In case you were unaware, the Bloodhound SSC is a British-made supersonic land speed record vehicle designed to reach a top speed of 1,000 mph. The project has been in development since 2008, but ran into financial problems recently that sidelined the vehicle’s construction. Luckily, it was just announced that Geely, China’s largest privately owned auto group, has stepped in to help the Bloodhound Project move forward with some much-needed monetary assistance.

Geely and the Bloodhound Project signed the new three-year deal back in August, making Geely the project’s primary automotive sponsor. In addition to contributing funds, the Chinese company has also pledged design and engineering support, additional chase vehicles, project promotion throughout Asia, and educational efforts in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in classrooms around the world. It’s the biggest deal in the Bloodhound Project’s history.

With Geely’s support now secured, the Bloodhound SSC will attempt to break the current land speed record with an 800-mph run in 2017. If all goes according to plan, the team will shoot for 1,000 mph in 2018.

Other project supporters include Rolls-Royce, Castrol, Rolex, Lockheed Martin, and Jaguar.

Continue reading for the full story.

Why It Matters

If this is the first you’ve heard of the Bloodhound Project, it’s worth checking out in detail.

First off, the vehicle pilot will be Andy Green, an RAF Wing Commander and the current land speed record holder. Back in 1997, out in the Nevada desert, Green managed to hit 763 mph in a vehicle called the Thrust SSC, becoming the first person to break the sound barrier on land.

Now, Green will take a shot at besting his record in the Bloodhound. But making the jump to 1,000 mph is no easy feat. To hit a number like that, you need power. Lots of power.

Just how much, you ask? Try roughly 135,000 ponies. That’s how much muscle the new car is packing thanks to its three power sources, which include a Rolls-Royce Eurojet EJ200 jet engine, a Nammo HTP rocket, and a Jaguar V-8 acting as the auxiliary power unit. Paired with lightweight carbon fiber and titanium construction, this thing is a literal rocket ship on wheels.

The record attempt will take place in Haskeen Pan, South Africa, on a custom-built track that’s 12 miles long and two miles wide.

Stay tuned to Top Speed as we follow this exciting story.

Read our full review of the 2014 Bloodhound SSC here.