Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Steam-Powered Car Breaks Century-Old Speed Record

Posted by timothy on from the we-say-horsepower-but-not-buggywhip-power dept.

mcgrew writes "New Scientist reports that a steam-powered car has broken the 1906 record of 204 km/hr (127 mph) for the fastest steam-powered automobile, the Stanley Steamer. The Inspiration made a top speed of 225 kilometres per hour (140 miles per hour) on August 26. 'The car's engine burns liquid petroleum gas to heat water in 12 suitcase-sized boilers, creating steam heated to 400C. The steam then drives a two-stage turbine that spins at 13,000 revolutions per minute to power its wheels.The FIA requires two 1.6-km-long runs to be performed in opposite directions — to cancel out any effect from wind — within 60 minutes.'"

3 of 187 comments (clear)

  1. Check that off the obscure to-do list by swanzilla · · Score: 5, Funny

    Next up...ridiculously large front-wheeled bicycle speed record.

    --
    0 = 1 + e^(Alt something)
  2. Slow down.. by pablo_max · · Score: 5, Funny

    Slow Down you damn Steam Punks! And stay the hell off my lawn.

  3. hybrid by Eil · · Score: 5, Funny

    'The car's engine burns liquid petroleum gas to heat water in 12 suitcase-sized boilers, creating steam heated to 400C. The steam then drives a two-stage turbine that spins at 13,000 revolutions per minute to power its wheels.

    Cool, a hybrid! Where can I get the government coupon to purchase one?