Skip to main content

All at sea

A Finnish man was recently clocked by the country's police driving a car at over 329km/h (205.48mph), in the Baltic Sea.
February 22, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
A Finnish man was recently clocked by the country's police driving a car at over 329km/h (205.48mph), in the Baltic Sea. The man, a famous rally driver, drove a four-wheel-drive Bentley Continental Supersports convertible along a measured stretch of frozen sea to establish a new world ice driving speed record. Despite dangers from cross-winds and temperatures as low as -30°C, the driver was able to top his own previous record of 320km/h, which he set previously in a Bentley Continental GT. The four time world rally champion drove the lightly modified car along a 16.5km track set out on the 70cm thick ice to achieve the record, with speed measuring equipment set out by the Finland Traffic Police to establish the car's velocity. Two high speed runs were made in accordance with the regulations, to determine the average speed. The speed attempt was also monitored by officials to ensure that it met all the necessary criteria to be classed as an official record. The car was modified with winter tyres, a roll-cage, front and rear spoilers and a parachute to aid braking in emergencies. Apart from the tyres, the other features are not expected to become standard options for the Bentley range.

Related Content

  • Skidmarks: Scaring speeders
    February 6, 2020
    Our Skidmarks page is highly rated by readers. Your input could help make this page even more entertaining. If you come across any amusing road-related stories or pictures email me at [email protected]
  • The Howling
    April 16, 2012
    An American man has found a rather eye-catching way to increase the top speed of his 1967 Chevrolet Impala. The car has been modi ed with the addition of a gas turbine originally designed for use in a cruise missile. This engine is bolted onto the car's roof with additional security provided by sections of rope, one of which is wedged in the bonnet and another in a rear door. His car can now reach claimed speeds of up to 500km/h, shoot 9m long - ames from its tailpipe and has the added safety bene t of dete
  • Modelling skills
    May 14, 2014
    Two Lego enthusiasts have used their enthusiasm for the versatile plaything to build a full scale car. The vehicle is able to be driven as well and can attain speeds of up to 20-30km/h using its compressed air motor. Its builders say they were wary of attempting to drive it at a higher speed in case it fell apart. The open top car is made of some 500,000 pieces of Lego and feaures a novel four bank, radial engine design powered by compressed air with no less than 256 pistons. Only the wheels and a few load
  • Driving safely to cut risks for road users
    August 24, 2015
    Regulations in France covering driving have become tougher. In a bid to tackle distracted driving, French drivers are now banned from using hands-free phone kits that use headsets while at the wheel. This follows research showing that the use of hands-free kits is only slightly less dangerous than holding a phone in the hand while at the wheel. French drivers are also forbidden to eat, apply make-up, read a map or listen to very loud music when behind the wheel. Meanwhile headphones or wireless earpieces ar