November 2008

This week’s question concerns one man’s need for speed. A team of engineers in the UK, led by former land speed record holder Richard Noble, are building a rocket-powered car they hope will travel at more than 1,000 mph, which is faster than some speeding bullets. Called the Bloodhound SSC (supersonic car), the 12.8-meter long, 6.4-ton car will be driven by Royal Air Force fighter pilot Andy Green, who set the current land speed record of 763 mph with a car called the Thrust SSC in October 1997. To achieve their goal, Green would have to shatter his own record by an incredible 237 mph, not to mention the current low altitude speed record for aircraft, which is 994 mph. Some people question whether a land-based vehicle can even achieve 1,000 mph, let alone be controlled by a human being. What do you think? Is it possible to drive a car at 1,000 mph?

Vote here.