Fuel Saving Fun

The 2728 Toyota Prius has a reputation as a car favoured by tree-hugging Hollywood stars, but a former colleague of the 3260 World Highways editor has proven that despite its reputation for economy, the Toyota Prius can serve as a racetrack tool. The driver has confirmed that his vehicle was officially the ninth fastest of its type around the famous Nordschleife (Nürburgring) race track in Germany, beating 27 other similar models at the time of its run. The unmodified Prius T4 managed to complete the 20.8km section of track open to the public in 15 minutes 34 seconds. The owner did however hold true to the image of the fuel economy concerned Prius driver by adding that the car achieved 13.94km/litre (39.6mpg) even while pedal to the metal at the racetrack. However it is worth noting that record times for completing the 20.8km circuit in unmodified (but high performance) road cars are under 7 minutes, with racing cars having managed faster laps still.