World’s Fastest Diesel Hits 328 mph

The JCB Dieselmax became the world’s fastest diesel-powered car on Tuesday, as Andy Green set a new FIA international record of 328.767 mph (526.027 kph) on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. He beat the existing record by almost 100 mph. The JCB team will make a further attempt to raise the record today.

Running at daybreak, when course conditions were at their most suitable, Green achieved 324.248 mph (518.797 kph) on his first run. Under FIA regulations he made his return 333.339 mph (533.342 kph) within one hour, to secure the new record, giving the average of 328.767 mph (526.027 kph). The previous mark, set by Virgil W Snyder at Bonneville in the Thermo King Streamliner on August 25 1973, was 235.756 mph (377.205 kph).

Stepping from the car driver Andy Green said, “This is exactly what we came to do today – this is British engineering at its absolute best. We now have the fastest diesel in the world. We have now set two records in only four runs which is a stunning engineering and team achievement.”

“Our goal was to set an official FIA record in excess of 300 mph, and we have achieved that, and more. The success is a tribute to everyone who has worked so tirelessly and with such passion to make JCB Dieselmax a world beater,” commented a delighted Dr Tim Leverton, project director.

JCB Dieselmax was born from Sir Anthony’s vision and desire to showcase the extreme performance of the JCB444 diesel engine, which normally powers the company’s backhoe loaders and loadall telescopic handlers.