Re: 70 mph yields better gas mileage
 

Well, without being as scientific as you'd probably like, here is my experience after about 40,000 miles of highway driving, without regard to weather or fuel blend. I was speaking off the cuff earlier. Looking at some records I've kept, in reality, the upper sweet spot is about 61 MPH, not 64. -John

Re: 70 mph yields better gas mileage
 

Hi,

THANK YOU!

Any data, documented, is better than no data. Although I'm a 'process' guy, knowing how (and the units) helps folks try to replicate the results even if they use different methodologies. I'm just happy to see some results because if nothing else it can inspire others to see if they can match it.

Good job!

Bob Wilson

Re: 70 mph yields better gas mileage
 

MPGs seem to fall for me above 65mph. And i also notice a drop in MPGs when using the CC; it's too aggressive when trying to maintain speed.

Re: 70 mph yields better gas mileage
 

Fadi,
Many others notice the same two things you just commented on.

And, welcome to the club!

Re: 70 mph yields better gas mileage
 

I have to retract my previous statement... I stepped it up a notch this weekend because 1: i was tired of being passed by minivans pulling trailers 2: I was on my way to see my ladyfriend :) So I kept it about 75. The average fuel dispaly went up by about 4mpgs and stayed in that range the rest of the trip. Only answer I could think of is the engine is at a more effecient range. So now i can drive like the rest of the world, and be even more enviromentally friendly.

Re: 70 mph yields better gas mileage
 

What ratio was your gearbox providing at the different speeds? Perhaps you were in a lower gear at the lower speed.

The second factor is - if you are travelling in a single direction rather than doing a round trip, the wind speed + direction will make a big difference also. Try doing 75 in both directions (with the wind and against the wind) and measure the combined mpg.

Re: 70 mph yields better gas mileage
 

I don't know the gear ration but considering it was cruising speeds, not accelerating or constant changes, i'm assuming the CVT was in it's final ratio. At 65 the tach was about 2400, and at 75 the tach was about 3000rpm

MPG averages were round trip, no measurable wind(trees were steady), mixed terrain for both MPG averages. The indicated MPGs on dash were within .5mpg of actual, so the number don't lie...