Stupid questions

[Mactech]

Over the past few years I have put some time and effort in to answering questions very few people were asking...like

Can you make a car powered by two diesel digger engines exceed 350mph?

Can you encourage the best luxury car in the real world to return over 50 MPG?

I can now say yes to both!

Well it keeps me amused!

 

[W210 Fan]

Mactech - you have reached your holy grail, over 50MPG in the S class, after the lowth what was the big secret of unlocking the next 5.6 mpg?

 

[Adam230K]

hmmm i hope your not one of those S-class drivers that pull away from traffic so slowly that i could probably read a book in the time it took you to reach 30mph...

 

[Mactech]

Mactech - you have reached your holy grail, over 50MPG in the S class, after the lowth what was the big secret of unlocking the next 5.6 mpg?

I'm back to my 'winter' 255 18" Michelin tyres with slightly higher pressures, but as I can't test in controlled conditions I'm at the mercy of the traffic and weather. I'd like to think my throttle control has improved but I did get a decent run through the traffic this morning.

I may not be AMG quick away from the lights but I didn't get in anyones way! The journey was done on mainly single carriage roads puncuated by roundabounts so 52 is not a bad average speed

 

[W210 Fan]

I'm back to my 'winter' 255 18" Michelin tyres with slightly higher pressures,

obviously I dont need to tell you that I hope your not just fixing your figures to achieve you holy grail only to wear the middle of the tyre out!!!

you could always improve the MPG further by gaffer taping all the holes up in the front of the car, or going even further by fittting 4 space saver tyres, removing the rear seats and other extra weight, running around on nearly no fuel....

where do you draw the line??

 

[Mactech]

No! I think the wording of 'Best luxury car in the real world' says it best.
I like my power, grip and luxury so none of those skinny 235 17" tyres the standard cars wears, but active aerodynamics under the bonnet like BMW...now there's an idea!

 

[W210 Fan]

active aerodynamics

like adjustable front splitters found on the Mitsubishi 3000GT or adjustable rear wings to clean the air to make it get through the air better, lets go one step further than the closing flaps...

I assume your car lowers itself at speed anyway?

 

[andyshore]

Mactech - you have reached your holy grail, over 50MPG in the S class, after the lowth what was the big secret of unlocking the next 5.6 mpg?

Very impressive economy Mactech.
What you need to do now is fill your tyres with nitrogen to get that little extra.
Andy.

 

[popuptoaster]

Cant see the point really, if you want 50mpg, buy a 400 quid Citroen AX 1 litre and it will do more than 50mpg even if you thrash it around at 90mph, probably less stressfull to drive normally in an old supermini than it is to have to concentrate on economy in a luxo barge like an S class.

 

[andyshore]

Cant see the point really, if you want 50mpg, buy a 400 quid Citroen AX 1 litre and it will do more than 50mpg even if you thrash it around at 90mph, probably less stressfull to drive normally in an old supermini than it is to have to concentrate on economy in a luxo barge like an S class.

That would be defeating the challenge popup.

 

[popuptoaster]

Challenge for challenges sake is a good thing i admit, maybe i'll see if i can extract more than 20mpg from my old 280ce.

 

[Mactech]

Cant see the point really, if you want 50mpg, buy a 400 quid Citroen AX 1 litre and it will do more than 50mpg even if you thrash it around at 90mph, probably less stressfull to drive normally in an old supermini than it is to have to concentrate on economy in a luxo barge like an S class.

I can certainly see your point as far as cost are involved. ‘Bangernomics’ can offer some really cost effective motoring, but less stressful?
I’m not sure that being confined to a raucous, flimsy eurobox would be my idea stress free motoring. I think the S Class is simply the most stress free vehicle currently available to drive on the road. Driven smoothly with observation and forward planning, the experience is enhanced. Ask any passenger for a second opinion!
The fact that this driving style happens to produce some pleasing fuel consumption is an added bonus and leaves me feeling that I’m not singularly responsible for global warming.
As the Irishman said when asked for directions ‘Well if oi was goin’ dere, oi wouldn’t be startin’ from here!’