Pontiac Firefly with Tail Drives 64 mpg
By Chris Weiss
If you’re the type of guy that doesn’t care how hideous his sweater looks so long as it’s made out of recycled tires and soy, then take heed. The car tail above looks about as ugly as a vehicle modification can, but it elevates fuel economy all the way up to 64 mpg.
Designed by Darin Cosgrove, the hypermiler and founder of the site Ecomodder, the tail is a combination of cardboard, aluminum and duct tape wrapped around the back of a Pontiac Firefly circa ’98. The mod took 14 hours to build and extends the car by 4 1/2 feet. The tail increases aerodynamics and delivers a 15 percent boost in fuel economy at 56 mph. According to Cosgrove, the car handles the same as it did pre-tail.
You decide if the ends justify the means. [via Wired]
