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The V-150 is actually not the fastest train in the world. This title belongs to the Japanese magnetically levitated (Maglev) train which reached an unofficial speed record of 580 km/h (360 mph). The V-150 was modified to be able to break the record including larger wheels and a stronger, 25,000-horsepower engine. The power to the electric powered train was also increased from 25,000 volts to 31,000.
The V-150 included several double-decker cars and drove along the new line linking Paris to eastern France, starting in the town of Preny. This record is especially important to the France train industry which is trying to win highly lucrative contracts in China which is currently preparing a 300 billion dollars train program across the country. Competing against the French are German and Japanese companies also trying to win contracts in China. |
