Meet The Guy Who Drove Across The U.S. In A Record 28 Hours 50 Minutes
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 659
Likes: 25
From: SE MI
2005 Mercedes E55 AMG
It's hard to believe such a feat is possible. Some quick math. He says it took 15 minutes to get out of Manhattan. If you assume it also took 15 minutes to get into LA, then he covered 2800 miles in, let's say, 27.5 hours. (Check the GPS photo - the moving time is 28:04, stopped time 46 minutes.) That is an average rolling pace on the highway (not city streets) of 102MPH. When you figure a fair bit of time stuck at 60-70MPH behind traffic, that means an equal amount of time at 130+ to achieve a 102 average. It's difficult to believe you can spend that much time at 130 given the reality of traffic and drivers in the USA.
The other thing that struck me from the article was the fuel economy. He said "high thirteens." Now I don't know about you, but my 55K car will barely touch 20MPG at a steady 70MPH. This car was obviously driven at WOT every time the road was clear ahead. A trip figure of 14MPG does not sound very realistic under those conditions.
Anyone ever taken an aggressive road trip and care to share your trip MPG?
From the trunk photo I notice the fillers for the aux tanks are underneath the parcel shelf. Doesn't look very easy to get a filler nozzle in there.
The other thing that struck me from the article was the fuel economy. He said "high thirteens." Now I don't know about you, but my 55K car will barely touch 20MPG at a steady 70MPH. This car was obviously driven at WOT every time the road was clear ahead. A trip figure of 14MPG does not sound very realistic under those conditions.
Anyone ever taken an aggressive road trip and care to share your trip MPG?
From the trunk photo I notice the fillers for the aux tanks are underneath the parcel shelf. Doesn't look very easy to get a filler nozzle in there.
A small group, including myself, are working on a car for this. Ed did a fantastic time but still had quite a few errors. It should be interesting.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 724
Likes: 31
Car free at the moment
He hired a GPS tracking company to document the trip. Data is data... if that's not black and white, I don't know what is.
A small group, including myself, are working on a car for this. Ed did a fantastic time but still had quite a few errors. It should be interesting.
A small group, including myself, are working on a car for this. Ed did a fantastic time but still had quite a few errors. It should be interesting.
However, he hasn't released the data; he merely states that it exists. No one has seen it. I don't know about you, but data that is not available does not make for a very convincing argument. As they say - show me the money.
Good luck on your venture.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 659
Likes: 25
From: SE MI
2005 Mercedes E55 AMG
Yeah, I presume he was using a Spot tracker, they're very common in the long distance motorcycle community. Spot generates nice map tracks so your family/friends can keep tabs, like this: https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php...e4fa00fbd4b81f.
However, he hasn't released the data; he merely states that it exists. No one has seen it. I don't know about you, but data that is not available does not make for a very convincing argument. As they say - show me the money.
Good luck on your venture.
However, he hasn't released the data; he merely states that it exists. No one has seen it. I don't know about you, but data that is not available does not make for a very convincing argument. As they say - show me the money.
Good luck on your venture.
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 59
CL65
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Elk Grove, CA
'06 E55 AMG
I'd think the way to go for the NY to LA trip would be in either a VW or Audi TDI with extended tanks, make it a one stop trip.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 19
From: SWFL
E55, E320 CDI , CLA250, Jag XJ Supersport
I think the e320 CDI would be a good choice. Powerful, comfortable, aerodynamic and fuel efficient.
Add two tanks in the trunk and you could go 1800 miles before fueling up.
ETA: stopping for gas really destroys average speed.
Add two tanks in the trunk and you could go 1800 miles before fueling up.
ETA: stopping for gas really destroys average speed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 59
CL65
If you work the numbers at 14 mpg it works out to 3-67 gallon fill-ups. Starting on full tanks means they may have only had to stop 2 times. These guys averaged 98 mph. I don't think you are taking into consideration the amount of slow downs that would take place. On the highway, the 55 motor will jump right back up to speed 10x quicker than a diesel. That is where you keep you average high, its the ability to slow down quickly and return to high speeds quickly(look at the brake dust on the front wheels). Over the course of 2800 miles I think it would make up for the extra stop compared to a diesel getting 1800 miles without stopping. Only one way to find, out go for it!!!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,182
Likes: 15
From: Northern VA
W211
That's pretty impressive of these guys doing this trip. Years ago my friends and I would go to Montreal from Richmond Virginia every 3 weeks for the summer. Always left around 10-11pm and arrive 11 1/2 to 12 hrs later. We weren't averaging 98mph but some mostly 75-80 mph and some stretches 100-110mph. Don't think we ever did it under 11hrs. Stopping for tolls, fill ups, food and bathroom.
