions for the future of mobility.
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