Jet engine-powered go-kart roars onto eBay

Here's one that's sure to make Toad weep, even if he's toting a golden mushroom or two. In a bid to make every Mario Kart (or speed demon) freak's dream come true, a bloke in Inverness has concocted a jet engine-equipped go-kart that actually sports a functioning afterburner. Similar to a number of other jet-powered vehicles we've seen, this one is fitted with a military spec JFS-100 jet engine and a push button afterburner that emits "extra thrust, noise, and spectacular fire / smoke effects." Moreover, you'll find an EGT gauge, MOMO steering wheel, and digital RPM meter crammed inside the wee vehicle, and if you just so happen to reside in the UK, you can get the bidding starting for a mere £5,000 ($9,864). More drool-worthy snapshots after the break.

[Via El Reg]

[J @ Jun 14th 2007 1:35PM]

Where's the Red Turtle Shell launchers?

[sdsdv10 @ Jun 14th 2007 2:13PM]

First you tease us with the words "Afterburner" and then you fail to follow thru with the required pics.

Shame on you Engadget... For Shame...

[Verbatim9 @ Jun 14th 2007 2:51PM]

I'm afraid the issue is that the seller hasn't posted a pic of the afterburner in action yet...so at the moment we only have their word that it's actually functional.

They have promised to post some (apparently pre-existing) videos of it in the auction discussion thread, however...might be worth keeping an eye on the auction to see if they put something interesting in the "series of [you]tubes" that makes up the internet.

[NHAnimator @ Jun 14th 2007 2:41PM]

I'm feelin' a little Wile E. Coyote right about now.

[Mike @ Jun 14th 2007 9:02PM]

or Richard Hammond as hes known these days. Heh.

[Arthur Nonamiss @ Jun 14th 2007 2:52PM]

Top speed unknown? How do you design a rig like this and not know the top speed? I bet it's really low, but he doesn't want to post it on eBay and hurt the sale price. I just refuse to believe that the designer wouldn't be able to quote the top speed in his sleep.

[Brian @ Jul 18th 2007 3:17PM]

Are you kidding? The creator probably didn't want to kill himself! When you're that low to the ground, with absolutely no protection, I'd even be scared to punch a jet engine to it's limits.

[William @ Jun 14th 2007 3:13PM]

While something like this would be tremendous fun, has the issue of aerodynamics been addressed? Specifically, making sure you don't go flying into the air when utilizing the jet engine and especially the afterburner? I would imagine if you flew into the air with this thing, you would come in for a VERY rough landing...then again, I'm not a fluid dynamics specialist, so maybe that's not an issue?

[RYANGUBE @ Jun 14th 2007 3:36PM]

@william:
agreed. . .either this thing is huff and its just a gokart w/ an oversized hand-dryer on the back or the thrust is going to make it turn up. All the wind resistance is going to be on the poor fool driving this thing, tipping them back and shooting for the moon. plus its weight distribution doesn't look very balance w/ a driver in it. heh, but i'd love to see it in action.

[Aaron @ Jun 14th 2007 3:40PM]

Heh, reminds me of those retarded bumper stickers..."I'm not driving fast, I'm flying low".

[drtekger @ Jun 14th 2007 9:38PM]

Where is the iPhone dock?

[kn0w1 @ Jun 15th 2007 9:59AM]

I wonder if he bought it from here or it's from the guys @ http://www.turbokart.com
They have engine specs (http://www.turbokart.com/engine.htm), but I don't see any thrust spec to see how fast this might go (although apparently at least 70mph from the videos (http://www.turbokart.com/multi.htm)).

[Drew @ Jun 15th 2007 5:32PM]

It mike actually work more like a helicopter in which a jet engin powers the propeller. So the jet engine might just power the wheels.