Just for fun looking back to what GM was trying for better fuel mileage.
They were pulling 19 mpg back then. Imagine what a front spoiler, a four speed automatic OD transmission with a locking torque converter and modern radial tires inflated to 36 psi could have pulled at 65 mph. I'd guess 24 mpg could be possible and 26-28 mpg at 55 mph.
Quote:
AUTO INDUSTRY observers long have predicted Detroit would build cars specially designed for long-distance, high-speed cruising on tomorrow's super highways. These cars would be considerably different from cars intended for normal city-suburban transportation. They would be designed for smooth, effortless cruising at 60-90 mph, with a minimum of engine vibration and noise. Fuel consumption at 80-90 mph would be what owners now expect at 50-60 mph. The handling would have to be firm and stable, especially in crosswinds, but without a harsh, choppy sports car ride. Very important, the acceleration in the normal passing range, from 50-70 mph, would have to be up to current 400-cu. in. engine standards, with no great compromise for high-speed fuel consumption.
Just such a car is available now at Oldsmobile dealers. The car represents Detroit's first serious effort at a specific car design to meet the challenge of the 41,000-mile network of interstate super highways to be completed early in the 1970s. Efficient, high-speed, long-distance travel on these highways calls for a very special combination of equipment that cannot be readily "designed" on current option order forms.
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Carlife_apr67
Another article comparing the Turnpike Cruiser and the 442.
Carlife article