JCB Hydromax: The power behind our latest land speed record attempt.
20 years on from the JCB Dieselmax breaking the world diesel land speed record at an incredible 350.092mph, we’ve got our sights set on an ambitious new target: a new land speed attempt, powered by hydrogen.
We’ll be returning to Bonneville Salt Flats for the annual SpeedWeek this August to set a new record, ahead of opening our new $500million, one million sq. ft, 400-acre factory in San Antonio, Texas.
JCB Hydromax is ready – are you?
The technology
The JCB Hydromax will once again use two revolutionary production engines at its core, each tuned to an astonishing 800hp. In an attempt to become the fastest hydrogen-powered car, the hydrogen internal combustion engines will drive all four wheels through a twin-transmission and clutch system – a display of real engineering prowess and a drastic step forward from the JCB Dieselmax project.
As for the other learnings in the two decades since our last world record, we’ve studied aerodynamic developments and engineered the body of the hydrogen engine car to cut through the air more efficiently, while also enabling a more stable drive.
Every part of the car has been stress and simulation-tested, with suspension components, traction control settings, aerodynamics and camera placement all being critical to get exactly right before the attempt.
The team
Much like our previous record attempts, the people at the centre of designing and building the JCB hydrogen combustion engine are predominantly JCB employees, many of which were closely involved in the Dieselmax record. We’ve also had many specialist suppliers offer their skills and knowledge, including Prodrive with the car build, Ricardo with the engine tune, and Xtrac with the transmission.
And driving what may become the new fastest hydrogen car in the world will be the highly experienced Andy Green OBE, who successfully piloted the Dieselmax 20 years ago. The now-retired RAF Wing Commander is no stranger to a speed record, being both the current holder of the land speed record at 763.035mph and the first person to break the sound barrier on land. Needless to say, his experience has been instrumental throughout the JCB Hydromax project.
The world record attempt
Testing will begin in the UK before the team heads to Bonneville SpeedWeek, the world’s leading land speed racing event, where competitors from around the globe gather to chase records on the vast Salt Flats. SpeedWeek is run by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), which governs and verifies official class records at the event.
The team will then remain at Bonneville to pursue officially recognised world records under the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport.
The existing record for a hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicle is 185.5mph; the hydrogen fuel cell car’s record is 303mph; and the electric vehicle’s record is 342mph. It’s safe to say we have our sights set much higher.
Speed is in our DNA
With JCB GT, JCB Dieselmax, the World’s Fastest Tractor, and now JCB Hydromax, speed is in the DNA of every JCB product, and we always want more. JCB Hydromax is ready – and all eyes will be on Bonneville SpeedWeek this August.
“Britain has a proud heritage of setting speed records and, as a British company, I’m excited to challenge for a new one using hydrogen. This is not just about speed – it’s about showcasing the world-class engineering talent we have here in the UK and the robustness of our new hydrogen engines.”
“JCB Dieselmax was always a bit of an unusual idea – but it proved a point. Putting an advanced engine into a land-speed car showed the world what it could do in a way a digger never could. It’s the same thinking with hydrogen today. If you’re serious about emissions, you have to be serious about hydrogen – and a land-speed project is the perfect way to prove it. As for the speed, we’re aiming for with JCB Hydromax – we intend to beat 350 mph.”
Lord Anthony Bamford | JCB Chairman