Volkswagen Attempting World Record for Fuel Economy in Passat

This summer VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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is hoping that another driver can set another record in the US with a diesel PassatVolkswagen Passat Gen.7 [B7]Germany, 2011 > 2014115 versions
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. Wayne Gerdes, founder of cleanmpg.com - an online community dedicated to raising fuel economy - and Bob Winger, an electronics engineer, started on June 7 in an attempt to set the Guinness World Record for fuel economy around the 48 contiguous US states in a non-hybrid car. The current record is a 67.9mpg average.

The men will drive a 2013 Passat TDI and travel 8,000 miles (12,875km) around the entire country leaving from and returning to Volkswagen America's Herndon, Virginia, headquarters. The route takes then through the southwest first, then through the north. It is expected to take about two weeks.

“This is a fun and exciting way for Volkswagen to demonstrate the efficiency advantages of diesel technology. The Passat TDI is a remarkable car and we think it has a good chance to beat the existing world record," said David Geanacopoulos, Volkswagen of America's head of public affairs.

The only modification to the car for the attempt is Continental low rolling resistance tires. There are also two added gauges required by the Guinness World Records to track the car's fuel economy for the record. 

Gerdes already holds the same record in a hybrid vehicle.

Last summer a married couple in the US set the world distance record for a diesel car by driving 1,626 miles (2,617km) in a Passat SE TDI.

Volkswagen Sets World Distance Record for a Diesel Car