The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is looking for engineers and automobile enthusiasts to take it up on its latest design challenge. It is looking for the best outline for two new types of vehicles: one primarily used for reconnaissance and another that can deliver and evacuate troops. DARPA hopes the Experimental Crowd-Derived Combat-Support Vehicle, or XC2V, design challenge will help it gain tutelage from the many to reduce the time it currently takes to bring a military vehicle to life from its original concept form. The winner will take home $7,500 and will see their dream vehicle become a fully functioning reality. Second and third place will receive $1,500 and $1,000, respectfully.

All entrants must use a Local Motors chassis with a GM-built 6.2-liter V-8 and design their vehicle around certain specifications for the rest of the drivetrain and suspension. One of the other requirements is that the vehicle must be able to carry five people, with up to three people in the prone position. In addition, the overall vehicle weight must be low enough for the V-8 engine to carry at least 1,200 pounds and tow up to 4,000 pounds.

All entries must be submitted by March 3, 2011 with the winner being announced on March 10, 2011. Follow the link to read more about the XC2V design challenge.

Provided by duPont REGISTRY