Toyota's Plug-in Hybrid version of the Prius has just set a record-breaking economy run around the 20.6km Nurburgring Nordschleife with a figure of 698mpg. This equates to an astonishing 296.75km/L. Yup, this is no typo.

While the official figure in the brochure says it can do 57km/L (which is also a very impressive figure on its own), it manages to return almost 300km/L because the 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine engages only once while negotiating a long uphill climb during the lap.

OK, a 20 minute and 59 second lap time is not going to impress any petrolhead but knowing your car only consumed less than five tablespoons of fuel while not going lower than the track specified minimum average speed of 60km/h probably might.

The car used for the run received no special treatment except for the uprated springs, lightweight 18-inch wheels, sports bumpers all round and a rear spoiler; all available off the shelf from TRD (Toyota Racing Development). It was also wearing low resistance tyres and was fully charged before setting off. Watch the clip below to see how they managed the amazing feat.

http://dai.ly/x21k17m