Biodragster
Cool - via mode5, this Cummins diesel dragster has just dropped into the high 7 second range (7.98) for a quarter mile at 167 mph, running biodiesel from Blue Sun. Cool photographs of what happens when things break on dragsters on the Cummins site. For perspective, Tony Schumacher's current records are 4.437 s and a top speed of 336.15 mph in a top fuel dragster.
Now, drag racing ain't exactly the greenest sport in the world, but it serves a purpose that racing always has: it proves out new technology, lowering the acceptance barriers for consumers. No, you aren't going to be running nitromethane in your commuter vehicle any time soon, but you are much less likely to make stupid comments about how slow and powerless diesels are once you've seen someone take a NHRA trophy with one. And Cummins, a real diesel engine manufacturer, is using a modified engine from a Dodge truck with over 30,000 miles on it!
biodiesel
Now, drag racing ain't exactly the greenest sport in the world, but it serves a purpose that racing always has: it proves out new technology, lowering the acceptance barriers for consumers. No, you aren't going to be running nitromethane in your commuter vehicle any time soon, but you are much less likely to make stupid comments about how slow and powerless diesels are once you've seen someone take a NHRA trophy with one. And Cummins, a real diesel engine manufacturer, is using a modified engine from a Dodge truck with over 30,000 miles on it!
biodiesel
Labels: energy
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