Design Car Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Design

With gas prices on the rise and CAFE regulations requiring higher fuel economy getting ever closer, every automaker is out to prove the worth of its hybrids with a hypermiling challenge. Hyundai, with the help of professional driver and hypermiler extraordinare Wayne Gerdes, just completed such a challenge by driving the 2011 Sonata Hybrid across the U.S. on two tanks of fuel.

Gerdes started in San Diego and drove to Jekyll Island, Georgia, a trek of almost 2300 miles, stopping only once for gas. The single fuel stop occurred more than 1200 miles into the trip  far eclipsing the Sonata Hybrid’s official range of 700 highway miles as estimated by the EPA. After finishing the second leg of the trip, Gerdes had roughly 2.5 gallons of fuel left in the tank. In total, Gerdes used a mere 38 gallons of gas to cross the country and averaged 60 mpg.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Engine

Hyundai’s fuel economy challenge was completed yesterday as Gerdes rolled into Georgia after traversing mountains, valleys, deserts, and braving the occasional thunder and snow storm. This particular fuel economy challenge was unique in that it was a true point-to-point drive across the country rather than a planned loop. Given this information, the drive is more strenuous than most owners would likely undertake, indicating that they could see even better fuel economy if they use Gerdes’ techniques.

“As a fan of fuel-efficient vehicles, I enjoy the challenge of putting new technology to the test,” said Gerdes after finishing the 2300 mile drive. “This demonstration shows how the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid can deliver extremely impressive fuel economy and range for drivers who value fuel savings.”