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.'"

5 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)
    1. Re:Check that off the obscure to-do list by ev0l · · Score: 5, Informative

      The name of the bike you are, presumably, referring to is called a penny farthing. They worked by direct drive. The cranks were tied directly into the front hub. You would generally get the largest wheel your legs would allow so that you could travel as fast as possible. The bigger diameter of the front wheel the further you would go with one rotation.

      Interestingly the first geared bicycles, that resemble the ones we ride now, were called safety bicycles. Presumably this was because you were closer to the ground and had less distance to fall. However the invention of gearing on the safety bicycle allowed a rider to travel much faster than would of even been possible on a penny farthing. Bicycles today are far more dangerous than a penny farthing. Even going downhill, the penny farthing rider is limited to how fast they can pedal (the cranks never stop spinning) but todays bicycles employ multiple gearing ratios and free wheels/hubs that allow for extremely fast speeds. As I understand it penny farthings quickly died out after the invention of the safety bicycle.

      -Will

       

  2. Slow down.. by pablo_max · · Score: 5, Funny

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

  3. Re:All oficial times by DJRumpy · · Score: 5, Insightful

    If it was that easy, it would have been broken before now. You belittle the achievement without understanding the challenges involved.

    Another thing to consider is that during speed runs, brakes, and suspension are not really a factor. The car is driven in a straight line at maximum speed. It's not taken on a touring expedition to test is comfort and handling performance. The tires need only be capable of not blowing at high speeds.

  4. 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?