Husband and wife team John and Helen Taylor struck out from Chantilly, Virginia today on a 23-day, 8000 mile loop around the 48 contiguous states in an attempt to break the Guiness World Record for the lowest fuel consumption on a trip around the U.S. The current record stands at 51.8 mpg.
Breaking fuel mileage records is nothing new for the Taylors. The Australian couple has been setting and breaking records around the world for 26 years. They hold 36 world records and have made records in South Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and their native Australia. In 2006, they set a world record driving around the globe in a Volkswagen Golf on only 24 tanks of gas.
This time, their weapon of choice is a brand new 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The EPA rates the first 50-state-legal clean diesel at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, though third-party tester AMCI was able to do 38 mpg city and 44 mpg highway. The Taylors are confident that their years of experience in frugal driving will help them squeeze a few extra miles out of each gallon and take home the record.
"It will be a great challenge and adventure to drive through the 48 U.S. mainland states," Helen said. "We want to educate the American public that by choosing the right car, using the right fuel and adopting fuel-saving driving techniques, everyone in the U.S. can save money, fuel and reduce carbon emissions."
The journey will take them in a counter-clockwise circle around the U.S., and they'll be required to stop at least 12 times for refueling and official check-ins. The couple left Virginia today and will stop in Vermont, Ohio, Iowa, South Dakota, Montana, Nevada, California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Illinois, Louisiana and end in West Virginia on September 26.
"We're thrilled that the Taylors have chosen our all-new clean diesel Jetta TDI in their attempt at setting a new Guinness World Record for lowest fuel consumption," said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America. "We believe our Jetta TDIs truly offer a no-compromise alternative fuel driving experience that provides our customers the best of both worlds-excellent fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience. We're excited to see the tremendous fuel efficiency that the Taylors will get as they set a new world record. We wish the Taylors the best of luck and a safe journey."
Source: Volkswagen
Latest Car Guinness World Records 2008
