pow

Yes, that's what they do - but the vehicle's average MPG for CAFE purposes is not the consumer EPA mpg, it's the "raw" mpg, which is usually higher by 25% and excludes the newest high-speed driving cycle. Agreed. That's why I think Ford will be more successful than GM in the short run - they have a strong portfolio of class-leading small cars. But all manufacturers are developing electric cars; with California's EV mandate, I think we'll see mainstream electric cars in fewer than 10 years. And, ya know, the 200C EV is not exactly a cheesewedge-shaped eco-box... the future of motoring can still be very bright. It's up to the automakers how they adapt to these changes and the new realities of today. The first Model T wasn't a luxury sports sedan, but over time, the ICE-powered automobile evolved into something amazing.

Wow, the voice of reason. Thank you.

These emissions standards aren't about individual cars - they're about statewide fleet averages, so none of the scenarios you mentioned above will ever happen.

McCain would have done no differently. He voted for increasing fuel economy standards as well. Even Ron Paul said he would grant states the right to regulate pollution. Energy security and the environment are bipartisan issues that affect us all.

Even the regular four-cylinder Malibu (22/33 mpg w/ EPA consumer figures) averages 36 mpg in CAFE-speak. What I'm saying is that it's not as difficult as it seems. If GM were forced to do so, I'm sure they can produce low-budget, BAS II light-hybrids en masse. Start-stop technology, LRR tires, and tall final drive ratios are fairly inexpensive.

In terms of smelly, sooty, cancerous pollution that has an immediate affect on human health (VOCs, NOx, PM), modern cars play a tiny role in Los Angeles. There has been more focus, as you've said, on the goods movement industry, and lots of progress has been made. Truckers are no longer hired as "independent" contractors paid by the container - they're now hired by the ports, which are mandated to provide cleaner diesel trucks. Several shipping terminals now plug directly into the grid, so ships won't have to idle with their engines running anymore. The latest emissions standards address the pollution that cars still emit a great deal of - not smelly, sooty, cancerous particulate matter, but greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are directly correlated with fuel consumption, so these new regulations are, in effect, increased fuel economy requirements. Californians would have fewer choices, but I think it's doable. Take the Camry for instance. CA+17 buyers will only get 49 mpg (as calculated with CAFE criteria) Camry Hybrids, while those other 33 states will likely get either four-cylinder or V6 models. By the way, the current light-hybrid, low-budget Malibu Hybrid already averages 40 mpg in CAFE-speak.

<In fake stereotypical Italian accent> I looka' forward to seeing an Alfa Romeo 159 and FIAT 500 over herre! </In fake stereotypical Italian accent>

Century. Safer for a new driver.

(It's sunny and 73F here in LA...)

You have to compare apples to apples. The Prius gets 65.7 mpg (imperial) combined (NEDC), while the 116d gets 64.2 mpg, combined. The Prius emits less pollution, too. That said, I'd rather have the diesel.

Even if GM's success had to do with its American-ness, which I doubt, I don't think Americans here would like China's idea of an American muscle car. Lots of US companies operate in China, but they cater to local tastes. A toasted McShrimp rice burger may be popular in Shanghai, but probably not in Topeka. Buick's success has more to do with the brand adapting to Chinese customer wants and needs. They were one of the first to build luxury cars locally in China.

Yes, I've always liked the Renault Avantime.

