Draft:Ashwa Racing
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| Formation | November 22, 2003 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Arunraj Subbaraj |
| Type | Formula Student team |
| Headquarters | R.V. College of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Fields | Motorsport engineering, automotive design |
Parent organization | R.V. College of Engineering |
| Affiliations | SAE International |
| Website | ashwaracing |
Ashwa Racing is a Formula Student team based at R.V. College of Engineering (RVCE), Bengaluru, India. Founded on 22 November 2003, the team develops prototypes across three powertrain categories: combustion, hybrid, and electric. Ashwa Racing has participated in international Formula Student competitions in Australia, Germany, Italy, and the United States, as well as the domestic Formula Bharat series.[1]
The name Ashwa is derived from the Sanskrit word for stallion.[2]
Background
[edit]Formula Student
[edit]Formula Student (also known as Formula SAE in the United States) is an international engineering design competition organised by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and IMechE, among other bodies.[3] Student teams design, build, test, and race a small formula-style single-seater car, evaluated across static events (Engineering Design, Cost and Manufacturing, Business Plan Presentation) and dynamic events (acceleration, skid pad, autocross, endurance).
History
[edit]Founding (2003)
[edit]On 22 November 2003, four final-year students from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at RVCE conceived the idea of forming a Formula SAE racing team.[4] The founding members were led by Arunraj Subbaraj.
The initial estimated budget was approximately ₹22,00,000. Sponsorship drives proved difficult at first, and the founders personally contributed funds to build a working prototype. The team was structured along functional lines, with sub-teams for administration, sponsorship, finance, engineering, logistics, and workshop management. The car model was initially named RVIANZ before being shortened to RZ.
Early competitions (2005–2012)
[edit]The team's first prototype, the RZ05, was completed in 2005 and competed at Formula SAE Australasia in Australia.[5]
The RZ-06 (2006) used a carbon fibre-reinforced steel frame, fabricated in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It incorporated a re-programmable ECU, a 3D-printed intake manifold, and components from OEM partners including BBS, Hoosier, and MoTeC, as well as a Torsen limited-slip differential.
In 2007, the team competed at Formula Student Germany, winning the Young Achiever Award from Rotary International.[6] In 2009–2011, the team competed at Formula SAE Italy, winning the Best Endeavour Award (2009) and the Best Asian Car award (2010, 2011).
Hiatus and restructuring (2013)
[edit]The team did not compete in 2013, using the period to prepare for an expansion into hybrid and electric powertrains.
Diversification into hybrid and electric (2014–2018)
[edit]Ashwa Racing returned in 2014 with the RZX4 combustion prototype and began parallel hybrid development.[7]
In 2015, the team launched the RZX5 combustion prototype and its first hybrid prototype, the RZX5H, integrating a 75-cell lithium-ion battery pack. The RZX5H debuted at Formula Hybrid in New Hampshire, USA, finishing in the top ten overall.
The 2016 hybrid prototype, RZX6H, introduced lean manufacturing optimisations and weight reduction (280 kg, 70 hp). The team finished 4th overall at Formula Hybrid USA, and 2nd in both the Design Event and Project Management.
In 2017, the RZX7H finished 2nd overall at Formula Hybrid USA, winning 1st in Acceleration (Electric class) and placing 2nd in Autocross, Endurance, and Project Management. The prototype recorded a 0–100 km/h time of 4.05 s.
In 2018, the combustion prototype set a national acceleration record at Formula Bharat. The RZX8H hybrid prototype (300 kg, 73 hp) placed 2nd overall at Formula Hybrid USA, scoring 2nd in Design (183.24/200), 2nd in Project Management (144.29/150), 2nd in Acceleration, and 2nd in Endurance.[8] The team also launched a fully electric prototype in January 2018.[9][10]
2019 and the pandemic years (2019–2021)
[edit]The 2019 hybrid prototype finished 3rd overall at Formula Hybrid USA, scoring 1st in Project Management with a perfect score of 150/150 and 2nd in Design (184.62/200).[11]
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Formula Hybrid + Electric (FH+E) to move to a virtual format.[12] Ashwa Racing won 1st place in the Hybrid Category.[13] The chief judge noted that the team had developed "a good action plan with a heavy focus on reliability" and "an interesting organisational approach in which technical and managerial responsibilities were distributed across groups within the 23-person team."[14]
In 2021, Ashwa Racing again won 1st place in the Hybrid Category at FH+E 2021.[15]
Recent activity (2022–present)
[edit]Following the return to in-person competition in 2022, Ashwa Racing continued developing its electric programme alongside ongoing combustion work. The team extended its activities under the Ashwa Mobility Foundation to include MotoStudent (motorcycle design), open-source vehicle concepts, and hyperloop technology.
