The Citroën 2CV was designed just before World War II and was hypermiled at over 63mpg once (50mpg not uncommon). Of course, an engine size of 375-600cc is not exactly powerful, but it was very durable and was built from 1949-1990. Interestingly, the original was aluminum and had rear wheel covers like the Insight.

Variations were made:

• The "truckette" (French don't like introduction of Americanisms like SUV )
• Is this the "Hummer" version? It's a Citroën Méhari

While very few would settle for such low power today, it contrasts with the amount of power many people think they need today. Causes me to think a small 100mpg sedan is within reach if the public could tolerate a 0-60mph acceleration in 15 or 20 seconds.

 

Unfortunately, 0-60 in 15 or 20 seconds would probably be a death sentence on today's highways... especially the way people tend to "merge" onto the freeways...

 

....when they do it inches from me, they might as well be screaming F U - why do some people feel compeled to drive so offensively?

 

Pushing the gas pedal to the floor is a given in Boston; in Albuquerque I can only think of twice that I depressed the gas pedal more than about 50%, and each time it was during a 'demo'. We do have a suburb called Rio Rancho with a lot of NY expatriates who drive aggresively. I just *slow down*, and invite them to cut in front of me.

No worries.