ETSEIB Motorsport

CAT01

In 2007-08 season started the ETSEIB Motorsport team history. This was the name decided by the 13 team members, among which there was none of the old BCN team. Even starting a few months earlier, the time was very fair. To be officially recognized by the school, three teachers were assigned as project coordinators.

Thus, students were able to design a completely new car which was presented with the name of CAT01. The aim was to take him to competitions organized at Silverstone (UK) and Hockenheim (Germany).

In UK, it ends at position 53/72, while in Germany it finished at position 52/78. The results are poor compared to other teams, but very positive considering that this was the first year the team has finalized the dynamic tests, becoming the first Spanish team to do so.

CAT02

The second model is carried out during 2008/09 and called CAT02. Again it started almost from scratch because it could take a few pieces of CAT01. Also there is a renewal of virtually the entire team, with a total of 16 members.

That model was presented major developments in terms of design of the chassis, with a self-supporting structure constructed of honeycomb aluminum plates (hexagonal array). He also innovated in the body with a more streamlined design. We tried to reduce the weight by using lighter materials, as in the case of suspension trapezes, which were made with carbon fiber instead of steel. With all these improvements, we get the CAT02 weighed 250 kg.

Regarding competition, the team scored the goal of participating in three competitions, improving static events results and completing the dynamic events. Unfortunately, it fails to meet the objectives due to lack of time. The vehicle will not be ready in time for the first race (Silverstone) and also for complete dynamic tests of Italy and Germany, where the team was 23/39 and 62/78 respectively. However it has blunted some static testing, achieving 2nd place in Style Award in Germany and Cost Analysis 3rd prize in Italy.

CAT03

During the 2009/10 season takes place the third car of the team, the CAT03. The team has 25 members and the car was new again. This time, half of the team had last years’ experience, which will facilitate the transfer of knowledge essential for a project of this type. The goal remains to reduce weight. Even get a final weight very similar to the previous model was to improve the rigidity of the chassis with steel pipes. The main improvement over the CAT02 were suspensions. It was decided to continue using the same technology, despite having had problems in the use of adhesives on tubing hangers. After several tests they were able to eliminate the problems of previous years. In terms of competition, that year it attends to three competitions, with the addition of Argentina to the FS competition calendar. Thus, the CAT03 went to competitions in Germany, Italy and Spain; substantially improved results with respect previous seasons, especially in Italy where they get a 12th position.

CAT04

In 2011, his fourth season, CAT04 was constructed. 25 students were involved in the design and construction of the car. This was the last model of combustion equipment, giving way to electric models.

The objectives of CAT04 were to improve the reliability and performance of the car. For the first time, the strategy was to make a direct evolution of the previous model, without changing significantly the chassis design. They focused their efforts on solving the parts that caused the most problems in the previous edition. Although there were more parties self-made than ever to reduce the weight of the car in 20 kg.

That season they participated in three competitions. For the first time, the team participated in Austria, where they showed his class getting a 19th place and winning a static test, the Cost Analysis. This test served to note the car to Germany, where they get the best results in the history of the team, reaching the 21st position. Finally, in FS Spain were also obtained satisfactory results. Undoubtedly, the CAT04 had improved all his predecessors.

CAT05e

Year 2011 was a very important turning point in the history of the team. We chose to leave behind combustion models and enter in the electric vehicles world. Following the nomenclature of previous models, the new car was called CAT05e, adding an 'e' of electricity.

The objectives of the 2011/12 season were very clear: to design, build and have ready to compete an electric car. That was a challenge for the 25 students who were part of the team that had no electricity predecessor. With the change of combustion to electric we wanted to reduce vehicle weight in 20 kg. The drive system was composed of two independent motors to ensure good traction and stability .

That year again opted to take part in three competitions. At first, in Germany, the car had some problems due to the short time it took for testing, but noted with a creditable 2nd place in Cost Analysis. The results were first seen in Spain, where the team finished in 11th place. Finally, in Italy, 9th place was achieved and performed very well in acceleration test doing 4,4s.

CAT06e

CAT06e, the second electric model was developed during 2012/13 season. After being introduced to the Formula Student Electric and the experience of the previous year, 35 students were involved in the new prototype.

Once again, the goal was to improve and refine the previous model, improving reliability and performance. One of the highlights was that the CAT06e is the first model that incorporates aerodynamic elements. However, the team focused on systems and aspects which caused more problems in recent competitions. The other parts were also redesigned and optimized. More and more car parts were manufactured in-house, including the 2nd carbon fiber monocoque and some own design inverters.

As in previous years, ETSEIB Motorsport takes part in Germany, Spain and Italy competitions. At Hockenheim (Germany) 24th position was achieved winning the Gold in Cost Analysis. In the second competition, Spain, the Team won the gold in Efficiency and bronze in Cost Analysis. The season ended with a modest 16th position in Italy. However, the CAT06e has been, so far, the model with more podiums.

CAT07e

During the 2013/14 season, the team built the CAT07e, continuing in the line of electric cars, this new car is an evolution of the previous car. The main aims were to reduce the vehicle’s weight, improve the inverters, constructed by the own team, and improve the electronics. The chassis follows the lead of the previous car, as it consist in a fibre monocoque with a tubular steel subframe.

The team participated in three events during the season: Germany, Spain and, for the time, Czech Republic. The first competition was held in Germany, where the team was not able to participate in the dynamic events but still scored a 24th position overall. A couple of weeks after, the team travelled to the Czech Republic Competition and scored a third position in the overall standings achieved thanks to the first position in the Business Plan and Cost Analysis. We also got a second position in Design. Finally, the team participated in the 5th edition of the Formula Student Spain held in Montmelo Circuit, Barcelona, getting great results in the static tests such as a third position in the Business Plan.

The CAT07e has been so far the ETSEIB Motorsport’s car that has reached more podiums in Formula Student competitions.

CAT08e

The fourth electric car built by the team has been a huge step forward in the history of the team’s electric cars and has been one of the leading cars in this season’s competitions. This all-new, innovative and optimized car includes, among many others, the design and construction of the first integrated carbon fibre monocoque within the Spanish Formula Student teams. Moreover, there has been a reduction of the size of the wheels from 13 to 10 inches, along with a bright new and more powerful engine and an improvement in all the car’s components. All these changes have made the CAT08e to be the most efficient single-seater car ever built by the team ESTSEIB Barcelona Motorsport.

Beside this new car, the team took part in the Germany and Spain Formula Student events. Due to the lack of time to test the car in Germany, the team was only able to participate in the static events, scoring an overall 23rd place. In the end of August, and after performing the necessary changes and adjustments on the car, the team participated in the 6th edition of Formula Student Spain competition. In this edition, the team made a great performance both static and dynamic events, reaching a third place in the Business Plan Event and being able to complete all the events. Thanks to these results, the team ETSEIB Motorsport was proclaimed the best Spanish electrical team.