BAJA SAE
This all-wheel-drive vehicle has a turning radius of 6 feet, a top speed of 38 miles per hour, and is capable of safely and reliably overcoming tough terrain. It features a unique modified multi-link suspension system, custom Fox coilover shocks with dual speed compression adjusters and 14 inches of suspension travel, a 10 hp Kholer CH440 engine—generously provided to all teams by Kholer—a fine-tuned electronically actuated continuously variable transmission, high impact custom composite body panels and skid plates, and a custom built high efficiency gearbox.
THE VEHICLE
Our Baja SAE team is known as a perennial powerhouse at competitions, finishing among the top twenty teams for the past four years. One of the proudest moments came in April 2017, when we took 4th place at Baja SAE California. We continue to focus on building a robust, reliable vehicle, making calculated improvements to what has been an exceptionally successful platform in recent years.
Baja looks forward to competitions each year, as it is the ultimate test of our vehicle’s performance. Each competition begins with three static events (design presentation, sales presentation, and cost report), four dynamic events (acceleration, hill climb, suspension & traction or rock crawl, and maneuverability), and a four-hour endurance race. Our team attempts to compete in at least two competitions per year. In doing so, we receive valuable feedback which we use to adjust our designs and make improvements for the following year.
THE TEAM
Weekly Meetings | Thursdays 11am in 192–132
“Baja has shaped my undergraduate studies here at Cal Poly. Not only does it provide me with great experience in all aspects of engineering, but it gives me the opportunity to work with brilliant students who have become my friends. My fellow teammates motivate me to push my limits and become a better engineer. ”
— Sammy Tran, Former Baja Gearbox Lead