Thursday 27th April 2006

JCB heads for world speed record

Diesel-powered device hits 2,212lb-ft of torque

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JCB Dieselmax

Best known for its eponymous diggers, JCB is to make an attempt on the world speed record -- for a diesel.

In August, a nine-metre long, pencil-shaped vehicle powered by two 5-litre heavily modified and twin-turbocharged JCB444 diesel engines generating 750bhp each, will make its bid on the US’s Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

You’ll normally find these engines doing something far more prosaic in the back of a backhoe loader but, in this application, they’ll be pumping out 1,500bhp and a stump-pulling 2,212lb-ft of torque.

JCB is aiming for 300mph, which is way above the current record holder’s 235.756mph. It was achieved by Virgil Snyder driving the Thermo King Streamliner, and was set in 1973.

JCB has brought on board Wing Commander Andy Green, the first human to drive at supersonic speeds while keeping his wheels on the ground. That was in Thrust SSC back in 1997, a project overseen by Richard Noble. Noble is also managing the JCB attempt, together with aerodynamicist Ron Ayers who helped with the design of the SSC.

JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said: "It has always been our company tradition that the way to make progress is to push forward with a sense of urgency and to seek new challenges. The search for the next innovative step is the cornerstone of our business along with a strong sense of adventure."

It’s taken JCB two years to get this far – here’s wishing them luck. What with racing cars using diesels, the oilburner is now well and truly on the map.

[Will Ferrari]

Cool Livery, love the way the have painted it!

I wonder if that bloke will make a song about this JCB too.

[snowboardsteve]

Will Ferrari said:

I wonder if that bloke will make a song about this JCB too.

Certainly won't be holding up the bypass in that!

>> Edited by snowboardsteve on Thursday 27th April 09:35

[dinkel]

Those engines in a powerboat . . . and go on forever.

Good luck to the team :thumbsup:

[gaz132]

'What with Audi winning Le Mans with a diesel.'

Crystal ball anyone...?

[FourWheelDrift]

You waited a long time to post, but spotted a good one.

[snorky]

might slow it down when they get the backhoe fitted....good for braking tho...

[D Tinsley]

Get you diesel project under way, email me for a JCB engine quote
[e-mail]

[DIGGA]

That's certainly one 'Jake' we won't be gearing up to provide parts & attachments for at DIGBITS!

Hopefully, when they finish mincing about with this toy on the Bonneville Salt Flats, they might turn their attention to pepping-up the sluggish backhoes. (Stuck behind one in Telford yesterday doing less then 5mph uphill.)

[Raffles]

D Tinsley said:

Get you diesel project under way, email me for a JCB engine quote [e-mail]

1 post in 46 months of membership!

[sublimatica]

Raffles said:

D Tinsley said: Get you diesel project under way, email me for a JCB engine quote [e-mail] 1 post in 46 months of membership!

...and what an interesting, useful contribution it was!

Let's hope there are no more for another 4 years.

[Bob the Planner]

I would not be surprised if the Audi A10 could beat the current record of 236 with a slightly longer diff. I expect will be hitting over 200 on the Mulsanne in June.