A custom-built Land Speed Cruiser started life as a standard US-spec machine, but was heavily modified to beat the record in California, driven by NASCAR driver Carl Edwards.
Starting with the chassis, the main frame was narrowed up by 3 inches to accept over-sized Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, the suspension was upgraded, and the body was lowered to reduce turbulence under the car.
Modifications to the US-spec 5.7L V8 engine saw changes to the pistons, rods and inlet manifolds, before two bucket-size Garrett turbochargers were bolted on to give a whopping 55psi of boost pressure.
And a purpose-built racing transmission was installed to deal with the huge stresses while feeding power to the ground.
Said to be tuned to 2000hp, the Speed Cruiser hit 370.5km/h, beating the previous record by 30km/h before running out of tarmac on the 4km runway at the Mojave Air and Space Port.
Unfortunately NZ customers will have to make do with a V8 of only 4.5L and 200Kw.
