The AX Eco Project : 100 mpg target !

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by HypermilerAX

... I even put more diesel than usual (I stop at the first click) because I was surprised of the low consumption and thought I had to put more... but no, it clicked again and again...

Do you not go top of neck to top of neck ? When dealing with such small amounts accuracy counts, pumps stop when the vent tube gets blocked which could be on a splash...

(and of course I am envious my car uses 5x as much fuel... )

[HypermilerAX]

I did that before but I was afraid I could loose some fuel if filled too much to the top. I once had some fuel flowing out of the wheelwell. Filled to the top and probably took some roundabounts a bit quickly right after.
Small amount is relative, official tank size is 43 L. When I put in 35 L, I consider it "full tank". I agree, though, that I'll have half of the accuracy of someone who fills 70 L. The AX has a big hole, about twice the size of the fuel tube. And I orientate the tube so it flows against the sidewall and not directly straight into the hole, so when it clicks I believe it's near top. By filling up with this method, my tank gauge always starts to move after about 220 km for consumptions of 2,8-3,0 l/100 km. At similar conditions I always get close consumption figures, never like 2,6/3,1 but like 2,8/2,9. I think it's pretty consistent and reproductible. The fillup after that is 2,82 , so it was (near) full.

EDIT : my signature shows now 3.0, yeah ! 3.04 exactly, hope to be at 2.99 in one year.

[Piwoslaw]

Originally Posted by HypermilerAX

I'm currently working on some wheel covers made of aluminium sheet. I made them bigger than the rim for aero reasons (to reduce the effect of the high C-shaped sidewalls of the tire) as well as for aesthetics. But I'll have to pay attention that the (grinded to be less sharp) edge of the disc won't cut the sidewall of the tire during deformation. Maybe some tape to smoothen the edge will do it.

It looks like there is a space between the cover and the wheel. Is it possible that airflow gets in between the wheel and the aluminium disc, pulling the latter off, when turning for example?

And how do you check your pressure?

[HypermilerAX]

I see what you mean (picture if not the best quality) but no, the edge is close to the tire all around.
Even if I had a gap, impossible I could loose the disc. The disc is firmly attached onto the original covers with 4 nylon insert lock nuts and the original covers are of very good quality and holds very well on the wheel. All it could do, in the worst case, is bending the disc (original cover stops halfway between the bolt and the edge of the disc).
As for the pressure, I have to remove the cover to check it. I need a lever because the aluminium is not stiff enough to pull on it and as I said, the cover below holds well to the rim. I would like to have a complete smooth surface. I'll see with time whether it's really inconvenient or not. If yes, I can always bore a hole. But so far my tires holds pressure very effectively (0.1 bar loss every 2-3 months).
With the cover fitted, the 155/80 R13 wheel looks like 155/55 R16.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by Rubberduck

I think , the Project is Possible with Only Diesel Use , for more we need some "Miracles"

Or an AeroCivic.

Energy-wise, it should be possible with CNG / GNC as well, as this has more energy / kg than diesel / Liter.

[HypermilerAX]

I finally cut the wheel covers down to the rim diameter +15 mm (vs +28 mm).
I removed my 2 mirrors and put 2 white plastic panels, I will work on inside mirrors.
I finished the wheel skirts. Some tape before and after to make the airflow as smooth as possible.
I will have to bore a hole into the covers because now if I wanted to check air pressure I would have to remove the whole skirt and cover.

[Jyden]

Nice

[AndrzejM]

Originally Posted by HypermilerAX

I finally cut the wheel covers down to the rim diameter +15 mm (vs +28 mm).
I removed my 2 mirrors and put 2 white plastic panels, I will work on inside mirrors.
I finished the wheel skirts. Some tape before and after to make the airflow as smooth as possible.
I will have to bore a hole into the covers because now if I wanted to check air pressure I would have to remove the whole skirt and cover.

One question... Is driving without rear view mirrors legal in France?

[HypermilerAX]

No. But the very first basic AX had only one left mirror. If I can find the original right external cover I could say it's original. But no chance for the left one. I know I'm taking some risks if I meet the police.
As regards practicality, I have no problems not having mirrors. I never overtake and I never rely solely on the mirror anyway, I always have a look behind. They were anyway mostly unadjusted to avoid being blinded by lights at night.
2 more frontal pics. The mirror covers are slightly bent on the upper part, will have to flex them a bit.

[Jasen]

Here in Washington (USA) your required to have 2 mirror's, 1 of which must be the drivers side. The other can be a rear view or passenger side, except for trucks with no view out the back window.