2013 FSAE BUSINESS LOGIC CASE

Institution/Team Identification: MAEERs MIT, PUNE. TEAM ACCELERACERS

Analysis of Market Data
According to a survey conducted by us in September, we concluded that the best price for our car
would be $11,200 to $12,600. We looked at the existing market and concluded that our car remains
the cheapest amongst our staunch competitors like Caterham Seven 160, Morgon 3- wheeler and
Ariel Atom 160 priced at $29,580, $51,192 and $39,257 respectively while not compromising on our
performance. This gives us a distinct advantage and we propose to sell at least 1000 cars per annum.
Company Strategy
We tried to inculcate all the improvements suggested in our market survey namely an electronic
shifter and more power. Our car is tuned uncompromisingly for victory, almost limitlessly
customisable, alarmingly fast for its opponents and still surprisingly affordable. We thus provide a
niche market those seeking racecar-like performance on a much more reasonable budget. Our
market includes racing enthusiasts, auto racing events, go-karting clubs, etc.
Target Selling Price
Target Vehicle Production Cost
Target Production Volume (from Table 1)
Target Annual Profit
(Any Other targets team has identified as critical to
achievement of strategy success)

12,600
8,000
1,000
46,00,000

Vehicle Strategy & Performance

We easily match our competitors p/w ratio of 161bhp/tonne. Our performance is further enhanced by
using Quaife differential which helps to achieve a variable torque ratio as per the traction on the
wheels. It also has a preventive casing for protection. The front suspension employs the pullrod
system. This gives a lower C.G. and compact arrangement of steering, pedal and suspension
assemblies in the front. The bell crank will be provided with slots at various positions for better
adjustability. The braking force needed at the back is comparatively lesser than that needed in the
front. Thus, the front uses two separate brake callipers while the rear has one Brembo monoblock 4
piston, double acting calliper.
Plans for Efficient Design (and Manufacture)
Trying to keep our car cost at a minimal, we made compromises on our design without affecting
performance. Even though MS has less buckling and bending strength, MS tubes are more
economical. The tube lengths in the frame are kept to a minimum to have all axial loads only. Based
on a survey we came to the conclusion that a 373cc single cylinder engine gave a very small
compromise on the power also proving to be very economical and light weight. The Penske Quarter
Midget shock absorbers provide customized damping characteristics. The custom made shocks we
will be using complying with our stiffness, wheel rate, etc. specifications but they are economical. For
the building prototype, uprights, hubs, etc. are machined causing wastage of raw material. Thus for
mass production, these parts shall be cast making their production economical as also material
efficient.
Key Design Features
Chassis/Body Type Mild steel spaceframe

Key PerformanceTargets
Accn. 0-75 Metres

6.5 s

Power train type

IC engine

Lateral Accn, (g)

1.4g

Power / engine
Target weight, kg

373.2cc single 46bhp

230 kg

Fuel Economy
Other critical performance
targets (team decides)

16kmpl
Turning radius4.2m.

Other Key Feature

(Team decides)

Brembo callipers, Quaife

differential, MRF Racing
tyres, carbon fibre panels.

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