Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Goes Cross Country on Just Two Tanks of Gas

We have a not-so-bold prediction for 2011: automakers are going to have more than one pissing contest over who’s the greenest. And a good hypermiling journey is just the way to get that year started.

Hyundai wrapped up a 2,300-mile trip between San Diego and Jekyll Island, Georgia this week and is more than happy to announce that the Sonata Hybrid made the journey on just two tanks of gas–and not even full tanks: there was about 2.5 gallons leftover at the end.

Of course, Hyundai had the help of hypermiling guru Wayne Gerdes, so don’t expect to just take off for the coast and make it with one pit stop–you’ll undoubtedly get more modest mileage. But, with his own expertise and the Sonata’s lithium-polymer-powered parallel hybrid powertrain, Gerdes averaged 60 mpg and made his only stop about 1,200 miles in.  [via Motor Trend]