The Progressive Automotive X Prize has long been considered the "holy grail" of car efficiency. This $ 5 million prize is for creating a vehicle that gets 100 miles per gallon. There are two automobiles that may very well win the prize when trials in Michigan complete. Article resource - Automotive XPrize about to be awarded by Car Deal Expert.

The information of the Automotive X Prize

The Automotive XPrize is supported by the XPrize foundation. Sponsored by Progressive auto insurance, the Automotive X prize was announced in 2008. The competition judges autos based on the standard EPA mileage estimates. The main prize is given to a four passenger automobile, when two half-prizes are given to one and two passenger vehicles. The autos entered within the Automotive XPrize competition must have only proof of concept, not be ready for full-on production.

The Automotive X Prize Competition

The competition for the Automotive X Prize began on April 26 in Michigan. The 3 classes of autos are put through their paces. Some of the competitions are intended to emulate city driving. Driving situations similar to highway driving are also a part of the competition. The target is 110 miles per gallon, though to receive the XPrize a team only has to get 100 mpg. The cars have to perform within safety and performance guidelines also.

Ingenuity on display at XPrize races

Winning the Automotive X Prize calls for ingenuity. One of the requirements of the automobiles is the passenger cabin remains below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The 95-degree temperatures in Michigan made that difficult, so a few teams are using ice and homemade air conditioning units to keep things cool. Techniques intended to help make fuel going even further with driving techniques are also making an appearance.

XPrize winners a possibility

Two autos are fighting it out for the $ 5 million of the XPrize. A set of tests designed for safety are likely to be done on both vehicles. If either one of the vehicles pass the tests, they'll be given the award.