Archive for May, 2009

Chocolate: the new biofuel

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009

Yes, you read that right. London-based scientists have revealed a one-of-a-kind creation earlier this month: a racecar made partly from plant fibers, and powered by a biofuel processed from chocolate waste and vegetable oil.

Scientists at the University of Warwick used a mix of vegetable oil and waste from chocolate factories to develop a new kind of biofuel, one that will enable the racecar to accelerate to over 145 miles per hour. The car’s makers are hopeful about the racecar’s capacities on the track.

Aside from running on chocolate, the racecar also has other quirky features. The car’s steering wheel is made of fibers from carrots and other root vegetables, while the car’s seat is built from flax fiber and soybean oil foam.

The car, named the “WorldFirst Formula 3 racing car,” will go on display at several races including the European Grand Prix and Britain’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

 

 Source: msnbc.com