Audi A6 in fuel economy world record attempt

Mile-devouring fuel economy is likely to be a key consideration for most drivers of the 67mpg Audi A6 TDI ultra, but on this occasion it is nothing short of crucial, because a Guinness World Records title attempt depends on it.

On Tuesday 9 June the efficiency flagship of the A6 range will set off on a Record Road Trip (#RecordRoadTrip) to secure the title for the greatest number of countries driven to on one tank of fuel. The project is being masterminded by the RAC, which is banking on Audi’s innovations in lightweight construction, engineering and driver assistance technology to deliver the desired result. It has also enlisted the considerable expertise of motoring journalist Andrew Frankel and racing driver Rebecca Jackson to complement the car with some skilful and judicious use of the controls.

As ferry or rail Channel crossings would invalidate the title attempt, the Record Road Trip will begin in Maastricht in the Netherlands, and will continue through Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Austria, Germany and Italy towards the Balkans.

The route has been carefully planned to avoid the economy-sapping effects of congested towns and cities, motorways and mountainous regions. Andrew and Rebecca will drive almost continuously, and will employ every technique at their disposal to use as little fuel as possible and maximise their all-important miles-per-gallon figure.

A familiar sight on continent-crossing excursions, the Audi A6 ultra was chosen by the RAC for the record-setting adventure because of its excellent fuel economy and large 73-litre tank, but also because it demands no compromises on space, comfort and equipment in return for its outstanding economy, which is delivered with CO2 emissions of as little as 109g/km. Apart from its distinctive body wrap the record car will be identical in every respect to any other A6 ultra en route.

Commenting on the challenging expedition, Jon Zammett, head of Audi UK Public Relations, said: “At a time when MPG is a top priority we are using an A6 ultra to set a new world record, using real world parameters. It’s truly astounding how efficient our executive car can be in normal use, and our aim to cover over 1,000 miles across Europe on a single fill-up costing as little as £88 (€123) will really hammer this point home.”

RAC Road Trip coordinator Simon Williams said: “We’re confident the combination of two skilled drivers, a highly fuel efficient Audi A6 ultra and a route that takes in the most possible countries in the least fuel-taxing way will lead to a hard-to-beat record that covers at least 10 countries, hopefully more.”