At European Hyperloop Week 2024, held in Zürich from 15 to 21 July 2024,[16] the team unveiled its first hyperloop prototype.
At Formula Bharat 2025, the combustion prototype RZ-XX5C was among four teams to complete all dynamic events, finishing 2nd in Cost and Manufacturing.[17]
At Formula Bharat 2026, the combustion prototype RZ-XX6C finished 6th overall, with a top-5 result in Engineering Design and 2nd place in Business Plan Presentation.[18]
Organisation and structure
[edit]Ashwa Racing operates under a dual-role structure in which members hold both technical and managerial responsibilities. With over 120 interdisciplinary undergraduate students at any given time, the team spans mechanical, electrical, electronics, and computer science departments.
The team is governed by a Faculty Advisor, a Steering Committee, and an Alumni Council, with day-to-day operations led by a Team Captain, Project Manager, and Chief Engineer. Sub-teams cover suspension, chassis and bodywork, drivetrain, aerodynamics, engine, electrical systems, telemetry, finance, fundraising, logistics, marketing, and human resources.
Prototypes
[edit]Combustion prototypes
[edit]Ashwa Racing has produced combustion prototypes since 2005, all designated with the RZ prefix.
| Year | Designation | Engine | Weight | Power | Notable specifications / results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | RZ05 | Yamaha R6 (600 cc) | 350 kg | — | Competed at FSAE Australasia; Best Endeavour Award; Best Cost Award |
| 2006 | RZ-06 | Honda CBR600 (600 cc) | 300 kg | — | Carbon fibre-reinforced steel frame (HAL collaboration); 3D-printed intake; re-programmable ECU; Best Asian Entry at FSAE Australasia |
| 2007 | RZ08 | Honda CBR600 (600 cc) | 280 kg | 73 hp | ZF Sachs adjustable dampers; Young Achiever Award at FS Germany |
| 2008 | RZ08 | Honda CBR600 (600 cc) | 260 kg | 73 hp | Multiport fuel injection; competed at FS Germany |
| 2009 | RZ-09 | Honda CBR600 (600 cc) | 255 kg | — | Continental tyres introduced; Best Endeavour Award at FS Italy |
| 2010 | RZX | Honda CBR600 (600 cc) | 250 kg | 75 hp | Chromoly 4130 chassis; Best Asian Car at FS Italy |
| 2011 | RZX1 | Honda CBR600 (600 cc) | 280 kg | — | Pneumatic paddle-shift gearbox; Torsen LSD; Best Asian Car at FS Italy |
| 2012 | RZX2 | Honda CBR600 (600 cc) | 302 kg | — | 2nd place Cost Event at FS Italy; Best Asian Team |
| 2014 | RZX4 | Honda CBR600 (600 cc) | 300 kg | 70 hp | 0–75 m in 4.21 s; return after 2013 hiatus |
| 2015 | RZX5 | Honda CBR600 (600 cc) | 310 kg | — | FS Italy and Formula Bharat; Drexler LSD introduced |
| 2016 | RZX6 | Honda CBR600 (600 cc) | 310 kg | — | Lean manufacturing methods; 6th place Design at Formula Bharat |
| 2017 | RZX7 | Suzuki GSX-R 600 (600 cc) | 230 kg | — | Yoshimura muffler; dry-sump lubrication; 3rd place Cost at Formula Bharat |
| 2018 | RZX8 | Honda CBR600 (600 cc) | 235 kg | — | National acceleration record at Formula Bharat (4.29 s over 75 m) |
| 2019 | RZX9 | Suzuki GSX-R 600 (600 cc) | 260 kg | 73 hp | Static rank 9; top speed over 100 km/h |
| 2025 | RZ-XX5C | Suzuki GSX-R 600 (600 cc) | — | — | One of four cars to complete all dynamic events at FB2025; 2nd place Cost and Manufacturing |
| 2026 | RZ-XX6C | Suzuki GSX-R 600 (600 cc) | — | — | 6th overall at FB2026; top 5 Engineering Design; 2nd Business Plan Presentation |
Hybrid prototypes
[edit]The hybrid programme began in 2014 using a Bajaj Pulsar DTS-i 220 cc single-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack. From 2015, purpose-built hybrid prototypes competed at Formula Hybrid in New Hampshire, USA.
