Shoot for the stars!

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After World War II several automobile companies started experimenting with different engineering techniques, like turbine-powered engines. The Rover Jet-1 project springs to mind, but also Renault who adapted the turbine reactor of the Alouette helicopter for use in automobiles. The result was the Étoile Filante (shooting star) a 5-metre long record breaking machine that was brought to Bonneville Salt Flats where in 1956 it reached a top speed of 308.85 kph, setting a new world record that still stands. Yet the turbine proved not suitable for use in passenger cars and the project was shelved. The Shooting Star still exists and will be one of many exhibits during the next Avignon Motor Festival, to be held this weekend.
(photo's courtesy Renault)

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