The Cannonball Run. The very name conjures images of high-speed dashes across the American continent, a defiant act against time and distance. For decades, daredevils and speed enthusiasts have pushed the limits, attempting to break the cross-country record, a challenge steeped in automotive lore. While many vehicles have been employed in this pursuit, the Mercedes-Benz, with its blend of luxury and performance, has always been a compelling choice. And in 2019, a heavily modified Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG etched its name into Cannonball history, setting a new benchmark for speed and audacity.
The legend of the Cannonball Run began with Erwin George “Cannonball” Baker, who in 1933 set a coast-to-coast record of 53.5 hours. This record stood until Brock Yates, in 1971, shaved over twelve hours off that time, igniting the Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. Later iterations like the US Express saw further records fall, culminating in a 32-hour, 7-minute run in 1983 by a Ferrari 308. Alex Roy and David Maher then reset the clock in 2006 with a BMW M5, completing the run in 31 hours and 4 minutes. However, in 2013, Ed Bolian, Dave Black, and Dan Huang obliterated this time, achieving a staggering 28 hours and 50 minutes, averaging over 98 mph. This record held strong for six years, seemingly untouchable.
Then came November 11th, 2019. Arne Toman and Douglas Tabbutt, accompanied by spotter Berkeley Chadwick, pulled into the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach, California. Their elapsed time? A breathtaking 27 hours and 25 minutes. Starting from the Red Ball Parking Garage in Manhattan, they had not just broken the record, they had smashed it, carving out nearly an hour and a half from the previous best. Their route mirrored the original Cannonball Run, adding to the historical weight of their accomplishment.
The weapon of choice for this record-breaking run was Arne Toman’s 2015 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, nicknamed “Angry Ursula”. This wasn’t your average luxury sedan. Underneath the hood, the E63 AMG was transformed by an AMS Performance ALPHA 9 package, unleashing over 800 horsepower from its potent engine. To conquer the vast distances, the Mercedes was equipped with a custom 65-gallon auxiliary fuel tank, minimizing refueling stops. Navigating the open road at such speeds demanded more than just horsepower. The team deployed a sophisticated arsenal of technology. Waze, radar detectors, laser diffusers, and GPS were just the tip of the iceberg. They incorporated military-grade equipment, including custom scanners, CB radio, image-stabilized binoculars, an airplane detection system, and a gimbal-controlled thermal scope, turning the E63 AMG into a high-speed command center.
Beyond technology, meticulous planning was crucial. A network of nearly twenty real-time scouts paved the way, providing invaluable intel ahead of the Mercedes. Refueling was orchestrated with military precision, with teams ready to assist at pre-determined locations. Dual quick-fill receptacles ensured gas stops were lightning fast, averaging under five minutes each. In total, their stopped time amounted to a mere 23 minutes across the entire 2,825-mile journey.
The numbers speak for themselves. An average speed of 103 mph from New York to Los Angeles, breaking the triple-digit barrier for the first time in Cannonball history. And remarkably, they achieved this feat without a single traffic stop. The Cannonball Run Mercedes E63 AMG, “Angry Ursula,” driven by Toman, Tabbutt, and navigated by Chadwick, didn’t just break a record; it redefined what was possible. It stands as a testament to meticulous preparation, cutting-edge technology, and the relentless pursuit of speed, all wrapped in the luxurious and powerful package of a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.
Cannonball Run Stats – Mercedes E63 AMG Record (2019)
- Vehicle: 2015 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG “Angry Ursula”
- Route: New York City to Los Angeles (Red Ball Garage to Portofino Hotel)
- Distance: 2825 miles
- Elapsed Time: 27 hours 25 minutes
- Average Speed: 103.1 mph (including stops)
- Top Speed: 193 mph
- Drivers: Arne Toman, Douglas Tabbutt
- Spotter/Navigator: Berkeley Chadwick
- Date: November 10-11, 2019
- Previous Record: 28 hours 50 minutes (Ed Bolian, 2013)
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG “Angry Ursula” – Key Modifications:
- ALPHA 9 Turbo System (BNZHAUS Installation)
- 800+ HP (AMS Performance Tuned)
- 45 Gallon Auxiliary Fuel Cell (Trunk Mounted)
- Dual Fuel Transfer Pumps
- Firewall (Trunk/Interior Separation)
Police Countermeasures:
- AL Priority Laser Diffusers
- Net Radar Radar Detector
- Escort Passport Max360 Radar Detector
- Cobra CB Radio
- Uniden Police Scanner (State-Programmed)
- iPad & iPhones with Waze
- Dual Garmin GPS Units
- Plane Crash Avoidance System (Police Airplane Warning)
- Roof-Mounted Gimbal Thermal Scope
- Brake & Tail Light Kill Switches
- 3rd Party GPS Tracker (Verification)
Exterior Modifications:
- Debadged, Silver-Covered Carbon Fiber Trim
- Silver Vinyl-Altered Taillights (Disguise)
- CB & Scanner Antennas
