With the build of the 2011 car well underway the U of M Baja team is making good progress. The entire front half of the frame has been welded and many sub assemblies are well underway. The braking and throttle pedal assembly is ready to be installed. Design and construction of the composite body is underway, new to the 2011 car will be a composite belly pan, with the overall goal to increase the toughness and tear resistance.

The design of a completely custom gearbox and final drive is nearly complete, with construction of parts and components to begin shortly. With many changes to the previous year’s design; the 2011 car features improvements in operator comfort, a custom gearbox with incorporated final drive, high ground clearance suspension, and a new semi trailing arm rear suspension. With the many design improvements, the team is looking to put a car back in the top ten for the Illinois competition.