Volkswagen has announced that it is attempting to break a Guinness World Record. The vehicle of choice will be the 2013 VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel and the record Volkswagen is hoping to break is the “Lowest fuel consumption for a non-hybrid car in the US.”
Two drivers will leave and return to Volkswagen’s Herndon, Va. headquarters for an overall 8,000-mile, 48 contiguous state roadtrip. The drivers will go west along a southern route and circle back via a northern route for approximately two weeks and span the whole country. The drivers will stop along the way and will share their experiences through Volkswagen’s social media channel to keep fans updated with their progress.
The 2013 VW Passat TDI uses Volkswagen’s advanced turbocharged and direct-injection Clean Diesel engine to achieve an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 43 miles per gallon (six-speed manual transmission). This enables the Passat TDI to go up to 795 highway miles before needing to stop for diesel.
Wayne Gerdes, founder of cleanmpg.com, will be the primary driver and he will be accompanied by Bob Winger, an electronics engineer.
Gerdes, an auto journalist, has made a career out of hypermiling as it is known and has set mileage records in more than 100 vehicles. This includes achieving the record for lowest fuel consumption in the US with a hybrid vehicle. The VW Passat TDI will attempt to break the record in a diesel. “It’s going to be a great adventure and I’m confident we can improve upon the current record of 67.9 mpg in the fuel-efficient Passat TDI,” commented Gerdes.
The 2013 VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel departed from Volkswagen HQ today (Friday, June 7th) at approximately 12:00 p.m EST. Herndon Mayor Lisa C. Merkel was on hand to officiate at the opening ceremony to certify that Guinness World Records guidelines were followed correctly.
“The Passat TDI is a remarkable car and we think it has a good chance to beat the existing world record.” said David Geanacopoulos, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and General Counsel of Volkswagen Group of America.
