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Suzuki On The Salt: Kizashi Sets New Land Speed Record

When Suzuki introduced its all-new Kizashi mid-size sedan earlier this year, the automaker no doubt expected it to be a fast mover—but no one was expecting this: A modified Kizashi recently set a new land speed record at the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats in northwest Utah.

The Bonneville-busting Kizashi hit 203.720 mph on the salt to set a new benchmark in the “Blown Gas Coupe” category, relying on the exact same platform that underpins the production Kizashi. That Nurburgring-tested foundation set the stage for a variety of modifications, including the addition of a wide range of safety, instrument and aerodynamic upgrades. But the key change came under the hood.

There, Suzuki engineers reworked the Kizashi’s production mill to develop more than 500 hp. To achieve this, the engine’s cylinder head was flowed and ported, a new intake manifold was incorporated, as was a tuned “long tube” header, and forged rods and pistons were put into the mix for increased endurance. The most significant revision, however, was the addition of a Turbonetics turbocharger—capable of delivering up to 16 lbs of boost—along with a new ACT clutch and pressure plate to handle all that power.

And while customers won’t be able to get quite this kind of performance fresh off the lot, an enhanced Kizashi driving experience is on its way. The 2011 Kizashi Sport is set to debut this year with a lowered ride height that helps drivers get even more out of the Kizashi’s race-tuned suspension, along with a set of lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport steering wheel and sport front seats, and an aggressive new body kit. This will include a bolder, chrome-accented front fascia and lower grille, body side-sill extensions, lower-body side moldings with chrome accents, and a trunk-mounted spoiler.

All of which just might lead to yet another speed record—for how fast people get down their local Suzuki dealerships to check out the Kizashi Sport.

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