And now, a 1,600 km/h car

London: A team of British engineers is attempting to smash the world's land speed record and hit 1,600 kilometres per hour with a rocket-powered car.

The team behind the "Bloodhound SSC" say their carbon-fibre super car will have to withstand pressures similar to those experienced by submarines.

The project's engineering director John Piper said a major challenge will be keeping the car stable. He said the wheels will be made of titanium to withstand the forces generated by their spinning. The car's first test could come as soon as next year.

Current land speed record holder Andy Green will be at the controls. He said on Thursday he was up to the challenge.