This is a logical step up in technology for cars. A computer monitors pedal position and rate of pedal movement to determine the correct throttle setting. This optimizes fuel economy while providing requested speed and acceleration. It also works with the TCS (traction control) to reduce wheel spin.It most likely costs more than a mechnical cable link, but I believe will be in all cars some day.To clarify my actual MPG experience. I get a solid 26. This is for my 40 mile round trip comute plus any weekend driving. This is a suburban type route with some stop and go and a bit of 45-50mph highway cruising between the traffic lights. I seldom mash the pedal and coast into most red lights.The last interstate trip I took, I averaged 30-31mpg with the cruise control set at 75. I alway have the climate control set to Auto so the AC compressor runs as needed. There is no chance of getting anything better at this speed except downhill with a tailwind.An interesting side effect with the drive by wire is how the cruise control engages. With a standard cable throttle, when you engage the cruise control, the pedal is kind of pulled away from your foot. This is not the case with drive by wire.
