Automotive, Motorsport and Future Transport Engineering

This multi-purpose, industry standard lab facilitates training, research and academic contextualization related to Automotive and Motorsport studies.

The area accommodates a multitude of dedicated instructional sessions to contextualise your academic study, promote innovation and to give practical, first-hand experience in a broad spectrum of Automotive and Motorsport disciplines including Electric vehicle research and development.

As an Automotive & Motorsport Engineering student you will have the opportunity to be involved in many activities and projects such as.

  • Vehicle checks - Carry out a vehicle set up prior to track action and have your set up tested while you’re on board for three hot laps around Oulton Park race circuit. This includes everything from ensuring the Track Car is prepared, to logistics, data and administration
  • Emergency experience - A strong working relationship with BARC NW gives students and opportunity to gain insight into the process involved in a crash rescue operation at motoring events and also provides an opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience of being in a crash rescue situation.
  • The Formula Student competition - The Formula Student Competition invites students to compete against one another in a series of dynamic and static events using their custom-built race cars. The cars are built in-house, thus providing students with the challenge of designing, manufacturing, assembling and budgeting for the whole project. This process also provides students with a great opportunity to talk to industry experts at the competition which in the past has included representatives from: Aston Martin, Red Bull, Bentley Motors, Ford Motor Company, Mathworks, Babcock International, ANSYS and Multimatic.
  • Formula Renault - The Formula Renault Race Car situated within the workshop provides an invaluable insight into the design process as well as the designers thought process for building high-performance vehicles. This could include testing the suspension on the Damper Dyno and studying the brake system to see what it takes to stop one of these cars.
  • Industry Connections - Through the Formula Student Project, several partnerships within industry have been gained through the sponsorship scheme, two notable companies would be Cosworth and Alton Towers, both of whom provide invaluable resources to aid the team.
  • Cosworth Data Acquisition - Through the relationship with Cosworth, the Formula Student Team have access to Cosworth’s PI Data Software and a range of sensors to aid in the data acquisition package on the Formula Student Car. This included: PI Toolset, PI Toolbox, Wheel Speed Sensors, Steering Angle Sensor, Linear Displacement Sensors and the Badenia 2 Data Logger. This is useful as it gives the team the opportunity to better develop their data acquisition and analysis capability. This software is industry standard and is used in a range of Motorsport Championships, including British Touring Car Championship, British GT, World Endurance Championship, Europen Le Mans Series and Indycar.

Equipment

  • Formula Renault, Carbon Fiber Monocoque racing car
  • Ford Fiesta ST track car
  • Quantum Xtreme electric car
  • Formula student racing car
  • VBox Data Acquisition
  • Dynostar Chassis Dynamometer
  • Dynostar Engine Dynamometer
  • Intercomp Suspension Dynamometer
  • Intercomp Spring Rate meter
  • Intercomp Corner weight scales
  • BG Vehicle geometry set up
  • Two post vehicle ramp
  • Comprehensive workshop tools and equipment also catering to electric vehicles
  • Comprehensive testing equipment incl; sound meters, automotive scanners, Pico scopes etc
  • Axminster CNC machine

Student getting Involved in a BARC NW Training Day

Formula Student 2024 at Silverstone

Students revealing the Formula Student Car at the 2024 Launch

Formula Renault Race Car

Staff

Photo of Automotive, Motorsport and Future Transport Engineering

Location

  • K036
  • Dwight Building
  • College Road
  • Stoke-on-Trent
  • ST4 2DE

Opening Times

Monday to Friday, general working hours 10.00am-6.00PM

Outside hours, including weekends are subject to prior arrangement and are project dependent.

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021