| Year | Designation | Engine | Weight | Power | Top Speed | Notable results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | RZX5H | Bajaj Pulsar DTS-i (220 cc) | 310 kg | 45 bhp | 74 km/h | Top 10 overall — Formula Hybrid USA; 75-cell Li-ion battery pack |
| 2016 | RZX6H | Honda CBR250R | 280 kg | 70 hp | — | 4th overall — Formula Hybrid USA; 2nd Design; 2nd Project Management |
| 2017 | RZX7H | — | — | — | 100 km/h | 2nd overall — Formula Hybrid USA; 1st Acceleration (Electric class); 2nd Autocross; 2nd Endurance; 2nd Project Management; 0–100 in 4.05 s |
| 2018 | RZX8H | Honda CBR250R | 300 kg | 73 hp | 100 km/h | 2nd overall — Formula Hybrid USA; 2nd Design (183.24/200); 2nd Project Management (144.29/150); 2nd Acceleration; 2nd Endurance |
| 2019 | RZX9H | — | 300 kg | 73 hp | 100 km/h | 3rd overall — Formula Hybrid USA; 1st Project Management (150/150); 2nd Design (184.62/200) |
| 2020 | RZXXH | — | — | — | — | 1st — Hybrid Category — Formula Hybrid + Electric (virtual) |
| 2021 | RZXXIH | — | — | — | — | 1st — Hybrid Category — Formula Hybrid + Electric (virtual); parallel hybrid architecture |
Electric prototypes
[edit]The first fully electric prototype was publicly launched in January 2018.[19] The current electric prototype is powered by an Emrax 208 motor with a custom-built high-voltage accumulator. Power electronics — including the motor controller, Battery Management System (BMS), and vehicle control units — are developed in-house. The combustion and electric vehicles share a common modular low-voltage electronics architecture, with all PCBs designed, assembled, and tested in-house.
Competition record
[edit]| Year | Competition | Category | Result / Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Formula SAE Australasia | Combustion | Best Endeavour Award; Best Cost Award |
| 2006 | Formula SAE Australasia | Combustion | Best Asian Entry |
| 2007 | Formula Student Germany | Combustion | Young Achiever Award (Rotary International) |
| 2009 | Formula SAE Italy | Combustion | Best Endeavour Award |
| 2010 | Formula SAE Italy | Combustion | Best Asian Car |
| 2011 | Formula SAE Italy | Combustion | Best Asian Car |
| 2012 | Formula SAE Italy | Combustion | 2nd place, Cost Event; Best Asian Team |
| 2015 | Formula Bharat | Combustion | 2nd place Endurance; 2nd place Fuel Efficiency; 4th place Overall |
| 2015 | Formula Hybrid + Electric USA | Hybrid | Top 10 overall |
| 2016 | Formula Bharat | Combustion | 6th place, Design Event |
| 2016 | Formula Hybrid + Electric USA | Hybrid | 2nd Design; 2nd Project Management; 4th Overall |
| 2016 | Formula Student Czech Republic | Combustion | 2nd place, Cost Event |
| 2017 | Formula Bharat | Combustion | 3rd place, Cost Event |
| 2017 | Formula Hybrid + Electric USA | Hybrid | 1st Acceleration (Electric class); 2nd Acceleration (Hybrid); 2nd Project Management; 2nd Autocross; 2nd Endurance; 2nd Overall |
| 2018 | Formula Bharat | Combustion | National acceleration record (4.29 s over 75 m) |
| 2018 | Formula Hybrid + Electric USA | Hybrid | 2nd Design (183.24/200); 2nd Project Management (144.29/150); 2nd Acceleration; 2nd Endurance; 2nd Overall |
| 2019 | Formula Hybrid + Electric USA | Hybrid | 1st Project Management (150/150); 2nd Design (184.62/200); 3rd Overall |
| 2020 | Formula Hybrid + Electric (virtual) | Hybrid | 1st Overall — Hybrid Category |
| 2021 | Formula Hybrid + Electric (virtual) | Hybrid | 1st Overall — Hybrid Category |
| 2024 | European Hyperloop Week, Zürich | Hyperloop | Competed; first hyperloop prototype |
| 2025 | Formula Bharat | Combustion | 2nd place, Cost and Manufacturing |
| 2026 | Formula Bharat | Combustion | 6th Overall; Top 5 Engineering Design; 2nd Business Plan Presentation |
Beyond Formula Student
