Excuse us if we keep talking about the Passat, but it is not our fault. The auto is constantly making news . You’re probably aware it won Motor Trend‘s “2012 Car of the Year”. A new one rolls off the lot and towards the driveway of a happy new owner about 333 times a day. The website kbb.com (Kelley Blue Book) has named it “Best Family Car” and named the TDI as a “Top Ten Green Car.”

It is the TDI that is making more news this week. John and Helen Taylor have recently driven their 2012 Passat TDI 1,626 miles on a single tank of fuel!

Their auto had a six speed manual transmission and was built in Chattanooga, TN. They did not lighten their car in any way, in fact they packed 120 pounds of gear, just for fun. The 1,626 miles set a world record for gasoline powered cars. They surpassed the old record by almost 100 miles, which was set by a European Passat with  a 1.6 BlueMotion diesel. They drove under normal conditions and averaged over 84MPG. This impressive feat was accomplished by implementing their strategies for more efficient driving. Their tips include: driving at a steady speed, (avoid over accelerating or breaking) keeping your car in top shape (like maintaining proper tire pressure) and driving slower to reduce wind resistance. Driving a TDI Passat doesn’t hurt either. If you’re not into “hypermiling” expect your 2012 TDI to get around 43MPG.

If you are interested in learning more from this couple that holds over 90 mileage records you can check out their “Fuel Academy“. You’ll probably need practice as they’ve been doing this for almost 30 years, so don’t expect to match this feat your first time driving this record-breaking machine. Come purchase some history at Keffer.