Aussie super-cell attracts big brands

An Australian-developed carbon-fibre auto passenger cell has been adapted from Boeing aerospace technology and attracted interest from carmakers such as Toyota and Holden.

The hi-tech carbon-fibre/plastic composite is the same material used in F1 cockpits and working out tools and techniques to mould the material into the right-angle bends, nooks and crevices that make up an occupant cell gave an intake of auto students an insight into the next-gen challenge of building cars lightweight composites that cure at low temperatures.

It is also the latest major update on the FR-1 lightweight concept vehicle created by the non-profit AutoHorizon Foundation to showcase local automotive talent, using the industry's most innovative companies to oversee students in a hands-on hi-tech training centre.

AutoHorizon founder Brian Tanti's mission is to encourage automotive design and engineering talent by partnering with TAFE auto departments and then getting teachers from companies that are pushing the boundaries of their respective fields.

And it is one of the many reasons he'll cite why the non-profit foundation should be high on the funding priorities for state and federal governments.

"We're giving local students hands-on training and understanding of cutting edge auto technologies, from the carbon-fibre FR-1 cell to work in the latest electric-power systems," he says.

"Those skills then move through the industry as graduates enter the workforce, but if we don't challenge them, our brightest automotive students will go overseas for training exactly along the lines of what we aim to provide."

He also concedes that each change is government, at either level, means he must reiterate Auto Horizons' role and repeat the pitch for funding.

"It's part of life for non-profit organisations," he says, "though most don't take a lot of convincing after they see the work we."

The FR-1 runs on custom hardare developed in association with Marand Precision suspension specialists. It is powered by a 6.2-litre Holden V8, matched to a Ferrari transaxle to power the lightweight roadster via the rear wheels. Tanti says a Porsche transaxle was an early option, but it was ultimately rejected because it would have raised the car's centre of gravity.

"We've tried to apply best practice at every element from design to production and this car's a symbol of what Australian can do."

Tanti says SEMA, the massive US aftermarket auto show, is keen to show the car at next year's event.

"The FR-1 is attracting attention and SEMA will help us put the word out to the world that Australia can hold its own at a global level."