Table of Contents
- 1 How Saab’s Engineering Brilliance Carried a 61-Hour Cannonball Run Triumph
- 2 The Machine: Saab 9-5 Aero—A Turbocharged Icon
- 3 High-Tech Countermeasures: Staying Invisible on the Road
- 4 Overcoming the Challenges: From Bad Gas to Wildlife Hazards
- 5 Wildlife Encounters: The Deer Carcass Incident
- 6 Precision Stops: Efficiency Is Everything
- 7 The Final Leg: Snow, Ice, and Police Escorts
- 8 The Saab 9-5 Aero—Built to Conquer
How Saab’s Engineering Brilliance Carried a 61-Hour Cannonball Run Triumph
The legendary Cannonball Run is no stranger to record-breaking achievements, but when a modified 2008 Saab 9-5 Aero shattered the coast-to-coast-to-coast record in just 61 hours and 59 minutes, the automotive community took notice.
This remarkable feat was not only about speed and endurance but also about meticulous preparation, technical expertise, and the resilience of Saab engineering. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the technical specifications, equipment upgrades, challenges, and strategies that made this historic journey possible.
The achievement was made possible by a dedicated team: Nick, Wes, and Christopher, supported by an exceptional Mission Control team and spotters across the country. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the technical specifications, equipment upgrades, challenges, and strategies that made this historic journey possible.
The Machine: Saab 9-5 Aero—A Turbocharged Icon
Powertrain and Performance Enhancements
At the heart of this incredible Cannonball record attempt was a 2008 Saab 9-5 Aero, renowned for its robust turbocharged engine and exceptional durability. Here are the key details:
- Engine: 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing well over 300 horsepower thanks to performance tuning.
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic with reinforced components to handle extended high-speed cruising.
- Top Speed: Capable of exceeding 155 mph (250 km/h) when conditions allowed.
- Mileage: An impressive 210,000+ miles on the odometer—a testament to Saab’s legendary longevity.
Upgrades for Cannonball Duty
To transform the Saab 9-5 into a record-smashing machine, several critical modifications were made:
- Auxiliary Fuel Tanks: Added to extend range and minimize stops.
- Skid Plate: Custom underbody protection to prevent damage from road debris and wildlife encounters.
- Laser Jammers and Detectors: Front and rear laser systems to counter speed enforcement.
- Thermal Cameras: High-tech thermal imaging to spot wildlife and obstacles on unlit roads.
- Advanced Navigation: Integrated GPS, Waze, Highway Radar, and Flight Tracker systems for route optimization.
The Saab 9-5 Aero’s combination of turbocharged power, enhanced fuel range, and advanced countermeasures made it the perfect platform for such an ambitious endurance challenge.
High-Tech Countermeasures: Staying Invisible on the Road
Radar and Laser Detection
In a Cannonball Run, evading law enforcement is as critical as speed. The Saab was equipped with top-tier laser jammers and radar detectors, making it virtually invisible to speed traps. Systems like:
- Escort Max 360c Radar Detector
- AL Priority Laser Jammers
These tools helped detect and neutralize threats from police radar and laser guns.
Mission Control and Spotting Teams
Another crucial element was the Mission Control team, a 24/7 support crew monitoring traffic, weather, and law enforcement activity. Equipped with:
- CB Radios for trucker reports and clear road ahead.
- Real-time weather apps to reroute around snow and ice.
- Professional spotters stationed across the route for live updates.
This level of coordination gave the Saab team unparalleled confidence to maintain top speeds.
Overcoming the Challenges: From Bad Gas to Wildlife Hazards
The “Bad Gas” Incident in New Mexico
No Cannonball Run is without setbacks. During one stretch in rural New Mexico, the Saab suffered engine issues after refueling with poor-quality gas. The symptoms?
- Engine sputtering and shaking.
- Loss of throttle response.
To resolve the issue:
- Fuel additives were used to stabilize the contaminated fuel.
- Fresh fuel was added at the next available stop.
- The team relied on careful throttle control (nicknamed “pedal voodoo”) to “clear out” the bad fuel system.
Wildlife Encounters: The Deer Carcass Incident
At high speeds, unexpected obstacles can be catastrophic. While overtaking at night, the team encountered a massive deer carcass straddling the lane. Thanks to the reinforced skid plate, the Saab absorbed the impact with minimal damage—although some deer hide was found lodged in the rear suspension during a later stop.
These challenges showcased the durability and resilience of the Saab 9-5 Aero, as well as the team’s ability to adapt and persevere.
Precision Stops: Efficiency Is Everything
To set a record, every second counts. The Saab team employed a highly optimized stop strategy, with precision fueling and inspections:
- Fuel Stops: Refueling was reduced to just a few minutes thanks to auxiliary tanks and a coordinated pit crew approach.
- Portofino Inn Turnaround: The turnaround in Redondo Beach took an impressive 3 minutes, down from 11 minutes in their previous attempt.
- Driver Shifts: Each driver’s shift was meticulously planned to ensure peak focus and speed.
This efficiency gave the team the edge needed to shave precious time off their total run.
The Final Leg: Snow, Ice, and Police Escorts
One of the most intense moments occurred when snow and ice forced the team to divert from Interstate 40 over Flagstaff. The Saab team opted for a risky detour through remote Arizona mountain passes, relying heavily on:
- Thermal cameras to detect curves and hazards.
- Real-time weather updates from Mission Control.
- Precision driving through narrow, dark, and snow-covered backroads.
This decision added time but ensured the team remained on track.
Police Escort—For 150 Miles
In an unexpected turn of events, a sheriff unknowingly escorted the Saab for 150 miles, capping their speed to 70 mph. While frustrating, the team used this forced slowdown as a chance to conserve fuel and regroup for the final push.
The Saab 9-5 Aero—Built to Conquer
The Saab 9-5 Aero’s success in the coast-to-coast-to-coast Cannonball record is a testament to Saab’s legendary engineering, unmatched durability, and the team’s obsessive preparation. From tackling mechanical setbacks and wildlife obstacles to navigating ice-covered mountain passes, the Saab proved to be the ultimate endurance machine.
This record-breaking run isn’t just a victory for the team—it’s a reminder of Saab’s rich legacy and their ability to create cars capable of extraordinary feats. For Saab enthusiasts, the 9-5 Aero has cemented itself as a true legend of both road and speed.