PRESS RELEASE Toyota Reveals All-New Prius DETROIT, January 12, 2009 --- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 50-mile-per gallon rated third-generation Prius hybrid vehicle today at the 2009 North American International Auto show. Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has delivered superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than one million owners worldwide for more than 10 years. The midsize third-generation 2010 Prius will offer even better mileage ratings, enhanced performance, and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel. An Eco-Icon The first-generation Prius entered the market in 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The name Prius, "to go before" in Latin, became symbolic of a car that was launched even before environmental awareness had become a mainstream social issue. From the beginning, Toyota's full-hybrid system was developed in-house and has become a driving force behind advanced vehicle technology. The company's exclusive Hybrid Synergy Drive System was introduced in 2004 on the second-generation Prius. Since then, more than 670,000 have been sold in the U.S. In designing the new, third-generation Prius, Toyota engineers combined a careful refinement of existing systems with an aggressive measure of new technology necessary for the future of automobiles. Fuel Economy and Environmental Performance The new Prius will be built using processes that reduce pollution in every stage of vehicle life, from production and driving, through to disposal. The third-generation Prius extends its record of continuous improvement in fuel economy. The first-generation Prius, which was rated 41 EPA combined mpg, was replaced by the current model, which is EPA rated at 46 mpg, combined city/highway. Using a combination of technologies, fuel efficiency was increased to an estimated 50 miles per gallon for the new Prius. A larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine will power the new Prius. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the larger engine actually helps improve highway mileage. By making more torque, the new engine can run at lower average rpm on the highway. When operating at lower rpm, the new engine uses less fuel. Mileage is especially improved in cold-start conditions and at higher speeds. Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also contribute to the engine's efficiency. The 1.8-liter Prius engine is the first Toyota power plant that requires no belts under the hood for better fuel economy and less potential maintenance. A multi-information display panel that monitors fuel and energy consumption is standard. It provides feedback on the Prius' efficiency using three different displays to help the driver acquire economical driving habits. Unlike most other hybrid vehicles available, Prius has been a "full" hybrid since introduction. This allows it to run on engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both. The system blends the best of parallel hybrid and series hybrid designs to achieve the ability to operate on the electric mode alone, and to charge the batteries while the car is running. The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2010 Prius is 90 percent newly-developed with significant improvements over previous models. * The transaxle is lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20 percent compared to the previous model. * The inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current, has a new direct cooling system to reduce size and weight. * Taken together, the inverter, motor and transaxle are smaller and 20 percent lighter. * A newly developed electronically controlled regenerative braking system has been adopted, with control logic optimized to enhance regeneration. The new Prius will offer three alternative driving modes. EV-Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps the driver achieve their best mileage. Cutting Edge Styling In designing the new Prius, aerodynamic performance was an important factor. The goal was to create a beautiful silhouette, while not compromising function. Designers preserved the dynamic triangle form of the current model--instantly recognizable as a Prius--but made alterations to the overall profile, pillar position and angle. The front pillar, extended forward, helps refine the performance-focusing, shaped form. The overall height of the Prius is the same, but the roof profile is altered by moving the top of the roof 3.9 inches to the rear. This emphasizes the wedge shape, and also allows for enhanced rear headroom and improved aerodynamics. The design of the new Prius' front and rear corners are sharp, sporty and aerodynamic. Strong side character lines, rising from front to rear, define the glazed geometric shape. Viewed from the rear, wider rear treads provide a solid, firmly rooted stance. Dimensionally, the new Prius has the same wheelbase as the current generation. Overall length is slightly increased by 0.6 inches, in part by moving the front cowl forward. World's Lowest Cd The new Prius received more wind tunnel hours of testing than any other Toyota in history, resulting in the cleanest aerodynamic profile of any mass-produced vehicle in the world. By focusing on the shape of the body, underfloor, wheelhouse liner and shape of the wheels, the designers of the new Prius were able to reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) value to 0.25, compared to 0.26 for the previous model. The airflow under the car was studied extensively. Engineers made changes to the shape of the fender liner, front surface of the underfloor, and added a fin at the rear floor cover to increase linear stability. Advanced Equipment For a New Era An available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels, located over the rear seating area, that power a new ventilation system. This solar powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that does not require engine assist. The system prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked, making the cool-down time shorter when the driver returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning. The remote air-conditioning system is the first system in the world to function on battery-power alone and that can be remotely operated, so the driver can adjust the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car. Reducing the vehicle's power consumption, available LED (light emitting diode) lamps are used for low beams and also in the tail and stop lamps. Air conditioning, a major energy drain, has been re-engineered to increase efficiency and cool-down performance. In addition, an exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startup, for improved performance. It also heats up the passenger cabin more efficiently. Enhanced Vehicle Performance The next-generation Prius is built on a new platform, which enables improved handling stability, quieter operation, and collision safety. The suspension consists of front struts and a rear intermediate beam design, as before, but handling stability is advanced by improving the stabilizer layout, higher caster angle and tuning the bushing characteristics. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model. Weight was saved through use of aluminum in the hood, rear hatch, front suspension axle and brake caliper and super high-tensile steel in the rocker inner, center pillar, and roof reinforcement. To meet customer expectations for everyday performance, zero-to-60 acceleration has been improved to 9.8 seconds, more than a second faster, in internal testing. Better-performing sound insulation, working with improved vibration damping, has been installed in various locations to reduce road noise. Functional Interior Is Bigger on the Inside Proving that small changes add up to big gains, the cargo area of the new Prius was expanded 0.4 inches in length and 2.2 inches in width by using a new and an improved layout of the battery cooling unit. Rear seat legroom is enhanced by a new space-saving contoured front-seat design. Viewed from the cockpit, the center cluster smoothly flows from the instrument panel to the console. Handy storage space has been added under the shift lever by taking advantage of the shift-by-wire system. Simple, fin-type air vents are consistent with the cabin's efficient appearance. Judicious use of silver accents adds a finished, technical feel. Touch sensors on the steering wheel switches are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road. When the driver touches the audio or info switch located on the steering wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver. This system, called Touch Tracer, is the first system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel. The ECO indicator on the Multi-Informational Display (MID) provides driver feedback for lower fuel consumption. In pursuit of developing various advanced technologies aimed at realizing sustainable mobility, Toyota will use plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in the 2010 Prius. The newly-developed plastics, known as "ecological plastic," will be used in the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck trim cover. Ecological plastic emits less CO2 during a product lifecycle (from manufacturing to disposal) than plastic made solely from petroleum; it also helps reduce petroleum use. Safety Enhancements The new Prius was designed to comply with class-top level collision safety performance in each global region of sale, and to accommodate increasingly strict safety requirements in the future. In addition to advanced driver and front passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags front and rear side curtain airbags, driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags and driver's knee airbag are standard equipment. Active headrests are used in both front seats to reduce the possibility of whiplash in a collision. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), electronic traction control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are included with Toyota's standard Star Safety System. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system, using advanced millimeter wave radar, is an available option. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable. Next-generation Intelligent Parking Assist features simplified settings to help guide the car into parking spaces. A backup monitor, which provides a view of rear obstacles when reverse is engaged, is available with an optional voice-activated navigation system. Safety Connect, Toyota's first safety and security service, includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and an SOS call button. Safety Connect will be available a few months after launch. The development of the Prius has required applications for over 1,000 patents filed across the world, of which 292 are U.S. applications. Pricing for the 2010 Prius will be announced shortly before it goes on sale late spring. 2010 PRUIS PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS POWERTRAIN 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i Engine horsepower: 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm Engine torque: 105 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm Electric motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor Electric motor power output: 80 hp/153 lb-ft torque Hybrid system net horsepower: 134 hp Emission rating: SULEV (with AT-PZEV) Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission Drive System: Front-wheel-drive Hybrid battery pack: Nickel-metal hydride Estimated fuel economy: 50 mpg (combined)* DIMENSIONS (inches) Overall Length: 175.6 Overall Width: 68.7 Overall Height: 58.7 Wheelbase: 106.3 Ground clearance: 5.5 Coefficient of Drag: 0.25 Wheels: 15-inch alloy wheels 17-inch alloy wheels (optional) Tire Size: 15-inch: 195/65R15 17-inch: 215/45R17 (optional) Seating Capacity: 5 EPA class rating: Midsize * Preliminary figure based on Toyota's internal testing. Actual mileage will vary.

