Even the base model Chevrolet Corvette is no shrinking violet in the performance department; with its 430-hp, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds specs. Popular Mechanics recently surprised almost everyone when it ran a fuel efficiency test on the beast, which did better than 30-mpg. The test set out to prove that, using conservative hypermiling techniques, it is possible to get big improvements in fuel economy even from the notorious Corvette.

To its credit, the base Corvette has a 6.2 Liter V8 engine linked to a six-speed manual transmission with overdrive which makes cruising at highway speeds almost as effortless as idling in the driveway. The goal was to coax a few more miles per gallon from the sports car by being very gentle on the throttle and settling in to a fuel-saving 55 mph. The base model already boasted a fuel efficiency rating of 16 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The result was a mind-blowing 32.8 mpg; that is from a car that can do 180 mph. Partial credit has to be given to the road which was chosen for the test; a clear and open stretch of relatively flat highway. Credit must also be given GM for engineering such an efficient car. The take home message however, is that using even the most conservative hypermiling techniques, impressive improvements in fuel efficiency can be achieved, no matter which vehicle you drive.