Today, ABG gives up an update on the Taylors, that famous “fuel stretching” couple sponsored by Shell and VW. They’re driving one of VW’s new TDIs around the country (probably exclusively on Shell’s fuel), trying to set the coast to coast fuel economy record. Unlike some people, they don’t call themselves hypermilers, but “fuel stretchers.” This makes sense, because hypermiling has developed a reputation that most companies would touch with a 10 foot liability prevention pole.
Of course, they can call it whatever they want. They’ve been driving for fuel economy decades longer than hypermiling has been a word. So far, the Taylors have achieved 58.78 mpg, which handily beats the former Guinness record of a little over 51 mpg. The Jetta TDI only gets and EPA rating of 31/40 mpg, so this is certainly nothing to scoff at. Their responsbility to corporate sponsors and lack of vehicle choice is certainly holding them back, but nearly double EPA estimates for the car is impressive nonetheless.
Good luck, Taylors! Try to get it above 60!
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© 2008 EcoModder.com Taken from Taylors 1/3rd Across US in Record-Setting Trip.More sweet posts from EcoModder:
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
“probably exclusively on Shell’s gasoline”
I don’t think that a diesel would run very well on gasoline.
Hey Dan, thanks for pointing that out. Old habits die hard! Made the edit.
Always appreciate some reader help,