JCB Hydromax hydrogen-powered streamliner sets 368.347 mph US speed record
JCB Hydromax, a hydrogen-powered streamliner developed with Ricardo and Prodrive, set a US land speed record of 368.347 mph at Bonneville Speed Week.
- 368.347 mph
- 800 hp
- 100 kg
- 32 ft
What Happened
JCB Hydromax, developed by JCB with support from Ricardo and Prodrive, has set a Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) record at Bonneville Speed Week with a speed of 368.347 mph. Ricardo was responsible for uprating JCB's production hydrogen engines from 75 to 800 horsepower and reducing their weight by 100 kg. The Ricardo team was on site in Utah throughout speed week to support preparation and running of the 32-foot streamliner car. Next week, the Hydromax team will attempt to break the FIA world record for fastest hydrogen engine.
368.347mph
SCTA record at Bonneville Speed Week
- 75 hp
- 800 hp
- 100 kg
- Worked with Prodrive to allow engines to run on their sides for better aerodynamics
- Ensured engines could cope with the high altitude and temperatures of the Bonneville Salt Flats
- Supported preparation and running of the 32-foot streamliner on site in Utah
“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.”
Previously from Ricardo
In July, with Ricardo's help, the Hydromax had reached 208 mph in testing ahead of an August land speed record attempt. The Bonneville record of 368.347 mph now far exceeds that mark.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Ricardo's official releases.
Why this matters
The record proves hydrogen combustion engines can deliver extreme performance, not just clean running. It marks the first time a hydrogen-engine car has set a US record, and next week the team will try for the FIA world record for fastest hydrogen engine, which would highlight hydrogen powertrains in motorsport.
Terms in This Story
- SCTA
- Southern California Timing Association, the organization that sanctions land speed records at Bonneville Speed Week.
- streamliner
- A class of land speed racing car with a fully enclosed body designed to minimize aerodynamic drag.
- FIA
- Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, the international governing body for motorsport and world records.
- hydrogen engine
- An internal combustion engine that burns hydrogen instead of gasoline, producing water as the main exhaust emission.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.