To unveil its new 2017 Silverado HD and its new Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo-diesel engine, Chevrolet today set the Guinness World Records title for the World’s Largest Flag Pulled by a Moving Vehicle with the new truck.
As we reported earlier today, Chevy also announced the performance figures for the new Duramax diesel, which is rated at an SAE-certified 445 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft. of torque. Chevrolet says this is a 19 percent increase over the current Duramax 6.6L, and this new engine produces the most torque ever in a Chevrolet vehicle. For the world record, the ’17 Silverado HD flew a 3,200-square-foot flag.
“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.
For today’s event, Chevrolet actually created two flags: 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, where it will unveil the new Silverado to the general public. Chevy says that both flags will be on display at the State Fair through Oct. 23.
“The new Duramax delivers impressive output, but what customers will appreciate the most is an improved driving experience,” said Eric Stanczak, Silverado chief engineer. “It delivers quicker acceleration in all measures, more confidence when trailering up a steep grade, better engine braking on descent and more refined noise levels cruising on the highway.”