Flash Facts: Steam Power

This month in South Africa, a British team will attempt to break the world land speed record for steam driven vehicles. Wired has posted some statistics on the vehicle that just might accomplish that feat. The sleek car's tubular chassis supports four boilers that produce four megawatts of power. Theoretically, this should be enough to propel the car near 200mph. "The team behind the Inspiration and the British Steam Car challenge hopes to break the current, 101-year-old record of 127.659mph (1906). American Bob Barber hit 145.607mph in 1985 but it was a single run; the world record rules stipulate an average taken over two runs in opposite directions." Further details and specifications have been posted at the Steam Car Club of Great Britain's website.