A Wisconsin man claims he's invented a vehicle capable of getting 130 miles-per-gallon.
Ingo Valentin of Elm Grove is competing in the Automotive X Prize contest. The best new design will win more than $10 million.
It's a bit complicated, but the IngoCar relies on in-wheel motors and pressurized fluids-much like the hydrostatic power train found in construction equipment, but with improvements. Valentin designed for a large German company in the mid-1970s, and used that experience in developing his concept.
With a 3-piston engine that doesn't run unless more pressure is called for, it completely rethinks how to power a vehicle. Even the energy from braking is stored and reused.
While he hasn't been able to put together a complete prototype, Valentin has tested elements of the vehicle and is confident the engineering is sound.
The X Prize contest seeks brilliant minds from around the world. It will officially be announced at the New York Auto Show in March. After testing, the winner will be chosen in 2010.