Project Production Longhorn V-8 (PL-8) is an ambitious, student-led project organization at the University of Texas at Austin, aiming to make history as the first student body in the world to design, engineer, and build a street-legal vehicle from scratch. Grounded in experiential learning theory, PL-8 empowers students to take full ownership of the entire process—from conception to production—proving their ability to lead and tackle complex challenges at every stage.
At the heart of this project is basalt fiber, a sustainable and underutilized material. PL-8 is the first to pioneer its use as the primary material for a car body, integrating it into a lightweight monocoque chassis to challenge the boundaries of automotive design. Basalt fiber, made from igneous rock formed by the rapid cooling of basaltic lava near the earth’s surface, is heated to about 1,400°C and extruded into continuous fibers in a single, additive-free process. This makes it an efficient, sustainable alternative to traditional materials. When applied to automotive design, basalt fiber offers significant advantages over conventional car body components like steel. It provides a lightweight, durable option that can reduce both raw product and labor costs due to its simpler production process. Moreover, basalt fiber’s inherent strength and resistance to heat and corrosion contribute to longer-lasting, more sustainable vehicles. The basalt fiber market is growing rapidly, expected to reach $733.5 million by 2032, driven by increasing demand for durable, eco-friendly materials across various industries. This makes it a strategic choice for forward-thinking automotive innovations.
We are now transitioning from the design phase to the manufacturing phase, with plans for a highly anticipated unveiling at the UT Tower in October 2025, followed by a showcase at SEMA 2025, one of the world’s largest automotive trade shows in Las Vegas. By combining sustainability with high performance, the team is demonstrating how cutting-edge materials can transform the future of transportation.
Support Project PL-8: Every Dollar Fuels Innovation!
We’re a self-funded, student-led team building something incredible—but we need your help to bring our vision to life! Every contribution, big or small, gets us closer to manufacturing. ANY donation makes a difference!
Every Dollar Counts!
$5 – The cost of a bolt, a nut, or a crucial fastener! Even small parts make a BIG impact.
$10 – Helps us buy safety gloves so our engineers can keep working safely.
$25 – Contributes to hardware and tools essential for assembly.
$50 – Goes toward fuel system components, keeping the car moving forward.
Become a Key Contributor!
$100 – Help us buy N95 respirator masks to protect our engineers while working with composite materials.
$500 – Will go toward purchasing bearings for wheel assembly or a steering wheel.
$1,000 – Get your name on our car and website! Plus, we will be in touch for exclusive updates on project milestone celebrations!
$1,000+ – We recognize that this is a significant commitment. If you are considering a larger contribution, we would love to explore how we can show our appreciation and support beyond this event. Whether it’s custom recognition, partnership opportunities, or other forms of collaboration, we’re open to discussing how we can work together to make a lasting impact.
Your Impact
"For me, this project is deeply personal. I discovered my passion for cars at 19, and they’ve become more than just machines—they represent the perfect fusion of technological brilliance and art. With PL-8, I wanted to create something that balances high performance, excitement, and forward-thinking innovation while honoring the legacy of automobiles.
But this isn’t just about cars—it’s about addressing the challenges our generation faces. The automotive industry is overdue for another angle on sustainability, and we believe that innovation begins with bold ideas and ambitious people. With PL-8, we aim to lead by example, proving that eco-conscious materials like basalt fiber can transform the future of transportation without compromising performance or design.
This project is more than building a car—it’s about building a movement. It’s about proving that, when given the chance to lead, students can achieve extraordinary things." —Ibrahim Bisen (President + Head of Engineering)
Please join us in supporting our mission, as we grow with sponsors like Texas Instruments and partnerships with local businesses such as M.E. Gene Johnson Garage.
Your contribution isn’t just financial support—it’s an investment in innovation, sustainability, and UT engineers. We deeply appreciate your generosity in stopping by our page and look forward to working with you to make this dream a reality.
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