The new record was set at the Dekra Lausitzring, near here, on May 6.
The all-new Mean Mower V2 averaged 0-100mph in just 6.29 seconds; driven by Jess Hawkins experienced stunt driver, kart and car racer.
As well as hitting such a blistering straight-line speed to set the new record, Mean Mower V2 also had to demonstrate that it could still do what it is actually designed for – to cut grass – which it does.
The ability to still cut grass is thanks to slight revisions to the cutter deck to house the chain driving the rear tyres and the two batteries required to power electric motors which spin carbon fibre blades to mow.
Under the regulations of Guinness World Records, the mower must also "intrinsically look like a lawnmower" — in this case the Honda HF 2622 lawn tractor — which it does by carrying over its front cowl, grass box and body panels.
Unveiled in summer 2018, Mean Mower V2 set out to build on the success of the original Mean Mower, which became the world’s fastest lawnmower on March 8, 2014 when it hit 116.87mph (188kph). But this time Honda and its British Touring Car Championship partner, Team Dynamics, took the development to a whole new level, using computer aided design, bespoke parts, advanced materials and even 3D printing.
At the heart of Mean Mower V2 lies its engine. This time, a 999cc four-cylinder unit taken from Honda’s high-performing CBR1000RR Fireblade SP motorcycle - producing 200bhp at 13,000rpm. It packs almost double the power of the original Mean Mower, with a super-light frame and engine dry weight of just 69.1kg, which overall results in a power-to-weight ratio in excess of that of a Bugatti Chiron.
The official acceleration figure was measured using a VBOX on-board recording device, which was fitted, set-up and verified by independent and accredited timers, Timing Solutions Limited. To meet the requirements of Guinness World Records, the mower had to record the same run, in both directions, within an hour – with the average acceleration of these two runs taken as the official time.
The team also took the opportunity while at the Lausiztring to put Mean Mower V2 through its paces on a longer run to see what it is really capable of, recording an incredible top speed of 150.99mph (242kph).
