’Murica! Chevy Duramax Diesel Sets Record for World’s Largest Flag Pulled by a Moving Vehicle
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Chevrolet has set the Guinness World Records title for the World’s Largest Flag Pulled by a Moving Vehicle, and did it with a 2017 Silverado HD powered by a new, more powerful version of the Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo-diesel engine.
With an SAE-certified 445 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft. of torque – the new engine produces the most torque ever in a Chevy, according to the company, for “exceptional pulling power and effortless trailering and hauling.” That includes flying nearly 3,200-square-foot flags for one of the most patriotic photo opps we’ve ever seen.
“The Duramax 6.6L’s 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque are dramatic numbers, deserving of a dramatic introduction,” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet Truck marketing director. “And it’s all the more fitting to introduce it on the eve of the State Fair of Texas, in the country’s largest truck market.”
The United States flag flown by the Silverado HD for the record-setting drive measured nearly 40 by 80 feet, with an area of 3,186 square feet. To set the record, the truck had to travel 100 meters (328 feet) without the flag touching the ground. The Silverado more than exceeded that requirement, completing four laps around the Texas Motor Speedway’s 1.5-mile oval.
Chevrolet actually created two flags for the event: the U.S. flag used for the world record and a State of Texas flag to commemorate the start of the 2016 State Fair of Texas. Both flags will be on display at the State Fair through Oct. 23.
Unique 40-foot riggings on the trucks were designed to fold rearward, enabling the Silverado HDs to quickly enter and exit the track. That design requirement made it impossible to enable a driving roll-out of the massive flags. Instead, a team of 20 people launched and retrieved the flags, ensuring they did not touch the ground.
