September 30, 2008 10:15 AM PDT
Couple sets Guinness record for around-the-country fuel economy
John and Helen Taylor, world record holders
(Credit: Volkswagen of America)Twenty days, 48 states, and 9,419 miles after leaving Bluefield, Va., John and Helen Taylor arrived in West Virginia as Guinness World Record holders for fuel economy around the country. The Volkswagen- and Shell Oil-sponsored trip was completed in a showroom stock 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and 11.04 tanks of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel. The hypermiling couple finished with an official 58.82 U.S. mpg, which averages out to 6.9 cents per mile.
The Taylors credit smooth driving and proper vehicle maintenance, amongst other techniques, for their record-setting fuel economy.
Edited: Thanks to our astute readers for pointing out a miscalculation in the cost per mile.
Back of the envelope calculation: 11 tanks * 15 gallons each * $4 per gallon * 100 cents in a dollar / 9419 = 7 cents per mile.
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by lorrwill
October 2, 2008 12:15 PM PDT
- Wow. I guess my 55 mpg average (combo city/freeway) is not bad after all.
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