Now, for something completely different. Say hello to the 1997 Cal State LA Solar Car Team Solar Eagle III, the third edition of a series of solar-powered cars that have taken place in various solar car races both in the United States & Australia. The Solar Eagle III was developed by Cal State LA Solar Car Team, which is an engineering team from California State University, located in Los Angeles, California. The Solar Eagle project began in 1990, with the Solar Eagle I, that participated in the GM Sunrayce USA, which was a 1,643 mile race from Florida to Michigan, where the Solar Eagle place fourth overall in the race, but was also the only car to not suffer any electrical or mechanical issues throughout the entire duration of the race. The car later competed in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, located in Australia that same year. Following Solar Eagle I, came Solar Eagle II, which took third place at the 1993 GM Sunrayce USA, and 13th place during the World Solar Challenge during that same year. Finally, in 1997, the Cal State LA Solar Car Team introduced this car shown here, the Solar Eagle III. This car was of course the third installment in the teams trilogy of solar cars, and was also evidently the best of them all, having taken first place during the 1997 GM Sunrayce. The car also set a race-record with an average speed of 43.29 mph. The unique Solar Eagle III was developed on a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, and measures in at over 19 feet in length, leaving room for the cars carbon fiber skin and Nomex honeycomb core Solar Cells.
How many made? 1 of 1
Engine: Solar Panel with 85-volts peak string voltage, 108-volt system with nine 12-volt batteries + two interchangeable motor systems- Wheel motor (NGM-SC-M100) and controller (NGM-SC-C100) by New Generation Motor Corporation, and a DC Brushleiss motor (BRLS8) and controller (110H) by the Solectria Corporation.
Debut: Roll Out Rally on April 15, 1997.
Top Speed: N/A
0-60mph: N/A
Photo Credit: calstatela.edu
Research: @rarecarsonly