Volkswagen Attempts World Record in Herndon

On Friday, Herndon was the take-off site of a Guiness Book of World Records attempt.

Unlike some of the crazier ones - most piercings all over the body, or most hot dogs eaten in one sitting - this world record challenge was something those concerned about rising gas prices and air cleanliness might appreciate.

Volkswagen of America (VWoA) is sending a two-man team across the 48 contiguous states in the new VW Passat TDI, in an attempt to make it the whole way using the least amount of fuel possible.

Wayne Gerdes and Bob Winger will attempt to break the current record of averaging 67.9 miles per gallon on a trip spanning 48 U.S. states in a non-hybrid car.

Interesting, the record VWoA is trying to break is its own - it was VWoA itself that set the record of 67.9 miles per gallon for the trip back in 2009, with the Jetta.

A kick-off celebration was held around lunchtime Friday at the VWoA headquarters in Herndon, where the team will take off from. Another celebration will be held as the team rolls back into Herndon again in two weeks.

Many of Volkswagen's top executives from around the world, as well as employees of the Herndon headquarters, were on hand to see the team off, along with Herndon Town Councilwoman Grace Han Wolf and Herndon Town Manager Art Anselene, who served as the official witnesses to sign off on the Guiness world record.

Wolf and Anselene witnessed the car being filled with fuel, and then watched the tank be "sealed" until the drivers reach their first fueling stop in Charlotte, N.C., to prove that no fuel will be added along the way and preserve their attempt at the record.

VWoA representatives and Gerdes say, they will shoot to beat the record "significantly" by reaching the high-70s for miles per gallon with the Passat on this world record trip.

The founder of CleanMPG.com, Gerdes is widely considered the "most fuel efficient driver in the world," and a foremost expert in testing and researching the most fuel-efficient driving techniques and vehicles.

What do you think of Volkswagen's world record attempt? Tell us in the comments below.

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