Forze VI, a hydrogen fuel cell race car built by students from Delft University of Technology, set a record for the fastest hydrogen-powered lap around the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
With former Formula 1 driver Jan Lammers behind the wheel though, the Forze VI completed the 13-mile loop in less than 11 minutes, about a minute faster than any other hydrogen-powered race car.
The Forze VI car was unveiled in 2013 by the Forze student racing team. Based on a Lotus 7 type frame, the Forze VI car has been two-and-a-half years in development, with the aim of beating the lap record for hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars on the Nordschleife. It uses a Ballard FC Velocity MK1100 stack fuel cell system, lightweight bodywork with a diffuser for improved aerodynamics, pushrod suspension and a planetary gear system.
Two tanks carry a total of 3 kilograms (6.6 lbs) of hydrogen on board, stored at 350 bars (5,076 psi) of pressure. The stored hydrogen can keep it running for 30 minutes at full power and the tanks can be refilled in three minutes. The car boasts 258 horses on boost and an air system pushes 5000 liters of air through the powertrain to provide enough oomph.
The Forze VI can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in less than four seconds and has a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph).
The video below shows the Forze VI in action on the Nurburgring.
[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]Pictures via Team Delft.
