UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., released the formula racing car made by Bimasakti Team UGM to join the Student Formula SAE 2017 in Shizuoka, Japan. The team will compete with other 114 teams at the competition which will be held from September 5 until 9, 2017.
The release of Bimasakti Team was held at Balairung Courtyard UGM on Thursday (17/8) simultaneously with the ceremony to celebrate the 72nd Indonesia Independence Day. In the event, the team also tested the formula racing car by driving it around the courtyard.
Bimasakti Team Chairman, Rifqi Taufik Al Hakim, said the Bimasakti car will join an Internal Combustion Vehicle class competition. Their targets are becoming the Top 5 in Acceleration Event and Top 20 in Autocross Event. Moreover, they hope to earn Efficiency Event Award, Best Improvement Award, and other awards.
“We hope we can make achievements more than the previous year,” said Rifqi during the press conference after the Independence Day ceremony.
Rifqi said Bimasakti car that will join the competition has gone through some improvements and innovations. By upgrading the car specification, BM-6 is ready to make a new record and competing with the foreign teams.
BM-6 is developed by four design principles which are light, agile, efficient, and ergonomic. The car has light characteristic shown by its bodywork and aerodynamic devices using carbon fiber-reinforced plastic as well as reduction of the tires size to 10 inches. It is agile by increased machine performance which is equipped with traction control, launch control, and various modifications as well as using telemetry technology.
This car is also developed using efficient principle by using an adjustable fuel mapping. In addition, the ergonomic characteristic is reached by adjusting the cockpit with the driver posture.
“These manufactured superiorities will encourage the Bimasakti Team to be in the first position,” he added.
Meanwhile, the team’s supervisor, Fauzun S.T., M.Eng., delivered his gratitude for the university and all parties who have supported the development of Bimasakti car and the team departure to the competition in Japan. This competition becomes an opportunity to increase both the hard skill and soft skill of the students and give a chance for them to make international achievements.
On the other hand, Vice-Rector of Cooperation and Alumni UGM, Dr. Paripurna, S.H., M.Hum., L.L.M, said Bimasakti car is one of UGM students innovations from various majors of which we can be proud of. He hopes it not only becomes UGM icon but also the icon of Indonesia that can be shown in international technology competitions.