[edit]The Ashwa Mobility Foundation has extended activities beyond Formula Student:
- MotoStudent: Design and development of a performance motorcycle prototype for the international MotoStudent competition.
- Open Source Vehicle (OSV): Development of a modular, open-source urban vehicle concept.
- Hyperloop: The team competed at European Hyperloop Week 2024 in Zürich.[20]
- Autonomous vehicles: Research into driverless prototypes incorporating machine learning-based power management, V2X communication, and urban environment modelling.
Notable partners and sponsors
[edit]Industry partners have included Bosch, Infineon Technologies, Adani, SKF, Analog Devices, Motul, LAPP Group, Henkel, Sansera Engineering, Pegasys Machines, VRL Logistics, ICP India, Impulse Power, Triumph Lasers, Royal Brothers, and PCBWay. Early prototypes were built with technical support from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, as well as components from BBS, Hoosier, MoTeC, and Continental.
See also
[edit]- Formula Student
- R.V. College of Engineering
- Formula SAE
- Society of Automotive Engineers
- European Hyperloop Week
- Formula Hybrid
References
[edit]- ^ "Indian students win acclaim at car design competition in US". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ Bloomfield, Maurice; Monier-Williams, Monier; Leumann, E.; Cappeller, C. (1900). "A Sanskrit-English Dictionary, Etymologically and Philologically Arranged with Special Reference to Cognate Indo-European Languages". The American Journal of Philology. 21 (3): 323. doi:10.2307/287725. ISSN 0002-9475.
- ^ "Formula SAE Overview". SAE International. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "City team wins at US design event". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "Formula SAE-A". www.saea.com.au. Retrieved 2026-04-03.
- ^ "Indian students win acclaim at car design competition in US". The Economic Times. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "Indian students win acclaim at car design competition in US". The Economic Times. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "Formula Hybrid Results Archive". Formula Hybrid. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "RVCE's Ashwa Racing team launches prototype of 1st electric race car". Deccan Herald. 13 January 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "Electric car made by city students to take on the global circuit". Bangalore Mirror. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "Formula Hybrid 2019 Results". Formula Hybrid. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "2020 Formula Hybrid + Electric Competition a Virtual Success". Formula Hybrid. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "2020 Formula Hybrid Competition Results". Formula Hybrid. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "2020 Formula Hybrid + Electric Competition a Virtual Success". Dartmouth Thayer School of Engineering. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "2021 Formula Hybrid Competition Results". Formula Hybrid. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "European Hyperloop Week 2024". Innovation Park Zürich. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "FB2025 Results". Formula Bharat. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "Formula Bharat 2026 Results". Formula Bharat. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "RVCE's Ashwa Racing team launches prototype of 1st electric race car". Deccan Herald. 13 January 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ^ "European Hyperloop Week 2024". Innovation Park Zürich. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Instagram – @ashwa_racing
- LinkedIn – Ashwa Racing
- Formula Bharat – Official site
- Formula Hybrid + Electric – Official site
Category:R.V. College of Engineering Category:Motorsport in India