Ep 5. Stripped for Speed

In this episode of Car Science, titled "Stripped for Speed", the hosts take on the challenge of building a car that can break the world land speed record while also being stripped of excess weight. The goal is to create a vehicle that is both fast and efficient, by removing any unnecessary parts and minimizing its weight.

To accomplish this, the team starts by selecting a vehicle that has the potential to be a speed demon. They settle on a 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata, a lightweight and aerodynamic sports car that they believe can be stripped down and optimized for speed. The team then begins the daunting task of removing any parts that aren't necessary for speed or safety, from the seats and dashboard to the air conditioning and stereo.

Once the car has been stripped down, the team moves on to optimizing its performance. They install a variety of performance upgrades, including a high-flow exhaust system, a cold air intake, and an upgraded suspension. They also make some aerodynamic changes to decrease drag and increase speed, such as adding a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear diffuser.

With the car optimized for speed, the team takes it out to the El Mirage dry lake bed in California to put it to the test. They attempt to break the world land speed record for a car of its class, which currently stands at around 200 miles per hour. The task is not an easy one, as the team faces numerous challenges along the way. Mechanical issues, tires blowing out, and even a crashed drone threaten to derail their efforts.

Despite the obstacles, the team perseveres and works tirelessly to get the car up to speed. They make constant adjustments and improvements to the vehicle, in an effort to get every possible ounce of performance out of it. After numerous attempts, they finally achieve their goal and break the world land speed record for a car of its class.

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide valuable insight into the science behind building a high-performance vehicle, from the importance of weight reduction to the impact of aerodynamics on speed. They also showcase some of the latest technology and equipment used to optimize a car's performance.

Overall, "Stripped for Speed" is a thrilling episode that captures the excitement and adrenaline rush of attempting to break a world record. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in high-performance vehicles and the science behind their performance.