JCB Dieselmax has taken the FIA international land speed record for a diesel-powered vehicle with a speed of 328.767 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah.
The project, which was an idea of the Chairman of the company, Sir Anthony Bamford, aimed at publicity of the company’s engines used in heavy applications. So it was difficult to get a speed of nearly 350mph from an engine based on that found in JCB’s heavy plant machinery. Engineering consultant Ricardo, who originally developed the engine, increased the capacity to 5.0 liters and fitted a new turbo with a boost pressure of up to 87 psi, giving way to 750 hp of power output. However, this too was not up to the mark, so, two turbo-charged JCB engines were used to power Dieselmax car and a joint output was satisfactory up to 1500 hp.
Another big problem was that the tires capable of running at high speed were not available and team had to borrow the NASA space shuttle tire rig to verify their safety up to 350 mph.
74-year-old Ron Ayers designed the car’s body, he made the design providing it with perfect aerodynamic stability.
Wing Cmdr Andy Green drove the vehicle from RAF and there by a new world record was set. This was a marvelous achievement by the company, which will boost their market vision and popularity.
Via: Edmunds
