2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid travels 2,300 miles on two tanks, averages 60 mpg
As if there wasn’t already a bunch of buzz surrounding the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which goes on sale earlier this year, Wayne Gerdes recently drove the car cross country on two tanks of gas while averaging 60 mpg. Gerdes is best known for his fuel-economy challenges and inventing the term hypermilling.
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Gerdes started his journey in San Diego, California and drove to Jekyll Island, Georgia – a total of 2,300 miles. On a single tank, Gerdes drove 1,200 miles, while Hyundai says its official range for the 2011 Sonata Hybrid comes in at 700 highway miles.
“As a fan of fuel-efficient vehicles, I enjoy the challenge of putting new technology to the test,” said Gerdes after finishing the 2300 mile journey. “This demonstration shows how the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid can deliver extremely impressive fuel economy and range for drivers who value fuel savings. This is the first time I’ve driven a car that ‘does it right!”
Refresher: The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is powered by a 2.4L Theta II engine making 169-hp at 6,000 rpm and 156 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The engine is mated to an electric motor that makes an additional 40.2-hp and 151.2 lb-ft of torque. Working together side-by-side, both units develop a total of 209-hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid can also operate in EV-only mode at speeds of up to 62 mph. Fuel-economy is rated at 35/40 mpg (city/highway). Prices start at $25,795.
– By: Zain Haq
Source: Automobile
