HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- "We think we have a better mouse trap" is how design chief Ron Mathis described the "Very Light Car," the winner of the Mainstream Class in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize.

"I want one," is how University of Alabama student Michael Moorefield of Huntsville reacted after he got a chance to sit in and check out the "Very Light Car."

Edison2, the company behind the VLC, captured the $5 million prize by reaching 129 miles per gallon on the highway and 110 mpg combined in on-track testing.

And, this isn't one of those one- or two-person vehicles that look like bicycles with a shell.

The VLC seats four and weighs a little more than 800 pounds.

And it can go 100 mph.

"I only had it up to about 95," said Brad Jaeger, Edison2's research and development director, who is a professional race driver.

Besides the obvious mileage factor, another key element of the 800-pound VLC is how simple the construction and design is.

"We see simplicity as a virtue," Mathis said. "We designed it to be modular."

Jaeger graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt in 2007 with a degree in mechanical engineering and was an active member in Vanderbilt's Formula SAE program, designing and fabricating an open-wheel race car each year.

He had a "simple" comment on the design: "We built it to be able to work on it."

It's simplicity means the VLC is without features that load down cars today. That, combined with its low mass and conventional materials, results in lower material costs and production time.

Jaeger and Mathis are two members of a team assembled by Edison2 founder Oliver Kuttner that also includes Barnaby Wainfan, an aerodynamics fellow at Northrop Grumman, and five-time Le Mans winner Emanuele Pirro. The team has a combined 17 victories at Le Mans, Sebring and Daytona.

Mathis worked on projects for Audi, Jaguar and Dodge while Jaeger was driving in the Indy Light Series as well as the Grand Am Rolex Series, including 24 Hours of Daytona.

"Racing was good to me," he said. "I met some interesting people around the world - one being Oliver."

Mathis, too, had the opportunity to meet the "interesting" Edison2 founder. When Kuttner called him in September 2009 and offered a job with Edison2, Jaeger said it was "a no-brainer."

Mathis, too, has a degree in mechanical engineering, and among his wins and championships are two 24 Hours of Daytona victories and a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

All things being technology, there is, of course, a Huntsville connection.

All of the design work was done with Siemens Solid Edge technology created by engineers at Siemens' office in Research Park.

"They're the reason we're here," Mathis said. "The Solid Edge software makes it possible for a company like Edison2 to take on a project like this. It's a wonderful tool."

The local connection also impressed Moorefield.

"It's pretty cool that the technology to create this car was developed here in the Rocket City," he said.

Though the car is light and aerodynamic, Jaeger said, safety was not an afterthought.

"From the get go, safety was a main element of the design," he said. "For the X Prize, we had to answer to safety."

The safety features include collapsible space not available in current cars - such as wheels outside of the main body structure, a shape that avoids direct impacts, and a lightweight, sturdy steel frame.

And, in the X Prize dynamic safety tests, the VLC's handling ability helps improve accident avoidance, and its low mass is an advantage in single-car or auto-pedestrian accidents.

The VLC won over 111 teams and 136 vehicles and used simple - there's that word again - materials such as aluminum, steel, plastic and carbon fiber, instead of exotic composites so the efficient cars can be affordable.

The plan for the VLC is to cost roughly $15,000, Jaeger said. "We want to see the cars on the street."

And, chances are, Moorefield wouldn't mind being behind the wheel of one, either.

Vital statistics

Length - 167 inches; width - 79 inches; height - 53 inches; weight - 830 pounds; luggage capacity - 22 cubic feet; seating - 4 passengers.

Engine: Type - 1 cylinder, DOHC, turbocharged; displacement - 250 cc; power - 40 hp; fuel - E85; fuel capacity - 6.5 gallons.

Drivetrain: Type - rear-wheel with differential; transmission - manual sequential, 6 speed plus reverse.

Performance: Fuel mileage - 129 mpg highway and 110 mpg combined (on-track testing); 0-60 mph in 14.2 seconds; top speed - 100 mph

Budd McLaughlin can be reached at budd.mclaughlin@htimes.com and 256-532-4527.