In an effort to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a Ford team comprised of expert drivers and engineers will put their mileage-maximizing skills to the test by attempting to reach 1,000 miles in the 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid on a single tank of gas. For all you doubting Thomases, according to the automaker, the vehicle will not be modified in anyway and will receive regular 87 octane fuel.
The 1,000 mile challenge will take place this upcoming Saturday in Mount Vernon, Virginia and will end in our nation’s capital on Monday morning, April 27. The roster of automotive talents extraordinaire will put their best skills to the test, driving two to three hours each, over the course of 43 plus hours, while managing to get in breaks to ensure, that no one falls asleep at the wheel. The 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid is being touted as the ‘most fuel-efficient, mid-sized sedan in America,’ so in order to achieve the desired end result, the drivers must maintain at least an average of 57 mpg. Earlier testing of the vehicle by Ford engineers incorporating the Eco-Driving techniques achieved an impressive 70 mpg.
Who will be taking the wheel during this challenge? NASCAR star Carl Edwards, hypermiler and world record-breaker Wayne Gerdes, Ford Hybrid chief engineer Sherif Marakby and a host of other Ford hybrid think-tankers.
--Car Chick
Comments
1000 miles. I'll be ready to trade in my luxury vehicle foe this one
1000 miles! I won't have to fill up for at least 2 or 3 months!! Imagine the savings!!
Thanks for the tip. Linked in from our blog. Excellent article. I have high hopes for Ford to survive the current downturn. Their marketing of the Fusion Hybrid is off to a good start with this promotion. Bravo Ford!
In the end, the new Ford Fusion hybrid didn't travel 1,000 miles on a full tank of gas.
It traveled 1,445.7 miles and averaged 81.5 MPG in 69 hours of continuous driving! They only stopped to change drivers.
Now folks do need to understand some of the details in what some are calling a publicity stunt by Ford.
The drivers of the new 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid were engaged in what's termed Eco-Driving or Hypermiling. Some of the techniques done included coasting to red lights, smoothly braking, and accelerating gradually. Other techniques have been called into question for safety reasons.
The average speed for this distance and this time is 21 MPH. We're not talking highway speeds, but for around town driving this is very real world stuff. The trip computer in my minivan regularly records 14-18 MPH average speeds between fill ups.
The Ford Fusion hybrid has an EPA rating of 41 MPG city/36 MPG highway. You the average Joe or Jane can probably, without a lot of effort or endangering your safety, achieve city mileage somewhere between 41 MPG and 81 MPG. I'd be ecstatic over 61 MPG, but I'd still be overjoyed with 51 MPG.
The Ford Fusion hybrid is a truly amazing car. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. If I had to buy a new vehicle to replace my 2000 Saturn SW2, this would be the car. No question about it. I'm holding out for either 2011 when Ford will introduce an electric only Ford Focus or 2012 when Ford will introduce a plugin hybrid (or PHEV) Ford Escape.
The future looks VERY promising for Ford.
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