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Urban Vehicle of the Future Achieves 437.2 MPG

The 2010 Shell Eco-marathon Americas student challenge reached extreme mileage the past weekend, with an astonishing 2,487.5 mpg, equivalent to 1,057.5 km/l, in the "Prototype" category. As for the "UrbanConcept" category, the winning vehicle achieved 437.2 mpg, equivalent to 185.87 km/l.

The challenge is destined to students, who are invited to design, build and test fuel-efficient vehicle that travel the farthest distance using the least amount of energy. Each winning team received a $5,000 grand prize from Shell.

"The competition was tough this year, plus participating on a street course for the first time was a whole new experience for us," said Bruno Leduc of Laval University. "We put a lot of time and energy into our vehicle this year and are very proud of how we did. We are excited to be the Shell Eco-marathon Americas champions again in 2010!"

For both categories, teams may use any conventionally available energy source – including fuels such as diesel, gasoline and liquid petroleum gas (LPG), as well as alternative fuels such as hydrogen, biomass and solar.

"The 2010 Shell Eco-marathon Americas is a challenge that brings together high school and college students from across the Americas to push the boundaries and design mobility solutions," said Mark Singer, global project manager for the Shell Eco-marathon. "And, it is a clear demonstration that we're never too young to start making energy innovations and efficiency a priority. It was inspiring to see these vehicles of the future on the streets of downtown Houston this year."

The Prototype entries included 28 vehicles powered by combustion engines, five by fuel cell/hydrogen technology, two by solar power, and two by diesel fuel. The UrbanConcept entries included six vehicles powered by combustion engines, two by diesel fuel, one by fuel cell/hydrogen and one by solar power.
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