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Jim Motavalli

New Guinness fuel economy record: An amazing 67.9 mpg...in a Jetta!

The Australian team of Helen and John Taylor do everything together -- including shattering their own fuel economy records. Use their tips to improve your mileage, too.
Wed, Aug 26 2009 at 8:16 AM EST
Read more: FUEL EFFICIENCY & MILEAGE

 

 
Well, someone has to do it. From the land down under comes the world’s hyper-miling champions (although they don’t like that term). John and Helen Taylor just broke their own record by averaging 67.9 miles per gallon in their 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI diesel. (Yes, Virginia, diesels can sometimes top hybrids in fuel economy).
 
The Taylors are now in the Guinness Book of World Records for their new achievement, which shatters the old milestone (set by them just last year, and in the same car) of 58.82 mpg. The new feat was accomplished on American roads, so they’re in the book for “48 Contiguous U.S. States Fuel Economy.” They covered 9,000 miles over three weeks (from Sterling, Va., through 12 other states to the finish in Ashburn, Va.), starting July 28.
 
The Taylors, who started setting records while living in Singapore, said they owe it all to “choosing the right tires, using the right fuel and adopting fuel-saving driving techniques.” One of their sponsors was Goodyear, which supplied a set of Fuel Max low rolling-resistance tires the company claims contribute about four mpg on their own.
 
You can actually try some of this at home. The Taylors didn’t break any traffic laws, and they didn’t drive excessively slow or anything else dangerous. They checked in at 14 official refueling stops along the way.
 
Their secrets:
  • Avoid excessive idling
  • Don't drive too fast
  • Minimize drag (which includes knowing when to have the windows up or down)
  • Regular maintenance (I know you need help with that one).
The Taylors may not want to be known as hyper-milers, but other people don’t mind the term. The cult tends to consist of hybrid owners who want to impress fellow members of the club. Unofficially, sick mileage claims are made, but it’s probably like the big one that got away. John Taylor also likes to walk and cycle, having traveled from John O'Groats to Land's End on several "End to End" runs. 
 
CLOSE link:
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Comments(8)

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Posted By George Kay - Sat, Aug 29 2009 at 12:27 PM EST

Deja Vu all over again

After reading about the Taylor's great accomplishment I remembered reading about them some time ago. They did the same sort of trip, round Australia, in a Peugeot 308 HDI, getting 75+ mpg. And, the 308 is a larger car than the Jetta. Here is a link. .... More

Posted By Shelly - Wed, Aug 26 2009 at 3:37 PM EST

Interesting video

So they say the key is to go slow, and I will save. Why does that seem too easy? It is cool that you can use the car as a home office. I wish I knew their trade secrets.

Posted By Elizabeth - Wed, Aug 26 2009 at 3:35 PM EST

Jetta lover

I've had a Jetta and LOVED it. Had to sell my car, but I plan on getting another Jetta when the time is right. I hope I can make it get as good gas mileage as the Taylors!

Posted By EastSideChick - Wed, Aug 26 2009 at 3:33 PM EST

a few days...

...is how long I give it before Volkswagen calls them up to do a commercial. :) Good for them!

Posted By GreenErinF - Wed, Aug 26 2009 at 3:31 PM EST

tires and maintenance

great point that the right tires and preventative maintenance will help get better fuel efficiency. They should write about their trip so we can all follow their specific instructions. I have no idea when it's good to have the windows up or down. It's cool that they didn't have to do any of the "hyper-miler" things that tend to annoy other drivers (i.e. driving 15 mph on the interstate or coasting).

Posted By logan - Wed, Aug 26 2009 at 3:31 PM EST

jealous!

umm, i wish this was the case with my car! i drive a jetta myself but it sure doesn't get 69 mpg! wish it did!

Posted By Bill Signet - Wed, Aug 26 2009 at 3:21 PM EST

Wht sort of terrian?

Are they allowed to pick their route? I would imagine that a flat stretch...with few traffic lights...and no need for heat or air, would do best.

Posted By Grey Garvin - Wed, Aug 26 2009 at 3:19 PM EST

how do they do this?

Are they allowed to modify the engine? And when you say "choose the right fuel"..what does that mean? Do higher priced premium fuels lead to better MPG or is it something more special than that.

btw, i'm not surprised its a Jetta....we just had a contest in our town where people wrote the local paper with "the car with the highest odometer" and this guy had a Jettta with 425,000 miles!!!

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