Toyota Hilux at the Cutting Edge
The Toyota Hilux is used to cutting the opposition down to size, not only as an indestructible pick-up, but also setting the record to become the first car to reach the magnetic North Pole at the hands of Jeremy Clarkson and James May.
It is therefore fitting that the Hilux will be used as support vehicle by Project Runningblade who is attempting to bring the title of lawnmower land speed record to the United Kingdom.
The UK team is aiming to reach a speed of 100mph at Pendine Sands in Wales in early 2010. The record was originally set at 80.792mph by Bob Cleveland of the United States at Bonneville Salt Flats back in July 2006.
The team approached Countax, an all British manufacturer of lawnmowers, about building a machine capable of this speed. They will also utilising the help of invited specialists in certain key areas. Apart from the obvious aim of bringing this record to Britain, the team is also raising funds and awareness for Great Ormond Street Hospital and Wessex Heartbeat.
The 3.0-litre D-4D Toyota Hilux double cab will be used by the team for the next couple of months during testing and development to carry crew, tools and equipment. An ideal vehicle to help the team achieve their goal, the 169bhp engine with 343Nm of torque is good for towing and there is also the benefit of legendary off-road ability.
For more information about the challenge visit www.projectrunningblade.co.uk
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