(August 26, 2011) DETROIT — Behind the wheel of an unmodified Chevrolet Cruze Eco an Australian couple set a fuel-efficiency record for the 48 contiguous states. During the 23-day, 9,552 mile trip sponsored by Shell Oil, John and Helen Taylor averaged a remarkable 64.42 miles per gallon.

That's 50 percent better than the EPA estimate of 42 miles per gallon highway for a Cruze Eco manual, already the most fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered car in the United States, excluding hybrids and diesels. To achieve its segment-leading fuel economy, Cruze’s engineers focused on aerodynamic performance, mass optimization and powertrain enhancements.

The Taylors' record setting drive was part of the Shell Smarter Driving program, which launched on Aug. 1, to demonstrate to everyday drivers that they, too, can use simple tips to stretch their fuel and budget. Using the program, the Taylors were able to go the distance only fuelling up the 12.6 gallon tank nearly 12 times along their route.

For example, the Cruze Eco was the first in the compact-car segment to offer an active air shutter that closes at higher speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag and opens at lower speeds to optimize engine-cooling airflow. Engineers also made more than 42 changes to reduce weight on the Cruze Eco, such as light-weight 17-inch wheels and tires save 21.2 pounds per vehicle.

The Cruze Eco features a standard Ecotec 1.4L turbocharged engine that delivers 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft. of torquebetween 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque — a specific trait of turbocharged engines — helps the engine deliver a better driving experience and performance.