Archives

I'm interested to see the results for the Golf GTi - which despite being a mid "performance car", does achieve an excellent MPG. I've long wondered why the Volkswagen range has not attained better traction in the US - I drive, here in the UK, a 1.6 litre 2006 Golf (FSi engine). I'm also amazed at VW's 1.4 TSi engine, which is in the "GT" badged car.

But what I wondered even more - why buy a GTi and hypermile it? This doesn't make any sense. It's more expensive, it consumes way more fuel ... I'd love to hear.

These techniques are smart, but very engineer-focused - many of them are fantastically dangerous, and I think accident stats for hypermilers should be tracked. Imagine - drive in the middle of the road in the pouring rain! You'd better be buying the highest safety level car!

Also - slip-streaming: Make sure you have good brakes and reflexes. They teach us about that one when we start to drive.

More crucially - simply curtail any unnecessary trips. Have your groceries delivered. Think it through - Journies of convenience, just forget them.

Well, this is certainly food for thought. I've learned some, and I like the glide techniques ... but the idea of powering off at 50 mph and re-booting my systems - foolish. Maybe on a 1970 VW Beetle, without power steering, but today? Nah - I have a family to keep alive.

I could go on!

Go hydrogen please!

Hi and welcome to the forum. All the techniques don't work for everybody and all vehicles.
Use what works for you.

Welcome!

I assume you have read the "Beating the EPA" article available from the homepage.

As to why hypermiling a performance car- many of our members want to reduce fuel costs/usage and/or help the environment but also want the sporty car on occasion or just run what they brung. Hypermiling allows them to do this.

As for safety- CleanMPG encourages safety first and relies on its members to make the judgement of what level of hypermiling is appropriate for conditions.

"slip-streaming"- close-in drafting is strongly discouraged as it is very dangerous. Most drafting refers to distant drafting or following >1 sec behind. This distance is chosen because it allows benefits while maintaining greater.

If you think we're reckless, trying DWL and DWB 5mph under your normal speed and see what happens. Just as safe and better FE.

Best,
Marc

Cleanmpg members spend a lot of time and effort promoting safe driving habits.