the maglev train completed a test run on a track in yamanashi , beating the previous record of 361mph -lrb- 580km/h -rrb- set in 2003 .
the seven-car train was able to go so fast because it made use of a magnetic charge to lift and move it above a guideway .
the maglev trains are expected to eventually consist of 16 carriages and carry up to 1,000 passengers at a time .