System Design of Drivetrain for a Baja SAE Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle

A solid, reduced-weight drivetrain system with improved maneuverability was developed and tested by the Desert Hare Off-road Team from South Dakota State University (SDSU) for the 2024 Baja SAE Competition. Based on an analysis of previous competition results, driver feedback, and competition requirements, the designed drivetrain system should enable the Baja vehicle to achieve a top speed of 40 mph (64.37 kph) on a 40° slope and cover 150 ft in 4.5 s from a standing start. Following the systems engineering design approach, the drivetrain system was decomposed into six components. While every team had to use the same engine provided by SAE, the transfer case was designed, and the remaining components—including the transmission, differentials, axles, half shafts, and tires—were selected from the available options. The designed drivetrain was then installed on the team’s 2024 Baja vehicle for testing and validation. Test results indicated that the vehicle with the new drivetrain system successfully met the climbing ability and acceleration criteria but fell slightly short of the top speed goal. These results were confirmed by the vehicle’s performance at the 2024 Baja SAE Competition.