RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2013) — Falken Tire Corp.'s Ecorun partnership with Ecorun partnership with Import Tuner magazine saw a 20-year-old specially modified Honda Civic deliver better than 50 mpg over 2,000 miles while traveling on Falken's Ziex ZE-914 Ecorun tire.
Falken said the trek, which ran from Aug. 19-24, was mapped out "live" via fans and enthusiasts who submitted ideas — through various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter — suggesting destinations for the driving team.
The Honda Civic was driven by the editors of Import Tuner magazine, who partnered with Falken to upgrade the Honda Civic VX. Falken said the vehicle left Falken's tire warehouse in Fontana, Calif., and headed to Northern California, visiting a number of speed shops along Highway 101.
The team stopped in San Francisco for day one, then continued north to Portland, Ore. for day two, stopping at Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland. They then headed southwest to Klamath Falls, Ore., for day three, and hit Reno, Nev. by the fourth day, based on social media input, according to Falken. Day five saw the team drive to Victorville, Calif., and then return to Fontana.
"What was most satisfying to everyone was that the Ecorun Civic met the projected goal of 60 mpg on the flat highways, and 50-55 mpg on mountainous terrain," said Andrew Hoit, Falken's vice president of marketing.
"The suspension and aero upgrades on the Civic, combined with the low rolling resistance and fuel efficiency of the Falken Ecorun ZE914 tire, all played their part in achieving those mileage numbers."
He said the drivers reported that the days were long but they met "a lot of wonderful people along the way."
Feedback from the driving duo, according to Falken, was that the Ziex ZE914 Ecorun tires "were exceptional, helping to improve mileage while providing a comfortable ride on a long summer road trip."