K.J. Somaiya engineering students launch the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

On February 6, the students of K.J. Somaiya College of Engineering, Mumbai, unveiled their latest upgraded All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) – Red Shift Car, RSR-14 – capable of travelling on any kind of terrain, including military areas, mountainous regions and agricultural fields. The Red Shift Car, a single seater-four wheeler drive that runs on petrol using a 305cc 10bhp engine, would also participate in a national level intercollegiate design competition – BAJA Racing Competition organised by Society of Automotive Engineers at Indore from 20 to 23February 2014. This ATV boasts of better power transmission, an all-wheels-locking brakes system, infinitely adjustable pneumatic shock absorbers and a glass fibre bodywork that ensures a better appearance and durability of composites.

At the Red Shift Racing competition in Auburn, USA, the ATV team was ranked 24th for its design. The team is also the first Indian team to attain this international level. In 2013 the team had participated in BAJA SAE India for which almost all parts were self-manufactured. The team earned accolades for the self-designed Gearbox – a first. The design, manufacture and testing of the Red Shift Car took almost a year before it was ready for its next challenge at the BAJA Racing Competition in Indore. BAJA Racing Competition will see participation from 120 colleges who are set to demonstrate their technical expertise and automotive know-how. The competition will see the presence of industry stalwarts to judge and recognise and encourage talent. The BAJA Racing Competition will test the motor, technical, fuel and cost efficiency and various other skills of the Red Shift Car. “We are extremely thankful for the cooperation and support we have received from the management especially to Mr Samir Somaiya who has always motivated us team to strive our very best in attaining our dreams and aspirations” said Sagar Shah, team leader, Red Shift RacingSpeaking at the launch, Samir Somaiya, Vice President of Somaiya Vidyavihar said, “Somaiya Vidyavihar has always encouraged our students to broaden their horizons and endeavour towards an education that is holistic with a rich learning experience for youth of India. We take great pride in our students and their achievements and are overwhelmed with emotions to witness so much talent in our students and congratulate them on the launch.”Commenting on her students’ achievement, Shubha Pandit, Principal of K.J. Somaiya College of Engineering said, “Such a remarkable achievement is only possible through students’ yearlong hard work and toil. The project promoted leadership, problem-solving skills as well as engineering and business skills throughout the entire process of designing and building. I congratulate and wish the students all the best for their upcoming SAE competition. The college is confident that the students will make a mark for itself amongst other colleges.”