Wow, that's a cool looking thing.

I loved the concept MKT, but this is horrible. I'd much rather have a Flex EcoBoost. I suppose this is the Town Car's closest spiritual successor. It could make a good livery vehicle.

Compared to a V8, it uses less fuel. Hell, compared to the regular 262 hp Flex, the 355 hp EcoBoost Flex gets the same 22 mpg highway, while city fuel economy is down one mpg to 15. Here's how it compares with a BOF V8 SUV, which is much smaller inside to boot: Flex EcoBoost (AWD) 355 hp @ 5,700 rpm 350 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm 15/22 mpg Tahoe 5.3 4WD 320 hp @ 5,200 rpm 340 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm 14/20 mpg The Flex EcoBoost could be devilishly fast, depending on its final drive ratio. The twin-turbo 3-liter X6 does 0-60 in 6.5 seconds; the Flex weighs about the same and has more power.

It has the Camry Hybrid drivetrain. Personally I would rather have an ES250h, but basing a separate model off the Avensis allows Toyota to call this a "dedicated" hybrid. I have a theory that dedicated hybrids sell better, not only because they look different, but also because you have no equivalent gas-powered model to compare pricing with.

It looks like it has a decent amount of ground clearance, especially when viewed from behind. It seems appropriate given the quattro history. This would make a cool "all-weather" Grand Tourer. The BMW X6 should have been more like this.

HS is to Avensis as the Camry is to the ES. The HS shares the same platform - same overall length, width, and wheelbase - as the Avensis, albeit with a hybrid-only powertrain. The styling should be more blatantly "hybrid", like other "dedicated" hybrids (Prius and Insight).

This part of the future is something I'm actually looking forward to. With one flexible, simplified electric-drive architecture underneath (skateboard concept, perhaps?), there's the potential to have several stunning "bodies" to mount on top.

+1 My expectations for Chrysler were so low that I was shocked at first... but peel away the big, show car wheels and interior, and you're left with an attractive, yes, but somewhat generic blob. It's like the 300C. I really, really liked it when I first saw it. Now I'm just bored. The technology underneath, though - if THAT can be productionized, then that's impressive.

You can get LED DRLs instead of the dual fogs... http://cmsimg.freep.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bil...amp;Quality=100 It seems like they're going back to the '80s with the boxier styling direction of this new E.

It's a Toyota Avensis, not a Corolla.

This car is amazing. If I were some Wall Street CEO, I'd happily take one over a 7-series, saving $60K and, in the process, not having to worry about the angry people with pitchforks outside my home.

Not a fan at all. The Beat looks overstyled, yet compared to the 500 or MINI, it's lacking in detail. I prefer the tidier Opel Agila.