Volkswagen of America announced today that it will challenge the existing GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS achievement for the “lowest fuel consumption—48 U.S. states for a non-hybrid car.” Two drivers will pilot a 2013 Passat TDI Clean Diesel, leaving from and returning to Volkswagen’s Herndon headquarters.
This 8,000-mile, 48 contiguous state drive entails traveling west along a southerly route and circling back via a northerly one for approximately two weeks. The drivers will stop at various points along the way and will share their experiences through Volkswagen’s social media channels.
The 2013 Passat TDI uses Volkswagen’s advanced turbocharged and direct-injection Clean Diesel engine to achieve EPA estimated highway fuel economy of 43 miles per gallon when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. This enables the Passat TDI to go up to 795 highway miles before needing to refuel.
The Passat TDI Clean Diesel departed from Volkswagen of America’s headquarters on Friday, June 7th, at 12:00 p.m. Herndon Mayor Lisa C. Merkel officiated at the opening ceremony to certify that Guinness World Records guidelines were followed correctly.
