A team from UW Madison is competing against the best in the nation, but not on the playing field. This group of Badgers is going head to head with teams from 16 other schools, in a three year automotive competition known as Challenge X . Each team began with an identical 2005 Chevy Equinox. The Wisconsin team has utilized the expertise of the UW's own engine research lab, where the focus is on diesel engines. Team leader Becky Gunn says their biodiesel hybrid gets about 36 miles per gallon, compared to the 17 mpg of a stock Equinox. The UW team took second place last year in Challenge X. The competition concludes Wednesday at the GM proving grounds in Milford, Michigan.
