A New Challenger in the Speed Arena
In the world of high-performance vehicles, the pursuit of top speed records is a relentless endeavor. In 2017, the Koenigsegg Agera RS made global headlines by securing a record-breaking two-way average speed of 277.9 mph on a closed section of highway in Nevada. For a long time, such performance was considered the domain of elite four-wheeled hypercars. However, the boundaries of speed are being rewritten, and surprisingly, not by cars.
The Monaco-based electric motorcycle manufacturer, Voxan, has achieved a feat that once seemed impossible: creating a two-wheeled machine capable of outperforming the Agera RS in a straight-line sprint.
The Venue: A Historic Runway
To put their electric motorcycle, the Wattman, to the ultimate test, Voxan secured access to one of the most unique stretches of pavement in the world: the 2.84-mile Launch and Landing Facility at Space Florida. Historically utilized by NASA for the Space Shuttle program, this high-friction runway provided the necessary space and surface quality to push the electric bike to its absolute limits.
From Engineering Concept to Record Breaker
Owned by the Venturi Group since 2010, Voxan embarked on an ambitious journey to dominate the world of electric motorcycle performance. The result was the Wattman. In its naked configuration, the bike weighs approximately 608 pounds, rising to 653 pounds when outfitted with streamlined bodywork designed to cheat the wind.
The pilot for these record-shattering runs was Max Biaggi, a four-time MotoGP world champion with an unparalleled understanding of high-speed motorcycle dynamics. Following an initial 253.5-mph run in 2020, the team returned in 2021 with an upgraded version of the Wattman. During this attempt, the bike achieved an astounding top speed of 292 mph. When the two-way average was calculated, it settled at 283 mph, successfully establishing 21 new speed records.
Advanced Engineering and Partnerships
The performance of the Wattman is driven by innovative technology, including a powertrain sourced from the Mercedes EQ Formula E program. As noted by the team, the integration of this system was a strategic choice:
«The flexible, lightweight battery architecture, developed in collaboration with Saft, allows the bike to maintain a weight under 300 kilograms while providing an 80% increase in battery capacity compared to earlier designs.»
The powertrain delivers a staggering 429 horsepower and 1,003 pound-feet of torque. To ensure that this immense power reached the ground effectively, Voxan partnered with Michelin, equipping the record-breaking bike with specialized Power GP tires. While the record-shattering prototype is a marvel of engineering, it is worth noting that the consumer-facing version of the Wattman is tuned for a more manageable output of approximately 203 horsepower.