A modified version of the English Caterham Seven recently achieved a new benchmark for a modified street car at the Shell Eco-Marathon – an astounding 131 miles per gallon. Axon Automotive, with the support of Energy-Efficient Motorsport (EEMS), achieved this feat using the combination of an extremely aerodynamic custom body, low rolling resistance tires, and hypermiling techniques.

The Shell Eco-Marathon, held annually in Rockingham, England, is a slightly different kind of road race. Contestants must complete seven laps of the track within 40 minutes, while maintaining a minimum of 15 MPH, and compete to see who can do it using the least gasoline, diesel, LPG or hydrogen. While this “race” might not jump-start the adrenaline of dyed-in-the-wool NASCAR fans, it certainly piques the interest of driving enthusiasts with a soft spot for the environment.

Says Dr. Steve Cousins, leader of the Aaxon Automotive team: "We are showing that careful driving and relatively simple modifications to conventional cars can lead to significant fuel savings. Significantly the Caterham 2R was the only car in the competition that was molded from a road-legal vehicle."Caterham cars are sold both in finished form from the dealership, and in a kit form the do-it-yourself mechanic can assemble at home. Legendary for their super-car performance on a shoestring budget, their chassis might be a good place to start if you've been considering building your own earth-friendly vehicle.

via AutoBlogGreen

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