Team out to break world record for diesel power
JCB first contracted Visioneering to design and build the purpose-designed streamliner car towards the end of 2005 and the project has been under wraps since that time, until its official launch last week. The Visioneering engineering team is working alongside Ricardo, who is responsible for the engine build and development and with JCB’s own transmission engineers. Visioneering has been responsible for the car chassis, suspension & brakes, carbon bodywork, powertrain installation and car control systems. They are also leading the running of the car during testing and development as well as the record attempt at Bonneville.
Brian Horner, Chief Executive, Visioneering, says of this unique project, “Being selected by JCB to be the engineering partner for this programme is a milestone for our company and demonstrates our ability to provide advanced technology solutions to bespoke projects – and it doesn’t get more ‘bespoke’ than a 21st century diesel-powered world land speed record car.
“We are developing an extremely high profile car, which received widespread publicity on its announcement. We have the challenge of achieving JCB’s goals and bringing home the record title. It’s a welcome challenge, one we are relishing and for which we have the expertise, experience and team of engineers to achieve."
The Visioneering team for the project is led by John Piper, a former Formula 1 and motorsport industry engineer and specialist in special vehicle design engineering. His team is dedicated to providing the infrastructure needed to take this project from its inception through to completion.
Horner adds, “This prestigious project will fully utilize the engineering expertise we have in-house. This type of ground-breaking programme with its need for technologically advanced solutions is our forte. We’re always working on a diverse range of design engineering and manufacturing assignments, but this is certainly one of the most extreme. We look forward to seeing the car take its first run in the summer."
Visioneering is a supplier of expertise, technology and project management for the automotive, aerospace and manufacturing industries. The company is vastly experienced in automotive tooling, design engineering and parts manufacture and with comprehensive turnkey programmes can handle Styling, Engineering, Data Control Models, Environmental Cubes, Panel Checking Fixtures, Assembly Fixtures and Tooling for Prototype and Production Parts. The enviable client list of this Coventry-based firm includes many top automotive marques and aerospace manufacturers.