Check out this car… it has everything. And I do mean… everything. It reminds me a little of the Aztec…er Aztek. Only, this one isn’t as ugly, and it isn’t an SUV, because SUVs weren’t wildly popular in 1989. Also, this concept is somehow more utilitarian than that particular sport utility vehicle. Though, if it sold with all of these features, it would probably still cost as much as a big SUV.
In 1973, a car managed to get 376 miles to the gallon. That was 30 years ago. Using a car that was 20 years old at the time- and was put together by a couple of guys in their garage.
Of course, this car is highly modified for efficiency. The rear wheels are both in the center of the car. It only seats one. There are no headlights.
Even if some creature comforts were added and this car was only able to perform at half the efficiency that it achieved in 1973, it would still be a car that got 188 miles to the gallon.
The secret to this great fuel economy comes mostly from superheating the gas before it reaches the combustion chamber, making it essentially fuel vapor. Other factors are more obvious- weight reduction, hard tires providing lower resistence (roughly %25 of energy is lost to soft tires).
This car was listed in Guiness book of world records in 1975. It was the winner of a fuel efficiency contest sponsored by Shell in 1973, and until recently, it has been sitting in a museum at Talladega raceway.
Shell still sponsors the eco-marathon that this car won in 1973, and the results of last years competition were incredible. Vehicles are getting upwards of 1900 MPG.
I'm crazy about technology... literally! Here at Pixel-Shack, you'll read about hot tech trends, zany gadgets, sweet rides and the occasional video game related tidbit.
