High schoolers break 2,500 mpg to win eco-marathon

Twice a year (once in Europe and once in the U.S.), Shell puts on the "Eco-Marathon." Basically, it's a way for Shell to say, "Look, we're doing something!" even though, really, it isn't.

And it's also an opportunity for publications to put big mpg numbers in headlines and get all excited! Really, it isn't that fantastically exciting, though.

If a clear coffin with three bicycle wheels and a top speed of 30 mph is your idea of a fine vehicle, then you can go ahead and get excited about getting 2,500 mpg. But, if not, I don't want to see any "if high schoolers can do it, then why can't Toyota" comments.

Nonetheless, it is impressive that a high-school team took home the prize this year, especially because they were vastly outnumbered (20 to four) by college-level teams. What's up, colleges? Get your act together!

So ,way to go, Mater Dei High School, we hope you'll take that $10,000 prize, have a sweet pizza dinner, and then spend the rest of it on next year's even more efficient vehicle.

Via EcoModder