A key to driving innovation is to reflect on the past. Straight from the Envisage archives, we look back to 2006, when we (Envisage Group then Visioneering) partnered with JCB, achieving record-breaking success with the JCB DieselMax.
About The Vehicle
JCB DieselMax is 30 feet long and 45 inches wide, weighs 2700 kg, and is powered by two turbocharged JCB444 engines. These normally generate a maximum of 140 bhp and are used in JCB backhoe diggers and Load-all telescopic handlers. Development work from the consulting engineers, based in Shoreham, boosted their individual outputs to 750 bhp.
Our Role
We were responsible for the mechanical design and construction of the vehicle. This included the chassis and bodyshell, a unique braking system, the suspension and steering, and all associated vehicle systems, cooling, lubrication, electronic control, data logging and engine & transmission installations.
With the vehicle being four times as heavy and twice as fast as a Formula 1 car, we manufactured a system that enabled the DieselMax to get as big a brake as possible within the 15in wheels, which turned at 5500 rpm or nearly twice the speed of rotation of a Formula 1 car.
With no other vehicle having been manufactured like the JCB DieselMax, this was a pivotal point for innovation. After being completed by us in less than 10 months, the car was sent to Utah, USA.
Breaking the Record
In seven days on the Bonneville Salf Flats three new records were set. The first on August 18, the Southern California Timing Association – Bonneville Nationals Inc (SCTA-BNI) National Record, raising it from 306.8 mph to 317.021 mph. Then on August 22, the 33-year-old Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) record raising it from 235.756 mph to 328.767 mph. Finally, on August 23, the JCB DieselMax broke its own record for the FIA, achieving 350.092 mph. This made the vehicle the fastest diesel-powered vehicle in the world and almost 20 years later, the record is still unbeaten.
The JCB DieselMax is a brilliant piece of engineering and a great showcase for British engineering. Envisage has inherited a great legacy, and will continue to support our clients with their record-breaking projects.
This vehicle is the fastest diesel-powered vehicle in the world and almost 20 years later, the record is still unbeaten.