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: MovesALot
05 E55, 08 S63, 09 GL450
Impressive performance. I did Hercules CA to Houston TX in a new Penske truck filled to the gills with 3 bedroom house worth of stuff and pulling my wifes ml350 on a carrier. All in under 31hrs. Max truck speed was75mph. We stopped only for gas, two drivers. An AMG thats rigged to quench its thirst can certainly do much better.
Last edited by gambari; Nov 1, 2013 at 11:11 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 5
From: California
2018 E63S AMG, 2003 SLK 230 Sport, 2004 SL 600, 2006 SLK 55 AMG, 1998 E320 Wagon
It's hard to believe such a feat is possible. Some quick math. He says it took 15 minutes to get out of Manhattan. If you assume it also took 15 minutes to get into LA, then he covered 2800 miles in, let's say, 27.5 hours. (Check the GPS photo - the moving time is 28:04, stopped time 46 minutes.) That is an average rolling pace on the highway (not city streets) of 102MPH. When you figure a fair bit of time stuck at 60-70MPH behind traffic, that means an equal amount of time at 130+ to achieve a 102 average. It's difficult to believe you can spend that much time at 130 given the reality of traffic and drivers in the USA.
The other thing that struck me from the article was the fuel economy. He said "high thirteens." Now I don't know about you, but my 55K car will barely touch 20MPG at a steady 70MPH. This car was obviously driven at WOT every time the road was clear ahead. A trip figure of 14MPG does not sound very realistic under those conditions.
Anyone ever taken an aggressive road trip and care to share your trip MPG?
From the trunk photo I notice the fillers for the aux tanks are underneath the parcel shelf. Doesn't look very easy to get a filler nozzle in there.
The other thing that struck me from the article was the fuel economy. He said "high thirteens." Now I don't know about you, but my 55K car will barely touch 20MPG at a steady 70MPH. This car was obviously driven at WOT every time the road was clear ahead. A trip figure of 14MPG does not sound very realistic under those conditions.
Anyone ever taken an aggressive road trip and care to share your trip MPG?
From the trunk photo I notice the fillers for the aux tanks are underneath the parcel shelf. Doesn't look very easy to get a filler nozzle in there.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 7,659
Likes: 67
From: Atlanta
2006 E55 AMG
Met the guy at caffeine and octane today. You should have seen all his radio equipment to listen for the local authorities in the car. It was sick. Also said at night he was well into the triple digits hauling.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 59
CL65
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 724
Likes: 31
Car free at the moment
I drive a 55K wagon. I always forget they get lower mileage because of less clean aerodynamics relative to the sedan. The wagon might break 20MPG at a steady 70MPH, but only if the air conditioning is switched off.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
GTI
If you work the numbers at 14 mpg it works out to 3-67 gallon fill-ups. Starting on full tanks means they may have only had to stop 2 times. These guys averaged 98 mph. I don't think you are taking into consideration the amount of slow downs that would take place. On the highway, the 55 motor will jump right back up to speed 10x quicker than a diesel. That is where you keep you average high, its the ability to slow down quickly and return to high speeds quickly(look at the brake dust on the front wheels). Over the course of 2800 miles I think it would make up for the extra stop compared to a diesel getting 1800 miles without stopping. Only one way to find, out go for it!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,165
Likes: 4
PLAID
I believe we were averaging high 12s early on, then it got up to 13s, the engine was usually spinning ~3K rpm.
It isn't, but we had plenty of practice before hand. When we refueled in New Jersey before setting off for the island, we didn't realize gas stations were full service only. Lets just say the gas attendant never seen anything like it his whole life, and definitely didn't want to touch it.
This is on point. We filled up 2.5 times. The rotors are probably warped now. lol
It isn't, but we had plenty of practice before hand. When we refueled in New Jersey before setting off for the island, we didn't realize gas stations were full service only. Lets just say the gas attendant never seen anything like it his whole life, and definitely didn't want to touch it.
This is on point. We filled up 2.5 times. The rotors are probably warped now. lol
ANY idea when he's going to release the actual GPS data from the company you guys hired??? I believe you guys did in fact break the record, BUT the doubting Debbie's aren't so sure.
