Title:
UNH Baja SAE
Poster
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Abstract
This project improved the University of New Hampshire Baja SAE vehicle for the 2026 competition by increasing speed, reliability, and off-road capability. The 2025 car had a 17 mph top speed, rear-wheel drive only, no telemetry system, untuned CVT performance, and limited driver comfort. To address these issues, the team developed several upgraded systems. A custom lightweight gearbox was designed to reduce weight and simplify operation by removing reverse, high/low, and neutral functions while maintaining strength through steel shafts and finite element verified components. The CVT was tuned through testing of ramps, springs, and flyweights to improve clutch response and power delivery. A four-wheel drive system was installed to increase traction and terrain performance. A custom suspension telemetry system was also created to record real-time shock travel during static and dynamic testing, allowing data-driven suspension tuning and improved ride quality. Current testing increased top speed to 22 mph, with further gains expected after gearbox completion. These upgrades prepare the vehicle for acceleration, maneuverability, endurance, business, and design events at the 2026 Baja SAE New York competition.
Authors
| First Name |
Last Name |
|
Ethan
|
Houllahan
|
|
Giovanni
|
Ionfrida
|
|
Brodie
|
Haughey
|
|
Liam
|
Curran
|
Advisors:
| Full Name |
|
Juan Carlos Cuevas Bautista
|
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Submission Details
Conference URC
Event Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (ISE)
Department Mechanical Engineering (ISE)
Group Mechanical Engineering-Competitions and Clubs
Added April 20, 2026, 7:48 p.m.
Updated April 20, 2026, 7:49 p.m.
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