Record 51.8 MPG

[SmartPassion]

Came across this article. It says 51.8 miles to the gallon is the record? I thought some on this forum had mentioned more.


Article>>>>>
Couple hits the road to break fuel efficiency record

September 3, 2008 - 4:44pm

John and Helen Taylor hit the road in a clean-diesel Volkswagen Jetta Wednesday in Virginia. (Hank Silverberg/WTOP Photo)
Hank Silverberg, WTOP Radio

HERNDON, Va. - Taking a cross-country trip can be an expensive excursion with gas prices hovering around $3.70 a gallon -- but one couple is hoping to break the world record for fewest stops at the pump.



John and Helen Taylor kicked off their journey Wednesday in Chantilly in an attempt to break the Guiness World Record for lowest fuel consumption on a drive across the continental United States. The current record is 51.8 miles to the gallon.



The Taylors will be behind the wheel of a new, clean-diesel Volkswagen Jetta. The plan is to share the driving and do the 8,000 mile trip in 24 days, hoping to avoid rush hour in major cities.



"GPS is fine, but we'll still be using the maps," says John, who admits his wife is a better navigator.



The Australian couple will also employ familiar tactics, like keeping tires properly inflated and no quick starts.



"It will be a great challenge and adventure to drive through the 48 U.S. mainland states," says Helen Taylor. "We want to educate the American public that by choosing the right car, using the right fuel and adopting fuel-saving driving techniques, everyone in the U.S. can save money, fuel and reduce carbon emissions."



The Taylors set a world record for driving around the globe on 24 tanks in 2006.



The drive will likely be completed Sept. 26.
(Copyright 2008 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

[superstevie]

I remember the couple doing a phone interview on BBC radio Scotland when they did this before. Never heard the outcome to see if they did it or not, but glad to see they did!

[Big Panda]

that would be a pretty neat accomplishment, considering the different terrain, altitude and suppliers of fuel they would encounter.

more power to them.....but NEXT i want to see someone do this in a SMART! to travel across the Continental US in a smart would be a real accomplishment!

[Kermit]

Guess I should of contacted Guinness for my old Insight as I drove that across a few times and averaged around 63mpg loaded down using A/C (a true climate control system).

I know for a fact that there are people who've busted 70mpg cross country in an Insight. Just as much of an exclusive car as the diesel Jetta.

[superstevie]

A UK magazine have crossed america in a smart car before, think it was CAR magazine. Was a few years ago now. Topgear Mag drove across australia in a 451 recently as well.

Do you not get many diesel jetta's then?

[Kermit]

Not many compared to what you guys have on your side of the pond.

They are MUCH more plentiful than Smarts though.

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by SmartPassion

Came across this article. It says 51.8 miles to the gallon is the record? I thought some on this forum had mentioned more.

yes, someone here may have reported a higher ONE tankful mpg, but certainly not on a drive across the US. Also, one would indeed have to consult Guiness - probably the record pertains only to gas/diesel engines