China's CR450 train hit 453 km/h during pre-service trials, surpassing its CR400 predecessor's 420 km/h and outpacing Deutsche Bahn's 405 km/h test record.

Despite the impressive figure – particularly for British rail travelers eyeing autumn leaves nervously – operational speed will be 400 km/h, and 600,000 km of testing remains before passenger service begins.

State-backed mouthpiece Science and Technology Daily (STD) called the CR450 "the world's fastest" electric multiple unit (EMU).

While faster trains exist – China's maglev train recently reached a speed in testing of 650 km/h in seven seconds – the CR450's speed is remarkable for a wheeled train entering operational service. France currently holds the steel-wheel record at 574.8 km/h, set by the TGV in 2007.

According to STD, CR4

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