#SolarCar

If the shape of this vehicle  looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, don’t be alarmedThis sleek concept is the winner of the Aurora Survivor 2050 Competition hosted by Mazda, dubbed the Aurora Solar Vehicle Association.

Driving on the longest ice road in the world isn’t exactly a piece of ice cream cake, even for a normal car. But in a solar car that uses as much power as your toaster?

So excuse us for interrupting you regularly scheduled new car news to bring you an inspiring story. Recently, Marcelo Da Luz and his XOF1 solar car made the trip from Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada, covering 111 miles (180km) over the frozen Mackenzie River and Arctic Ocean.

Marcelo’s (self-financed!) car is a marvel — it can accelerate from zero to 50 mph (85km/h) in 6 seconds, drive distances of 130 miles (200km) at night or 300 miles (483km) on a bright sunny day. It is also the world distance record holder for solar vehicles, at 22,180 miles (35,700 km), is the first solar car to operate below freezing temperatures, drive on an ice road, and reached the Arctic Circle…twice.

You can view the CBC National video report on his incredible ice road journey, or a video about the project after the jump.