Holden Commodore Smashes Coast-to-Coast Speed Record in Illegal Dash

In a daring and illegal attempt, a V8 Holden Commodore has made headlines by breaking a coast-to-coast speed record that had previously seemed unattainable. This remarkable feat was accomplished by a group of American speed enthusiasts, led by Bronson Justice, who drove a Chevrolet SS, the American equivalent of the VF Holden Commodore, from Jacksonville, Florida to San Diego, California in an astonishing time of under 24 hours.

The journey spanned approximately 3760 kilometers and was completed in just 23 hours and 35 minutes, setting a new record for a coast-to-coast drive. The average speed maintained during this high-speed dash was close to 104mph (167km/h), significantly surpassing the highest legal speed limit in the United States.

Despite encountering challenges along the way, including receiving a speeding ticket for clocking 97mph (156km/h) in a 60mph (97km/h) zone in Texas and experiencing tire issues at high speeds, the team managed to achieve speeds exceeding 270km/h. This remarkable performance was made possible by the potent 6.2-liter V8 engine of the Chevy SS, generating 309kW and 563Nm of power in its factory form.

To enhance the car’s capabilities, modifications were made to the V8 engine, including the installation of a larger camshaft for increased power. Additionally, the vehicle was lowered, equipped with an extra 22-gallon (83-liter) fuel tank, a radar detector, and an array of sophisticated computer systems in the rear. Notably, the Chevrolet SS used for the record attempt featured the grille from a Holden Commodore, adding a touch of Australian automotive heritage to this remarkable achievement.

While this daring drive does not replicate the iconic Cannonball Run route, which spans 4677 kilometers from New York to California, it has secured a place in automotive history books. The current Cannonball Run record, set in May 2020 by a team utilizing an Audi S6 disguised as a Ford Taurus police car, remains unbroken, partly due to the challenging circumstances posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Holden Commodore, though no longer in production for nearly eight years, continues to make waves in the automotive world with this extraordinary coast-to-coast speed record. This achievement not only showcases the impressive performance capabilities of the V8 Holden Commodore but also highlights the dedication and passion of automotive enthusiasts pushing the boundaries of speed and endurance.