JCB Dieselmax hits record 350 mph

JCB's Dieselmax yesterday broke its own land speed record for a diesel-powered car, reaching a record 350 mph (563kph), subject to official ratifcation by the FIA.

Driver Andy Green had already achieved an FIA-approved record-breaking speed of 328.767 mph (526.027 kph) on Tuesday this week. Wednesday's speed record showed a significant improvement on that, with 350.092 mph (563.418 kph) achieved after two passes in opposite directions, within one hour.

Green said: "I am so pleased that we have got the car to 350 mph, which was always our ultimate goal... There is so much more to come as the car is pulling like a train and we still haven't used sixth gear."

The Dieselmax uses the JCB444 diesel engine, which is normally used in the company's backhoe loaders, to achieve its top speeds. Company chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said: "We have proved that we can do it, and we have the world's fastest diesel car and engine. These record-breaking successes prove to the world the excellence of British engineering and teamwork."