Team Details

Driving upside down in a tunnel is a goal we want to achieve. Having done an extensive job on aerodynamic package and weight reduction, we are now confident we have come there! Now we just have to test it. Chassis integrated diffusor, blown undertray, refined front wing design are some of the features we used to achieve the downforce, while carbon fibre monocoque and systematic lightweight construction is making our car one of the lightest there is!

Since 2011, Grand Prix Engineering team from University of Maribor is successfully competing in Formula Student combustion class. Their newest vehicle, GPE17, is showing off all of their knowledge, gathered through years of experience and learning. It is powered by a naturally aspirated Single cylinder engine, featuring a custom Akrapovic exhaust system. Their goal is to complete the Endurance and reach a good overall result at FSG.

Uni Maribor Grand Prix Engineering has successfully made a sixth car in a row! We will be willing to compete in Germany and Hungary this year, with new equipment in our arsenal. With a strong, but very light body, carbon fiber monocoque, we were confident enough to make significant changes on the muscles - engine. This year we are running turbocharged KTM 450 SX-F. Also aerodynamics got our attention, so we are using full aero-package with DRS system. And we still have many aces in our sleeves!

It is the fourth car for UNI Maribor Grand Prix Engineering. They have entered FS UK, FSAEI and FSG. With monocoque chassis and some simulations they have come up with a lightweight full aero car. Front and rear wing provide almost three times more downforce than in their previous year and the aero-balance is in tune with suspension balance. Their powertrain features a 550 cc big bore kit, variable plenum and an unique quick-shift system with a variable pitch worm gear.

UNI Maribor Grand Prix Engineering has made a third car. We are entering FSUK, FSG and FSA this year. The highlight remains on the unique aluminum spaceframe which we were able to make even lighter and twice as stiff as before. Composite materials were used on suspension arms, bodywork, seat, floor, intake, steering wheel and various small parts to lower the car's mass. A lot of work was done on the engine (change from Honda CBR600RR to KTM 450 SX-F) to gain maximum performance and reduce fuel consumption. The suspension aims to provide optimal camber curves and the ability to offer different heave and roll stiffness. Improved self designed quick shifter is made with a simple DC motor, changing gears in less than 100 ms. By using a sophisticated data acquisition system, logging all the important sensors, we were able to analyze the data off track and get the maximum out of the car on track.

It is the second car for UNI Maribor Grand Prix Engineering. We are entering FS UK, FS AUT and FSG. The highlight remains the unique aluminium space frame. To lower the car’s mass, composites were used for suspension arms, wheels, bodywork, seat, floor, intake, oil sump, steering wheel and throttle pedal. A lot of work was done on engine internals (new pistons for higher compression ratio, rotated camshafts for different valve opening diagrams, grinded cam profiles). The suspension aims to provide optimal camber curves and the ability to offer different heave and roll stiffness. The quick-shift system is simply a DC motor changing gears in under 100 ms. The custom made diff housing is as light as the most expensive commercial units. With a sophisticated DAQ system, including vehicle slip angle sensor, we were able to compare tires from two different manufacturers and improve our simulation based on TTC data. While studying to become engineers, we like to believe we are racers!

In our first year, the main goal is to learn all the problems of being a Formula Student team. However, another goal is to try to be different and earn our space in a very competitive field - that is why our tubular spaceframe is made of aluminium, which is very rare at the competition. Regarding weight, rigidity and cost we see it as a sweet spot between carbon fibre and steel. High strength aluminium is also the main material for the majority of other components on the car, companied by carbon fibre (suspension arms), titanium (exhaust), steel and fibreglass. As the manufacturing process was performed with the help of local companies, the car is also a child of Slovenian industry. The team consists of around 25 students, young and determined enough to have a bright future in Formula Student.