The beautiful Coaticook region, in the Eastern Townships, is known for its ice cream and its Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook. However, did you also know that the designer of the fastest snowmobile in the world also lives there, and that his name is Gilles Gagné? This ingenious man is passionate about mechanics and speed and plans to beat his own world snowmobile speed record…with the help of an incredibly special snowmobile!
In 2014, he and Sylvain Ouellet met to develop this project. Sylvain is also an enthusiast, and he will be the driver of the vehicle during qualifying. Sylvain is also involved in the design of the vehicle. He explained that the objective is to reach 400 km/h with this track propelled vehicle in Bonneville (Utah) on a salt desert in August 2021. This is where world speed records are made. The vehicle will be named G-Force 2.
Let’s talk about mechanics and the partnerships that Gilles and Sylvain have been able to obtain. G-Force 2 will be powered by a 1-liter engine to reach the desired speed, which will be supercharged by an electric turbo … quite special, eh? The idea was submitted to the University of Sherbrooke, who was taken with the project, and a partnership was created with them. They developed this turbo, powered by a 120 HP electric engine, and it’s called the E-BOOST. The E-BOOST is unique in the world. Gilles explained to me that a normal turbo is turned by the force of the petrol engine, which takes power away from it, but with the E-BOOST, the engine keeps all its HP for itself because the electric engine feeds the turbo.
It also has a six-speed gearbox that is computer-controlled. Sylvain explained that the computer turns off the engine at a rate of 0.007 seconds for each gear change that takes place; it’s very technical… The track is made of carbon fiber developed by CAMSO and has been tested in the laboratory at over 400 km/h to ensure its resistance. The suspension was designed and calibrated by STAR SUSPENSION, an expert in this field. Gilles and Sylvain told me that these partners are key to achieving their goal.
The first tests will soon begin on the Sherbrooke airport runway. They will then be able to make the necessary corrections to be ready to face the Bonneville desert. Imagine the mechanics and logistics of G-Force 2, which will have to be pushed to the max for about 90 seconds to reach the 400 km/h target. Gilles and Sylvain told me that they will be ready, but this desert is sometimes unpredictable, so we have to expect everything…
In August 2021, in Bonneville, Utah, an outstanding Quebec team led by Gilles Gagné and Sylvain Ouellet will, I’m sure, blow the world away. The visibility and influence of your accomplishment will be felt throughout Quebec. SledMagazine.com wishes you the best of luck and will closely follow the challenge.
