Momentum - The Magazine for Virginia Tech Mechanical Engineering Vol. 3 No. 2 Summer 2018 | Page 25

Patricia Westfall,
communications,
class of 2019
“All of the students involved in HEVT are gaining knowledge, not just in how to solve
complex engineering challenges, but also in leadership, in project management, public rela-
tions, and communications. The AVTCs are an excellent way for students to learn how to
problem solve and operate in a cross-disciplinary, collaborative environment,” Nelson said.
For EcoCAR 3, the HEVT team took a unique approach to a hybrid challenge by installing
a V8 engine and modifying it with hybrid technology.
“We went big early,” laughed Nelson. “The Camaro is a quintessential American muscle
car and when you put a four-cylinder engine in a Camaro, you really rip out the soul of the
car. Part of the brief for EcoCAR 3 was marketability and consumer appeal, and we wanted
to show that you could have the best of both worlds – efficiency and the exhilaration you get
with a V8 muscle car.”
The awards the team won during year four show that despite missing the podium, Nelson’s
team accomplished their goals. The team took first place in overall project management,
MOMENTUM
SUMMER 2018
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