Skip to main content

Fuel Saving Fun

The Toyota Prius has a reputation as a car favoured by tree-hugging Hollywood stars, but a former colleague of the World Highways editor has proven that despite its reputation for economy, the Toyota Prius can serve as a racetrack tool. The driver has con rmed that his vehicle was o cially 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 unmodi ed Prius T4 managed to complete the 20.8km section of t
April 16, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
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.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • China looks to the future with major highway plans
    February 15, 2012
    China is still moving ahead with plans that will give it the world's biggest highway system. Patrick Smith reports. As China's economy grows even more, keeping the country on the move has become a priority for the government. While the country has made great strides over the past decade in improving its infrastructure, the number of vehicles has also increased rapidly, and in some instances restrictions have been placed on them.
  • Singapore F1 racetrack uses Shell technology
    July 20, 2012
    The Singapore Grand Prix at the end of September was a race to remember for many reasons. Formula One's first night race saw excitement on the track, and it was a test for the high-performance surface containing Shell premium grade bitumen binder Cariphalte Racetrack. The inaugural Singapore Grand Prix was staged on a new street circuit and is open to regular motorists. Work on the track started in April 2008 and was completed in just two months. Because the road circuit is used for everyday traffic, the ne
  • Engine innovations unveiled
    August 24, 2023
    The recent CONEXPO-CON/Agg exhibition in Las Vegas saw major engine firms unveiling innovative new technologies
  • Improved roadmarkings will boost roadway safety for users
    February 19, 2013
    An Innovative road marking system helping to boost public transport in a major South American city, and road marking analytic technology robust enough to withstand damage in heavy rain are among products examined by Guy Woodford . DEGAROUTE Methacylate (MMA) cold plastic area markings from Evonik Industries are being used as part of efforts to improve the public transport system in Santiago, Chile. By adding red pigment to the DEGAROUTE binder, distinctive and long-lasting red-coloured bus lanes are being c