Fuel stretching Taylors get world record 58.82 mpg around the U.S.
After twenty days on the road John and Helen Taylor have completed their journey around America and earned a new entry in the Guinness book of world records. After 9,419 miles through 48 states, the Taylors consumed just over 11 tanks of ultra low sulfur diesel. That works out to 58.82 mpg and 853 miles per tank of fuel. The couple did the trip in a completely stock 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The Taylor's stated goal is demonstrate what can be achieved by common sense changes to driving techniques. Through a combination of a light right foot, driving about 5 mph under the speed limit and proper maintenance they hope to teach people how to get out the most out of their car. [Source: FuelAcademy.org]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GoodCheer 9:23AM (9/30/2008)
"driving about 5 mph under the speed limit"
Wouldn't that depend on what the speed limit is? Every car has an optimal speed for fuel economy. There are states with 55mph highway speed limits and others with 75... surely the car does not care which state you're in.
Also I'll say again: "Let's demonstrate how little fuel you can burn by spuriously driving 9000 miles!"
-Um, what?
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as2k 10:25AM (9/30/2008)
GoodCheer,
It's something that raises awareness and in that case can be seen as a reasonable use of fuel. After all, it has a much greater purpose than most Americans use of that amount of fuel (idling in traffic, making multiple short local trips, cruising, driving an RV cross-country or what have you). It's the demonstration of a valid principal and not even a terribly wasteful one at that.
I wouldn't call it a waste of fuel any more than distributing printed information about paper recycling is a waste of paper.
Though perhaps I could find a better analogy... :)
Realize that driving 5mph under the speed limit, regardless of what that limit is, will save you fuel over going the posted limit.
Mike 9:46PM (10/06/2008)
Drill Everywhere now
Dig for coal (gasification) now
Build nuclear plants near every major city not on the coast
The more fuel efficient vehicles will be available in greater numbers by the time these items are in progress
Take back America
Kick out the corrupt, theifing Politicians
Chris Berry 12:35PM (9/30/2008)
Realize that driving 5mph under the speed limit, regardless of what that limit is, will save you fuel over going the posted limit.
On crowded highways, it's also a great way to cause major accidents and traffic backups.
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as2k 1:02PM (9/30/2008)
Well, obviously it makes sense to drive safely and as the conditions allow. And I hardly think driving near the speed limit is going to cause major accidents unless you're doing it in the left lane. If the highway is truly crowded, you will probably be going a little slower anyway. Congestion tends to have that effect.
However on a cross country drive I'd guess that 95% of the driving is done on relatively empty highway where 5mph under the limit isn't going to be a problem.
Why is everyone so down on this concept of slowing down and saving fuel -- on a supposedly "green" blog no less? It seems like every time an idea like this is posted on ABG that might require a change of behaviors there's a lineup of people itching to point out how it's inconvenient, pointless or a waste of time and effort.
ale 7:43PM (9/30/2008)
exactly...
in hampton roads there are two types of people: people who drive 20 below and 20 above, sry but 5 under is not gonna cut it, yo ass = bumper of sclade, tahoe, or police car.
Telling everyone to drive 5 below is gonna definitely help the situation...
Sasparilla 1:32PM (9/30/2008)
I'd have to say the "driving 5mph under the speed limit" is a disengenious way of getting this super mileage - you could just shut the engine off and push the vehicle to get even better mileage!
Driving 5mph under the speed limit is a good way to incite road rage in most of the US, particularly during rush hour - it just isn't tolerated/expected in most places. If you want to show us impressive mileage, show us mileage you get during normal driving speeds...i.e. speeds with the surrounding traffic.
Otherwise this is just an ivory tower PR operation for VW.
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MPM 3:16PM (9/30/2008)
Funny thing is, it probably would have been higher had only one of them made the trip.
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Mark 3:37PM (9/30/2008)
Driving 5mph under the speed limit...That will get you shot in Los Angeles!!! My life is more important than gas!!
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as2k 4:16PM (9/30/2008)
I think the focus on the 5mph under thing is missing the big picture. There are THIRTY tips listed on their site as ways they're saving fuel every time they drive. Keeping it slow is but one and likely one they don't use all the time.
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philmcneal 9:06PM (9/30/2008)
just corporate pawns doing their lead, i can't believe they had the nerve to call US hypermilers tail gating engine off coasting demons!!! THE NERVE!!!!!
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Diesel 11:22PM (9/30/2008)
It's about time people saw one of the many benefits of diesel and maybe started wondering why it's priced so much more than gasoline here in the US. It costs less to refine. Therefore, in the rest of the world it costs less than gasoline at the pump. I think our "hidden" taxes on diesel are driving up the costs of everything we transport in commerce. Sorry about that last little rant.
Good article Sam. Thanks.
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montoym 10:00PM (10/01/2008)
I am a diesel fan, but I also agree that true facts are best used in any argument.
Yes, diesel is taxed higher than gasoline, but only slightly so. Not enough to account for the whole current cost difference for sure.
Currently, there is a Federal tax of 18.4cents/gal. on gasoline. As for diesel, the tax is 24.4cents/gal. a whole 6 cent difference.
Increased demand is also part of the difference and I also think that the change to ULSD made up a large part of it as well. ULSD is still cheaper to refine than gasoline, but not nearly as cheap as non-ULSD.
Read this pamphlet from the DoE for more info:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/bookshelf/brochures/diesel/
Diesel 1:25AM (10/03/2008)
Thanks montoym;
Your DoE pamphlet, as you acknowledge, doesn't account for why diesel costs so much more at the pump than gasoline, here in the US (obviously more than 6 cents/gallon in excise tax) unlike other countries. If ULSD, an EPA processing we pay for that other countries don't, is still cheaper to refine as you indicate, then the whole current US fuel cost difference remains unexplained. Everyone in the US ends up paying for this mysterious discrepancy. Those of us who drive diesel vehicles see it everyday.
Enough. I've owned a VW diesel Jetta and loved it. I got excellent mileage (not as good as the Taylors though) and the car handled nicely. One of the best cars I've owned.
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