Out of touch (Score 1)

I have to say that this type of competition is really out-of-touch with reality. Every year we see these ridiculous efforts put into creating a vehicle that has so little value to a mass audience. This *thing* they created has such little value to the practical day-to-day person. Now, before I get slammed on this...I will agree with those who claim that you have to support cutting edge research that eventually filters down to the consumer product...but...year-after-year, these sorts of gimmiky challenges are put on, and so seldom do you see *challenges* that have a more practical, obtainable, goal that would make a real difference. I, for one, would rather see challenges that match real world conditions...how about requisites of: A 4 passanger vehicle with cruising speeds of 65-75 mph. Look at the darpa challenge to create an autonomous vehicle that can travel 300+ miles off-road. Great idea...sure, the first year was a complete failure...but eventualy it will get better and someone will achieve the results. This article, or challenge seems focused on the same stuff we've been doing for years, except only slightly better. For 20 or more years I have been hearing about these challenges to make solar cars, or ultra-high-efficiency vehicles...and its been done...over and over again. Sure, every year they get better, but look at what they've built...something that no one could use in the short run. I drive a honda hybrid...its better than a non-hybrid...but still...far from being what I expect our technology today to support. I get 45mpg...but by now, shouldn't we have consumer oriented, practical vehicles that easily achieve 60-80mpg or more??? 20 years ago, there were german diesels that were getting better than 50mpg. Isn't this just another pissing match? Where is the real innovation that will ultimately filter down to you and I? I already know that if I make a car for a single passenger with a high efficiency, aerodynamic design, it will get great mileage...who cares now...show my something better...show me something practical. Stop wasting time on something thats been proven before...lets focus on more practical gains.