Since its introduction to the press in July of 2009, Suzuki’s Kizashi has been recognized as a midsize sedan with a difference – or two. Boasting a rigid structure, composed platform, suspension tuned on the famed Nurburgring and available all-wheel drive, the Kizashi has enjoyed accolades from both media and consumers; most notably, the Kizashi ranked first in AutoPacific’s 2010 Vehicle Satisfaction survey. And with 185 horsepower from its 2.4 liter DOHC four, the 2010 Kizashi boasts class-leading power in the four-cylinder segment.

Fast forward to August 2010, and Suzuki moves the Kizashi into a category typically reserved for Bonneville streamliners. With extensive modifications supplied by Richard Holdener and Tom Habrzyk of Advanced Product Engineering and with Road & Track’s Sam Mitani behind the wheel, American Suzuki’s first-ever automotive assault on the salt began on August 14 in Wendover, Utah. There, the Bonneville Kizashi – competing in the Blown Gas Coupe category – has rocketed its way to history by hitting 203.720 and breaking the land speed record.

In order to prepare the Kizashi for Bonneville, Richard Holdener and Tom Habrzyk of Advanced Product Engineering got to work making the necessary modifications. The goal for the motor was to improve the power output as much as possible in normally aspirated trim then add boost. The reason for this is that any power gains offered in normally aspirated trim are (usually) magnified under boost. Additionally, the Kizashi platform is morphed into a salt-specific recipe with new coilovers, steel wheels seam welded, and speed-specific 15×7-inch Goodyear Front Runner® rubber. An air dam keeps the Kizashi’s nose planted, window straps and hood pins ensure the hood and glass stay in place, and a parachute can bring the high speed show to an emergency stop. To minimize drag, the Kizashi was lowered as much as possible while still providing sufficient clearance for the 27-inch tall tires. Finally, a dual fire system provides the extra assurance so important for Mitani, with some 900 boosted horses but only a few feet in front of his now high-speed capsule.

With the build completed at the end of July, the first week of August provided a narrow window for the chassis dyno tune and over-the-road (closed course, professional driver) testing. Then it was on to Bonneville and the week of speed, beginning Saturday, August 14 and ending on Friday, August 20. The SCTA now has two new members among its 200 mph ranks: Road & Track’s Sam Mitani and the 2010 Suzuki Bonneville Kizashi. Congratulations to the Bonneville Team!

©2010 American Suzuki Motor Corporation