Quote:
Originally Posted by Erdrick
Congratulations. That is pretty amazing, as in REALLY amazing! Basically with no mods, being able to break the 100 barrier. Just think what you could do if you now started to work on car, and kept your awesome driving technique in place...!
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Well, it is just around 50% over manufacturer's declared fuel consumption. Some people here have done much better, like CO ZX2 recently, with + 239.5% over EPA.( His effort deserve much more merit). The fact is this light car by itself is a low burner with its small efficient diesel engine.( I am lazy, I buy the economy instead of making it). The 50% over EPA is done with
basic driving techniques of low constant speed in high gear and acute control of acceleration, deceleration, anticipation of geographycal relief and traffic pattern.
The basic car is efficient but it is difficult to improve by a high percentage. More
advanced driving techniques like P&G or EOC or WOT seem impossible with this car. The semi-automatic transmission doesn't allow lower speed. EOC is impaired by the fact the car cannot be restart without stopping first. WOT for more efficiency on gas engine is contrary to diesel fundamentals lean burning at regular slow rpm.
I was thinking about
fairing the CO ZX2 way. Even then it is difficult, just thinking the wheels are wider apart form the side of the car (protuding somewhat). The best would be to make the back more aerodynamic, like a water droplet, since this car is so boxy, and CO ZX2 says that ? negative pressures and turbulence at the rear may produce as much as 85% of total aero drag ?.
I continue studying what GS members have done and will be happy having your opinions on ways to improve FE on a diesel.