Kia Optima Hybrid sets hypermiling fuel economy record

If you need a gimmick to underscore the fuel economy of a new vehicle, you can't pick a better one than this: a new Guinness world record for the lowest fuel consumption in a hybrid gasoline vehicle while driving through all "Lower 48" U.S. states.

To do it, Kia turned to Wayne Gerdes from Wadsworth, Ill., one of the country's top hypermilers, and Chris Bernius from New York. They drove a factory-standard 2011 Kia Optima hybrid sedan some 7,899 miles across America. Using their driving techniques, they achieved 64.55 miles per gallon. That's 61% better than the car's EPA gas mileage ratings.

Amazingly, the Optima hybrid used only five and a half tanks of gas to cover every Lower 48 state. There were two people in the car, plus luggage, in order to qualify for the record.

They set off on Aug. 26 at Kia's factory in West Point, Ga., and finished last week in Greenville, S.C. There will be a ceremony today to fete the pair in West Point.