UPM launches Putra2 race car to represent Malaysia at Japan's Formula SAE competition

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has unveiled the Putra2, a Formula SAE race car designed and built by its students. This vehicle will represent Malaysia at the prestigious Student Formula Japan 2026 competition, scheduled to take place from August 2 to 7 at the Aichi Sky Expo in Japan.

UPM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd. Sadullah highlighted that the participation reflects the university's success in nurturing graduates who excel academically and possess the capability for international-level innovation. He emphasized that the Putra2 demonstrates students' ability to apply their engineering knowledge to create practical solutions beneficial to industry and society.

"At UPM, success is not just measured by academic achievement but by students' ability to create real solutions that add value to industry and society," Prof. Sadullah stated during the launch. "Putra2 proves that students are not just learning engineering, but building technology and raising Malaysia's profile on the international stage."

The Putra Motorsport Team's advisor, Prof. Ir. Dr. Mohd. Khairol Anuar Mohd. Ariffin, noted that this is the team's fourth appearance at Formula SAE Japan, underscoring local students' capacity to produce innovations meeting world-class engineering standards. The Putra2 was developed over 13 months by 73 students, guided by 10 academic advisors and five technical staff. The car features a chromoly steel chassis, a composite carbon fiber body, a pushrod suspension system, and is powered by a 693cc CFMOTO 700MT engine producing 72 horsepower and 61Nm of torque, adhering to Formula SAE specifications. The RM118,787.12 development project was a collaboration between the university and industry partners, including Embun Karisma Resources (M) Sdn. Bhd., Ranhill Berhad, and CFMOTO (Sunlight Power Sdn. Bhd.).