SUN GOBBLER

Virginia Tech’s first car since 1990

Welcome Sun Gobbler!

The Sun Gobbler began development in 2021 and has since received the contribution of up to 200 student minds. 

Sun Gobbler made its debut at the FSGP 2024 and placed 12th by completing 49 official laps. It has accumulated over 200 miles in its total lifetime with many more to come.

Mechanical

  • 4130 Chromoly steel chassis and roll cage
  • 323Kg vehicle weight (without driver)
  • 5-point safety harness
  • 4.50 x 1.85 x 1.23 meters (L x W x H)
  • Custom aluminum wheels
  • Rack and pinion steering system

Electrical

  • Singular Aegean Dynamics motor
    • 1 motor 3-phase BLDC motor and RWD
    • 2.5kW nominal power
  • SunPower Me3 Cells
    • 960W peak solar array power
    • 257 cells
  • 5.165kWh LG Lithium-Ion battery (19.89kg)
    • 105.8 nominal voltage / 49Ah
    • LGMJ1-18650 cells

Aero

  • Fiberglass composite aeroshell
  • Symmetrical catamaran style
  • Front latching canopy
  • 0.22 Simulated drag coefficient

Future Steps

The Sun Gobbler will make its return at the FSGP 2025 and the ASC 2026. A few changes Sun Gobbler will undergo amongst many others include:

  • Reduced weight
  • New and improved aeroshell
  • Improved telemetry
  • More miles and testing
  • Higher solar efficiency