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 and was FIA approved.
The Hydromax hit 400.623mph in one direction, then confirmed the record with a 412.135mph run on the way back. This smashed the previous hydrogen internal combustion land speed record of 185.5mph set by the BMW H2R in 2004.
The Hydromax also broke the speed record for all hydrogen-powered vehicles, beating the hydrogen fuel cell-equipped Venturi Buckeye Bullet 2’s figure of 303.025mph. It shattered the 350.092mph speed posted by its 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 back in 2006. The Hydromax is powered by two 4.8-litre four-cylinder production JCB digger engines that have been heavily modified.
The engines share the same crankshafts as JCB’s commercially available hydrogen and diesel-powered plant units, but have been improved with dry sump oiling systems, billet cylinder heads, and large turbochargers. They also have a unique cooling system, using 250kg of ice to keep the engines alive for each run.
The engines produce 800bhp each, for a combined total of 1600bhp. This power figure is enough to propel the Hydromax to high speeds due to its aerodynamic design. The engines are laid over on their sides to allow the car to be lower and more aerodynamic.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: ‘Motorsport has always been a catalyst for technological progress pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This new land speed record continues this tradition, showcasing the potential of hydrogen combustion for the future of sustainable mobility.’
JCB’s achievement is notable for its use of hydrogen internal combustion engines. The company’s experience in building tractors and plant machinery has likely contributed to its success in this area. The use of modified digger engines also highlights the potential for innovation in the field of sustainable mobility.