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Originally Posted by MinnesotaNice
In general, what features, describe an (market available or not) car best for Pulse and Glide as I describe it? (apart from "efficient hardware") A manual transmission with kill switch? Or turning key-in-ignition Fas ?
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It would be as light as possible, very aerodynamic (both low frontal area & Cd), and have very low rolling resistance. All of which translates to less fuel required to accelerate (or climb), and less aero & rolling drag in order to permit the longest possible coasting distances. The engine power would be such that you
just have "acceptable" acceleration rates (open to different interpretations) at high load/low RPM (minimum BSFC).
The mileage competition vehicles embody these goals to the extreme, eg:
2,757.1 MPG at Shell Eco-Marathon Americas
As for a road-going passenger car, for minimum fuel consumption in a pulse & glide scenario, find (or make/modify) one with characteristics as close as possible to these types of competition vehicles.
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it seems current hybrids are not quite right. They're better for people who don't want to change driving behavior (so much). Or think about it.
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Some hybrids are great for hardcore hypermiling because they are lighter, more aerodynamic, and have lower rolling resistance than comparable non-hybrids. Pulse & glide is a pleasure to do in a hybrid vehicle which is designed so you can control whether the gas engine is on or off and whether you are effectively coasting in "neutral" all solely through accelerator pedal position.
A small, light, aerodynamic vehicle with a manual transmission and a kill switch is the best non-hybrid alternative.