The car was driven by Road & Track's international editor Sam Mitani and represented the first official record crack at the Bonneville Salt Flats by American Suzuki's automotive arm.
Getting ready for the Salt Flats, the Suzuki Kizashi Bonneville Special underwent a number of modifications performed by the Holdener/Habrzyk team. They have installed a SCTA-approved roll cage, an aluminum bulkhead in the rear, racing seat, seat harnesses and window net.
Just as expected, the team also looked into Kizashi’ power unit. The motor was disassembled to confirm the stock measurements, while the cylinder head was flowed and ported. The Kizashi Bonneville racer benefits from a new intake manifold, a tuned 'long tube' header and forged rods and pistons for high rpm endurance.
The Kizashi's increased horsepower required air-to-water intercooling (and snow water/methanol injection), while its increased output demands a new ACT clutch and pressure plate. A scattershield was added, the oil pan was welded for a new drain fitting and a new 3.5-inch exhaust was fabricated. Additional protection for the high-boost, high-rpm turbo motor was provided by full synthetic 5W-20 racing oil from Lucas Oil.
The Kizashi platform benefited from new coilovers, steel wheels seam welded, and speed-specific 15x7-inch Goodyear Front Runner rubber.
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