About the Car
Current Car
Tammy, the current Cougar Formula Racing car, began development in 2018 and passed through multiple teams of students over several years, including during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was originally started with a Honda 600 cc engine and, despite these obstacles, was completed post-COVID, representing the culmination of years of iterative design and student collaboration. The car is named “Tammy” in honor of the 600 lb sisters, because it is so heavy.
Tammy currently features a 599 cc Yamaha R6S inline-four engine, producing competitive power while restricted to meet FSAE regulations. The chassis is built from chromoly steel tubing, designed for a balance of strength and weight. The suspension uses a push-rod layout for both front and rear.
This car reflects Cougar Formula Racing’s ability to adapt and learn through multiple iterations, providing students with hands-on engineering and competition experience while serving as a benchmark for future team projects.
New Car
CFR-01 is Cougar Formula Racing’s first full-competition Formula SAE car, and the team’s first vehicle to be designed, built, and competed with in the same year. Powered by a Yamaha R6S 599 cc inline-four engine, the car produces competitive power while restricted to meet FSAE regulations.
The chassis is built from 4130 chromoly steel tubing, designed to provide a balance of strength and weight with a target curb weight of 550 lb. The suspension uses a push-rod front and pull-rod rear layout, both fully adjustable for precise handling. The car also features front and rear wings to generate downforce and improve cornering performance.
As a milestone project, CFR-01 is targeted to compete in 2026 and marks Cougar Formula Racing’s official entry into Formula SAE. It establishes the foundation for future designs while giving SIUE students hands-on experience in engineering, manufacturing, and competition.
