What: UC Davis Engineering students are putting the final touches on their entry in the national FutureCar Challenge -- a competition they won in 1997, and very well could win again this year. The students have converted a 1994 Mercury Sable into a hybrid vehicle that runs on gasoline and electricity. Their goals: achieve 80 miles per gallon, meet stringent California emissions standards, and match the performance, comfort, safety and cost of conventional mid-size sedans. The UC Davis car can drive 60 miles on batteries alone or 400 miles as a hybrid. It accelerates to 60 mph in under 10 seconds. Its features include: -- lightweight body materials, including aluminum alloys and fiberglass/carbon fiber composites. -- a continuously variable transmission, providing a broad range of gear ratios, instead of the standard fixed number, for improved fuel efficiency. -- engine shut-off, instead of idling, while stopped, for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. -- a braking system that recharges the battery while it stops the car. When: Friday, May 28, 2-6 p.m. and Saturday, May 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: The FutureCar laboratory in Bainer Hall on the UC Davis campus (directions below). Visuals: Team faculty adviser Andrew Frank, a professor of mechanical and aeronautical engineering; student leader Brian Johnston; staff adviser Mark Duvall; and some of the "Team Fate" members will be working on the car. Background: Frank approaches the FutureCar competition on a two-year cycle. Last year was a development year; this year is a competition year -- and Frank expects to win. The Challenge is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and a consortium of major American automobile makers. Late Saturday night, the students will load their vehicle on a trailer and head for Auburn Hills, Mich. At the competition June 2-10, the car will compete against 12 other university entries. They will be judged on fuel economy, emissions, acceleration, handling, design and consumer acceptance. The FutureCar Challenge is part of Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNVG), the national public-private research program begun in 1993 to develop super fuel-efficient vehicles. Directions and parking: From Interstate 80, take the UC Davis exit and head north on Old Davis Road. Cross a small bridge and turn left on LaRue Road. Turn right on Bioletti Way. Turn right on Bainer Hall Drive. Turn left at the first opportunity on an unnamed road. At end, turn right and park beside building. Walk straight ahead to garage bay on your right. Leave a media business card on your dashboard as a parking permit, unless your vehicle is already marked.