160 MPG Factory Five GTM!

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Dave Lindsey in What's New

Details: Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Innovation Award Winner
The November 2011 issue of Popular Mechanics includes a front page blurb that states:

“The 160 MPG built by high school students!”

And inside is a feature on the TDI-powered GTM hyper mileage car built by the kids at West Philly High School and directed by faculty adviser Simon Hauger.

Each year, Popular Mechanics celebrates the year’s best and boldest inventions. Our car shared this honor with James Cameron and his deep sea camera rig technology, the Mars rover, a cell phone tower in the palm of your hand, a cure for paralysis, and bird-like flying robot as well as a reasonable space capsule and a super-efficient engine design… pretty serious company.

We are super proud of the accomplishments made by Simon’s team and have an agreement going forward to integrate this technology into our newest 818 chassis.

Factory Five Racing

GTM at Popular Mechanics’ Awards Night

Latest Factory Five News

Five Deals from the Factory Five Guys!

May 12, 2026

2026 is off to a great start, and the team wants to keep the momentum going! They have put together a sale for all of our kits to help you build your car your way this year. Score a Free IRS Upgrade OR Save $2,026 Off Options on Mk5 Roadsters, Mk4 Roadsters, Type 65 Coupe, and ’33 Hot Rod To ensure your finest ride is possible, we are offering FREE IRS Upgrades (up to $3,199 in value). Our Independent Rear Suspension is the best suspension configuration Factory Five has to offer. This upgrade package includes: OR you can save $2,026… Read More »

Bill B. Shares an Update on His Mk5 Build

April 20, 2026

Every build has a story—but some take a lifetime to begin. After decades as a technician, engineer, and business owner—building companies, leading teams, and designing critical communications systems across New England—I decided at 50 to return to where it all started: a passion for cars. That decision became Blue Hills Customs. This MK5 Roadster is more than a project—it’s the first expression of a vision to create ultra-premium, one-off roadsters that blend classic design with modern performance and reliability. Factory Five Racing provided the perfect canvas. The MK5 isn’t just a kit—it’s a foundation that allows builders to bring something truly… Read More »

Paul H. and his Mk4 Earn 2nd Place at Spokane Speed!

April 14, 2026

Customer Paul H. from Spokane, WA took home 2nd Place in the Handbuilt Sports Car Class at this year’s Spokane Speed and Custom Car Show! Paul purchased his Mk4 Roadster (chassis #9847) in June 2020, and built the car with his son after attending the Factory Five Build School at Mott Community College. They built the Mk4 with a 5.0 Coyote from a 2013 F150, Trememc 2650, IRS, 17″ Halibrand wheels, vinyl dash with glovebox, leather seats, and vintage gauges. They painted the car Wimbledon White and Guardsman Blue stripes. This past winter, Paul add front and rear sways bars… Read More »