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http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/../photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg The vehicle is being put to the test to demonstrate Ford's commitment to be the best, or amongst the best, in fuel economy in every vehicle segment in which it competes and to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process.
(http://www.calgaryherald.com/Cars/Fusion+Hybrid+runs+tank/1541735/story.html)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/591/FFH_1000_Mile_start1.JPGThe Calgary Journal - April 27, 2009

How would you ever know if we did not post this? :D --Ed.

After NASCAR driver Carl Edwards went airborn with his 3,500-pound racecar, with bits and pieces flying into the grandstand before the car slammed back onto Talladega Speedway in a mangled heap, the man climbed out of a Ford Fusion Hybrid that had travelled more than 1,600 kms on a single tank of fuel.

The Fusion reached the 1,000 mile target Monday with a team of drivers, including Edwards, and was still going with a third of a tank, for a total distance by Tuesday morning of more than 2,325 kms on a single tank — enough to drive from New York to Miami without filling up. The distance means the Fusion Hybrid achieved more than 80 U.S. mpg, or an incredible 2.9L/100 km.

The challenge started Saturday morning in Mount Vernon, Va., and ended in Washington, D.C Tuesday morning. The team, which included world-record breaking hypermiler Wayne Gerdes and several Ford hybrid engineers, used various "hypermiling" techniques to help the car maximize its mileage, including gradual acceleration and braking, maintaining even throttle pressure, coasting up to red lights and avoiding bumps and potholes.... http://www.calgaryherald.com/Cars/Fusion+Hybrid+runs+tank/1541735/story.html

This is amazing stuff. Well done to all involved. I'm also amazed at the fact that someone other than CleanMPG is advocating coasting to red lights and other, previously controversial, techniques! Is the tide turning for hypermiling?:woot:

ollie

1600 miles is enormous! Great work!

The most fuel-efficient, mid-sized sedan in America – the Fusion Hybrid – driven by a team of Ford hybrid engineers, a fuel efficiency expert and a NASCAR star, achieved more than 80 miles per gallon using Eco-Driving techniques

HYPERMILING TECHNIQUES!! HYPERMILING TECHNIQUES!! :rolleyes:

The team, which included world-record breaking hypermiler Wayne Gerdes and several Ford hybrid engineers, used various "hypermiling" techniques to help the car maximize its mileage, including gradual acceleration and braking,

It's not supposed to be in quotes!!!

I guess people still don't know the extistence of the word and think it's still jargon.:rolleyes:

k my rant is over :D. Glad to see that this event is being recognized all over! A milestone to be recognized.

The article is missing the best part

“You become very aware of your driving because you’re constantly looking for opportunities to maximize mileage, and a more aware driver is a safer driver, too,” said Gil Portalatin, Ford hybrid applications manager.

In addition, it is important for Fusion Hybrid drivers to manage the battery system’s state of charge through the use of regenerative braking and coasting, and balancing the use of the electric motor and gas engine in city driving to avoid wasting fuel.

Fusion Hybrid drivers also can stay more connected to the hybrid driving experience with Ford’s SmartGaugeTM with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster that helps coach drivers on how to optimize performance of their hybrid.

The Challenge
The Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge team took turns driving several routes in and around the national capital over the course of approximately three days and nights. The route involved elevation changes, and ranged from the relatively open George Washington Parkway to a 3-mile stretch in the heart of the city that is clogged with roughly 30 traffic signals.

“The Fusion Hybrid works brilliantly,” Gerdes said. “When you don’t need acceleration power while driving around town, the gas engine shuts down seamlessly. There’s not another hybrid drivetrain in the world that does that as effectively. The Fusion engineering team really knocked it out of the park.”

Ford NASCAR star Carl Edwards took time away from the high speed world of professional car racing to contribute to the Fusion Hybrid team’s success in D.C.

“It was exciting to be an active part in this challenge. The fact that it will help spread the word about the Fusion Hybrid’s great mileage, and help out a great charity, makes it even more special,” said Edwards, whose ‘99’ team has used fuel-saving techniques to win races. “There’s no question that the Fusion Hybrid will help consumers save fuel when they drive it. Having driven the car, I feel strongly about how great it is – so strong that I’ve purchased one myself.”

Given some time, Carl will probably catch a lot of flack for what he represents. He'll probably be looked at as someone who doesn't care about the environment but just wants to buy into the hype. Well...unless they know his history with the car.