• The Detroit News, Tuesday, May 13, 2008 10:30 AM

As the Model T turns 100 this year, Ford is sponsoring an international campaign with five universities to develop a car that is simple, lightweight, practical and priced below $7,000. Each university will receive $75,000 to create a concept of the future Model T; two winners will be announced on Oct. 1, the date the "Tin Lizzie" officially celebrates its 100th birthday.

While each group faces harsh limitations because of the vehicle's low cost, says Ananth Kota, a University of Michigan- Dearborn graduate student in automotive engineering, there is no shortage of ideas. "We're still looking at even solar or wind power to drive it," he says.

Also participating in the competition are: Aachen University in Cologne, Germany; Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif.; Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia; and Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Mich.

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