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It's One Small Step For... Not Much Of Anything, Really

British driver breaks steam-powered speed record (via Autoweek)

By Joshua Condon Aug 25, 2009 3:11PM
In a day full of news about flex-fuels and new hybrids, I guess it's fitting that we end on a note that celebrates ancient technology and completely arbitrary speed records.

Brit Charles Burnett III manned a 25-foot-long, steam-powered car made of carbon fiber and aluminum over two runs in the California desert today. He reached 136.103 mph during the first, and topped 151 mph during the second, for an average speed of 139.843 mph -- completely obliterating the former record of 127 mph, which was held by American Fred Marriott and has stood for 103 years.

That's great and all, I guess. I just can't help but thinking that record stood for over 100 years for a reason. A reason, like, oh, I don't know... faster, gasoline-powered cars?

(Photo via Autoweek)

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