Hydrogen-Fuel-Cell-Powered Ford Fusion To Attempt Speed Record

In a clever move that is bound to elevate the stature of alt-fuel vehicles, a hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered Ford Fusion will attempt to set a world land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in August.

An impressive brain trust is working on the vehicle, which is powered by a 770-horsepower electric motor and hydrogen fuel cells. The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 fuel cell car is described as a collaboratively engineered vehicle with Ballard, Roush and Ohio State University. It was built by Roush. Rick Byrnes, a Bonneville veteran, will drive the Fusion Hydrogen 999.

It is one of two vehicles Ford's fuel-cell research team is prepping to set world land speed records. The other is the "Buckeye Bullet 2," a fuel cell-powered racer that will compete for a world record in the unlimited class category.

The Bonneville Salt Flats in Northwestern Utah are famous for their use as a speedway for high-speed, gas-powered racing cars. In the past, some have achieved speeds in excess of 600 mph.

"It seemed only natural for us to build a fuel-cell racing car that runs on hydrogen, a fuel that could someday play a key role in meeting the energy needs of the transportation sector," said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president of research and advanced engineering for Ford. "Our goal in attempting this record is to further expand our technological horizons with fuel-cell-powered vehicles."

The attempt will take place during Bonneville Speed Week, which runs Aug. 10-17.