We've written about the exploits of Helen and John Taylor on several previous occasions. The pair like to get into cars and see how far they can drive between fill-ups. Their most recent adventure took them around Australia in a Peugeot 308 with an average of 75.6 mpg (U.S.). Today, they are setting off from Chantilly, VA on trek intended to carry them through all 48 contiguous states. The 8,000 mile trip is expected to take three weeks and only include 12 (!) refueling stops. They are hoping to beat the current world record for a cross trip of 51.8 mpg. The pair already set a world record driving around the world in 24 tanks of fuel in a VW Golf in 2006 and this time around they will be driving one of the new 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDIs. The trip will take Taylors counter clockwise around the country using the usual array of efficient driving tactics including not idling or speeding and minimizing drag.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Here in the U.S., hypermiling has largely been the province of hybrid drivers. That doesn't mean that only hybrid drivers can take advantage of those driving strategies. When last we heard from Helen and John Taylor, the British couple had just completed a run from Britain to Poland in a pair of diesel-powered Jeeps at 55-56mpg. After that jaunt they headed to Australia for another hypermiling adventure. This time around they used a Peugeot 308 HDi 110. The pair drove the C-class sized hatchback 9,000 miles around the coast of Australia over 25 days. On one stretch, they traveled 1,192 mile on a single 60L tank of diesel and they averaged 75.6mpg (U.S.) over the whole journey. That was enough to gain two slots in the Guinness book of World records for longest distance on a single tank and highest mileage for a journey. The 308 was completely stock with nothing added or removed and also carried the couple's luggage for the 25 day trip.

[Source: Peugeot UK]