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The Avion does utilize the Mercedes Smart fortwo .8L CDI with its 5 speed transmission. The engine was chip tuned to produce 68HP. It replaced the older VW rabbit diesel engine.
The results were reported as 80 MPG at 70 mph (110 km/h) and 114 MPG at 55 mph (89 km/h)!
I think he would have done better fuel economy wise if he would have stuck with the original 6 speed or pre 2006 transmission. The pre 2006 transmission had taller gear ratios in gears 3,4,5, and 6. The 6 gear ratio for the post 2006 was 2.908 vs 2.381 for the pre 2006 model transmission.
You can use these for mid engined applications but you would need to swap the entire drivetrain as the ECU controls the transmission as well. So basically you are stuck with the Smart transmission which is not the worst thing in the world but there are far better options IMO.
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