The JCB Hydromax has set a new Bonneville record with an average speed of 368.347 miles per hour, paving the way for its FIA world record attempt. The hydrogen-powered streamliner achieved this feat with pure combustion, using no fuel cells or batteries to drive the wheels.
The car's record-breaking run was made possible by its two production-based JCB hydrogen internal combustion engines, which were tuned to produce a combined 1,600 horsepower. The engines burn hydrogen directly in modified combustion chambers, using adapted fuel and ignition systems.
View Price on AmazonThe SCTA Speed Week rules require the car to make two consecutive runs, with the average of the peak speeds becoming the official figure. This format emphasizes consistency, as the car must be able to repeat its performance on the second run in order to set a record.
The JCB Hydromax's record-breaking run is a significant achievement, as it clears the previous record of 348.342 miles per hour set by the Spectre Streamliner in 2010. This is not a marginal gain, as the new record represents a significant increase in speed.
The project has been a long-term effort, with the team logging 44 runs during development and testing at Bonneville. This is an unusually deep program by land speed standards, with many production-based record cars getting far less running before chasing top-speed attempts.
Source: motor1.com
