The Challenge

To support the design and manufacture of a vehicle that was to withstand speeds of over 300mph and show the power & versatility of the JCB444 engines.

Our Approach

Envisage was responsible for the mechanical design and construction of the car, embracing the chassis and bodyshell, a unique braking system, the suspension and steering, and all of the associated vehicle systems, cooling, lubrication, electronic control, data logging and engine & transmission installations.

Highly detailed 3D CAD models were generated by the Envisage team for visualisations of the finished vehicle and all of its individual components. This helped to identify the fit and practicality of each component in relation to the others. Before starting work on the actual vehicle, a full-sized mock-up was created for final verification of the concept.

A 50 mm square-tube steel space frame chassis was identified as the most effective means of providing a strong and stiff structure to contain over 1500Kgs of powertrain. The cockpit safety cell was a bespoke carbon fibre composite bathtub monocoque structure with mandatory SCTA steel tube rollover cage.

The three-piece composite under floor was designed and produced which was bolted and bonded to the bottom of the chassis to enhance stiffness, and the attractive carbon fibre bodyshell which also came in three sections.

The conventional rack and pinion steering system and the unique dual-circuit, triple braking system comprising friction brakes on all four wheels, driver-activated engine braking, and parachutes were also all designed by our team.

Envisage (then Visioneering) also designed and manufactured the conventional heavy-duty wishbone suspension which was used front and rear in conjunction with coil springs and hydraulic dampers. This proved invaluable on the salt in helping JCB DIESELMAX to maximise traction during hard acceleration.

Conclusion

With no precedent or regulations to follow, and a limited timescale, this project truly emphasises the excellence of Envisage and its heritage. The JCB DieselMax was successfully delivered within 10 months. The team then went on to break the record for the fastest diesel-powered vehicle three times, ultimately achieving 350.092 mph. The record is still unbeaten.