Quote:
Originally Posted by Kincurd
I'm trying to figure out how slow the acceleration was though. I wonder if it took Matsu 5 minutes to get to 55mph or something crazy.
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I wouldn't think that would work to get 477 MPG. For that, coasting had to be a major factor IMO.
In addition to a small, aero shape, Matsu had a neutral available from top gear so he could coast at cruising speeds with as little resistance as possible. Because accelerating is the opposite of coasting, I would expect he would reduce the time spent accelerating to an absolute minimum by running at wide-open throttle during acceleration then using the momentum, aero shape, and trans in neutral to coast as long as possible -
maximum P&G.
It does seem counter-intuitive to accelerate at WOT during a mileage competition, but because the engine is so small, and the pumping losses are minimal at WOT, it may be the most efficient way to use fuel now in order to be able to coast more later.
Here's an interview with Matsu, but it doesn't give any specific info about the techniques he used -
1985 Matsu talks
Just a theory - what do you think?
Jay