Efficiency Records Being Challenged in US and Europe

Fans of racing often explain it to non-enthusiasts by saying that racing cars are a development platform for technology that will trickle down to production cars. While depending on the racing series the truth of this statement varies, in a new form of very slow auto racing, it might be totally accurate.

The Green Car Website is reporting that a Kia Optima Hybrid has set the Guinness World Record for most fuel efficient hybrid gasoline vehicle by driving across the continental United States. In the 7,899 mile trip, the car averaged 64.55mpg, which is 61.37% better than the figured quoted by the EPA. It took five-and-a-half tanks of fuel to get the car across the country. It was driven by Wayne Gerdes and Chris Bernius. The previous record had been 52.27mpg.

On the other side of the Atlantic, there is a competition to drive an electric car from Paris to Prague. The World Advance Vehicle Expedition, or WAVE, has twenty teams competing in various competitions. The WAVE is going on until September 25, and you can follow it right now on its blog

Source: The Green Car Website and Wave