the team behind the Sunswift IV — affectionately known around campus as IVy. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, they already hit 64 mph back in 2009, during a race between Darwin and Adelaide. The current world record is 49 mph, and IVy’s drivers are hoping for 56 mph. That means the sweet taste of victory might just be bitter Vegemite.

IVy is the fourth incarnation of the Sunswift car project, which first formed way back in 1995. Since then, the team racked up a lot of engineering awards, while the Sunswift III (IIIvy?) gained a world record crossing Australia from Perth to Sydney.

IVy, built at a cost of around $180,000 U.S. over the course of 18 months, has about the same footprint of an average car but with half the height. Onboard solar panels generate 1,300 watts, which the team proudly notes is the same amount of power needed to toast two pieces of bread.

Instead of pumpernickel, the panels charge a lithium polymer battery that runs the brushless 1800-watt DC motor that turns IVy’s three wheels.

If you’re interested in following their progress but can’t make it to Australia, the team has set up a Facebook page and a Twitter feed. We’ll be sure to update you if any records shatter down under.

Photos: University of NSW

Authors: Keith Barry

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