The build-up to the Goodwood Festival of Speed (7 - 9 July 2006) continues apace, as more carmakers declare their enthusiasm for showing off their latest toys.
The most recent among them is JCB, whose 9.1-metre long DieselMax aims to beat the world speed record for a diesel powered vehicle.
"Ever since we announced the JCB DieselMax at the end of April, we've been bowled over by the huge interest in the project," said engineering director Dr Tim Leverton. "By showcasing the JCB DieselMax at Goodwood and the Motor Show, more than half a million people will be able to see the car just weeks before we set off to the States to make the record attempt."
The DieselMax is powered by two JCB444 diesel engines which have been developed in conjunction with Ricardo to produce 750bhp each and torque of 1,106lb-ft, providing over five times the power of the production version; with 150bhp/litre, the JCB444-LSR engine is the world's highest specific power diesel car engine
It'll be attempting to establish a new land speed record for diesel vehicles at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah during August. Driven by Wing Commander Andy Green, the fastest man on Earth, and powered by two twin-turbocharged JCB444 engines, the JCB DieselMax is targeting speeds of more than 300mph, well in excess of the current world record of 235.756mph set in 1973 by American Virgil Snyder's Thermo King Streamliner.
The Earl of March, founder of the FoS, said: "I am absolutely delighted that JCB has chosen to display its inspired Dieselmax diesel-powered land speed record car at this year's Festival. It's fabulous that JCB has planned and built such an exciting project which is a tribute to British engineering, and I wish Andy Green, and everyone involved in the project at JCB, the very best of luck in bringing home another land speed record for Great Britain."
Later in July, the DieselMax will be topping a special SuperCar Paddock at the new-look British International Motor Show staged at ExCeL in London (20 - 30 July).
Coming during the final run-up to the record attempt at Bonneville, the British International Motor Show will provide the perfect public send-off the JCB team. The DieselMax is taking pole position on a special show stand dedicated to more than 20 of the world's greatest cars.
Don't forget to say hello to PistonHeads while you're at the Motor Show: stand 548.