Hydromax sets US speed record

JCB Hydromax has set a US Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) record Bonneville Speed Week. having achieved 368.347mph.

JCB Hydromax was developed by JCB with support from Ricardo and Prodrive, with Ricardo responsible for uprating JCB’s production hydrogen engines from 75 to 800 horsepower, while also reducing their weight by 100kg. And working closely with Prodrive, to ensure the engines could run laying on their sides to improve vehicle aerodynamics, and cope with the high altitude and temperatures of the Bonneville Salt Flats.

The Ricardo team have been on site in Utah throughout speed week to support with the preparation and running of the 32 foot streamliner car.

Matt Beasley, Director, Global Engineering and Operations, said “We’re over the moon with the success at Bonneville speed week, making the JCB Hydromax the first hydrogen engine car to ever go for a record in the US. This is an enormous achievement, and full credit goes to the teams at JCB, Ricardo, Prodrive and other suppliers for this success”.

Next week the Hydromax team will attempt the break the FIA world record for fastest hydrogen engine.