JCB has set a new land speed record of 406.320mph with the Hydromax, a 32-foot long, bullet-shaped ‘car’ powered by two highly modified digger engines. The record was set at the Bonneville Salt flats during this year’s Bonneville Speed Week.
The Hydromax smashed the previous record of 185.5mph, which was set by the BMW H2R in 2004. The new record is an average of two runs up and down the flats, with the Hydromax hitting 400.623mph in one direction and 412.135mph on the way back.
Record-Breaking Speed
The Hydromax broke multiple records, including the speed record for all hydrogen-powered vehicles, beating the hydrogen fuel cell-equipped Venturi Buckeye Bullet 2’s figure of 303.025mph. It also shattered the 350.092mph speed posted by JCB’s previous land speed record racer, the Dieselmax.
The record was set by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, who broke the sound barrier on land in Thrust SSC in 1997 and set JCB’s Dieselmax record in 2006. The Hydromax is powered by two 4.8-litre four-cylinder production JCB digger engines, which have been heavily modified to produce 800bhp each.
Engine Modifications
The engines feature dry sump oiling systems, billet cylinder heads, and large turbochargers. They also have a unique cooling system, which uses 250kg of ice to keep the engines alive for each run. The engines are laid over on their sides to allow the car to be lower and more aerodynamic.
The Hydromax has two gearboxes, which are sandwiched to their engines with JCB digger clutches. This is because the company couldn’t find a motorsport clutch that was strong enough to hold the power. The combined power output of the engines is 1600bhp, which is enough to propel the Hydromax to its record-breaking speed.
Implications of the Record
For the people involved in the project, the record is a result of the hard work and dedication of the JCB team. It also highlights the potential for innovation and progress in the field of sustainable mobility. As the world continues to shift towards more environmentally friendly technologies, records like this one will play an important role in driving development and investment.
