world where technology changes every passing minute, it is both dishonorable and unsettling when records stand untouched for too long. This
holds especially true in the competitive world of land speed records. The last fastest steam-propelled machine was the Stanley Steamer which clocked a top speed of 205 km/h in 1906 - and has stayed there since.
Its unchallenged reign seems to be closing on its end though, thanks to a team of madcap British engineers and students from the University of Southampton who have crafted the machine that you see in the pictures. The first test of their version of the steam powered car has been successful, and if all goes well, the car should clock around 270 km/h.
The low budget but high spirited team has missed the date for making to the acclaimed Utah Salt Flats for the annual worldwide congregation of land speed record enthusiasts, but their plan is on for alternative destinations to break the current mark.
The effort is not only working at breaking records, but also aiming to create some buzz in the field of low-emission technologies, which are becoming more relevant by the day - unlike the situation in 1906.
They've even named the car 'Inspiration' , hoping that achieving such speeds on little but steam will inspire more people to go green.
The ongoing project since 1999 has also helped educate various students through the years not only about engineering, but also about alternative fuels and their bearing on the environment. Here's wishing them all the success, and chartbusting speed!
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