We want to understand what technologies, materials, and solutions are required to make a vehicle with the purpose of being lightweight and safe. Instead of incrementally lightweighting today’s vehicles, we want to start from first principles and make meaningful change.

—John B. Rogers Jr., CEO and Co-founder of Local Motors

The LITECAR Challenge invites designers, scientists, engineers, innovators and fabricators to comprehensively redesign a vehicle using beyond-the-state-of-the-art solutions to reduce the overall curb weight of modern vehicles. Participants are encouraged to address novel material technologies, structural designs, energy absorbing materials and devices, and unique methods of manufacturing that allow for lightweight vehicle designs.

A panel of expert judges will evaluate entries based on four main criteria: curb weight reduction; vehicle safety; innovation;and supporting evidence. The total prize money for this challenge is $150,000, with a grand prize of $60,000. Submissions will be accepted until 5 March and winners will be announced on 20 April.