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Toyota’s Prius continues to break new ground in automotive efficiency. Recently, hypermiling expert Wayne Gerdes secured the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the lowest fuel consumption during a coast-to-coast U.S. drive. Gerdes achieved an impressive 93.158 MPG on his journey from Los Angeles to New York City in a Prius LE, far exceeding the previous record.
Key Highlights:
- Record-breaking drive: Gerdes traveled 3,211.7 miles from the West to East Coast.
- Unmatched fuel efficiency: Achieved an average of 93.158 MPG, surpassing the previous record in the mid-70s MPG range.
- Challenging conditions: The route included mountainous terrain, desert heat, and strong Gulf winds.
- Driver tips: Simple strategies for better fuel economy include smooth acceleration and using momentum before stops.
Toyota Prius: A Legacy of Innovation
Since its U.S. debut in 2000, the Toyota Prius has become synonymous with hybrid technology. Its introduction over two decades ago marked a turning point in automotive design by combining an electric motor with a high-efficiency engine. The Prius continues to serve as a symbol of Toyota’s commitment to carbon neutrality, offering various powertrain options across almost every vehicle segment.
“The Prius has impressed us all for the past 23 years, and frankly, it continues to wow us today,” said Michael Tripp, Toyota Vehicle Marketing Group Vice President. “The world record for the highest MPG to us is just one more proof point that the Prius truly is an engineering marvel.”
Journey Across the U.S.
Gerdes’ cross-country trip wasn’t easy. He navigated elevations of up to 7,000 feet and weathered temperatures exceeding 105°F in the Mojave Desert. The unpredictable conditions made the achievement even more impressive, underscoring the Prius’ fuel efficiency and durability in diverse environments.
“For a record attempt like this, it’s a lot of planning,” Gerdes shared. “You can’t just go sight unseen into doing this. You have to have that plan. But you also have to be able to work on the fly.”
Fuel-Efficient Driving Tips
Gerdes also offered valuable advice for everyday drivers looking to improve their fuel economy:
- Slow take-offs from stops.
- Maintain even pressure on the accelerator pedal.
- Glide to stops by easing off the accelerator early.
These strategies can help drivers maximize their vehicle’s efficiency, whether in a Prius or another model.
Next-Generation Prius: New Features and Recognition
The latest-generation Toyota Prius arrived in 2023 with a sleek, sporty exterior and cutting-edge technology, boasting up to 57 MPG combined with its fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System. The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ achievement adds to the growing list of accolades for the new Prius, which includes titles like Car and Driver’s 10Best and MotorTrend Car of the Year.
For more information, visit Toyota.com.
This remarkable fuel efficiency record showcases how skilled driving techniques combined with Toyota’s innovative engineering continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in fuel economy. While Gerdes’ results may not be typical, they demonstrate the potential within the reach of everyday drivers.
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