WheelTronix

Toyota has eventually exposed the Mk3 Prius, which is the nearest rival to the Honda Insight which is also revealed at Detroit.

The new Prius has a bigger 1.8-litre, 98bhp engine and a total power output of 134bhp. The engine is more proficient than the current 1.6, and also predicts a faster 0-60mph acceleration time of 9.8 seconds.

It has a 3-mode driver-selection system: EV-Drive Mode, giving electric-only propulsion for up to a mile at low speeds, sporty Power Mode and a fuel-careful Eco Mode.
New boasts on offer include a solar moon roof, with solar panels which collect energy to power the ventilation system.

There’s also a remote air conditioning system, parking assistance, LED low-beam headlamps and tail-lights, dynamic cruise control, Toyota’s pre-crash safety system, lane departure warning, a rear-view camera, voice-activated satellite navigation and automatic announcement of disaster services in the event of a smash, an SOS call button and stolen vehicle tracking.
The Mk3 Prius will be on sale this spring; pricing and specification for the UK will be declared nearer to launch.

Honda’s keeping a tight rein on the 2009 Insight hybrid, due to officially drop for the U.S. market in two weeks at the North American International Auto Show . (Honda has cancelled its press conference at the show, but the Insight will still be displayed.)That hasn’t stopped the folks at the Temple of VTEC and Carscoop from getting leaked scans of a Japanese-market brochure, revealing the new Insight’s front, rear and interior details.

Judging by the pictures, the interior is largely unchanged from the Insight Concept that debuted in Paris.

The brochure also shows images of the Japanese-market Insight Modulo, a sportier version of the hybrid featuring a body kit, auxiliary lighting and larger wheels.

According to the scans, the Insight will be available in three trim levels in Japan. There’s also a set of specifications copied below from the “Insightman” website, but they’re unverified.

More info about alternative fuels or hybrid technology can be found on the website of car fuel options. The newest alternative fuel is CNG, also known as Compressed Natural Gas. More about cars on natural gas. Looking for a better car insurance? A full coverage insurance or other types of cars insurance.

The next high-tech trend in green cars is now clear: cars that teach their drivers how to drive them.
First, Nissan gave us the gas pedal that pushes back when the driver accelerates too hard.

Then Ford gave us the dashboard display that grows leaves as the driver drives at peak efficiency.

Now, Honda gives us a color-changing speedometer to teach drivers to use gas most effectively.

Honda’s Ecological Drive Assist System, according to Autoblog Green, uses a color-changing speedometer to teach the driver.  “If the color behind the number is green, you’re driving efficiently. Get a little sloppy, and a bit of blue appears. When you’re driving in the least economical fashion, the whole screen turns blue.”

A Honda press release states, “The Multi-Information Display also allows drivers to view fuel economy figures for the past three trips, as well as instant and average fuel economy statistics. The scoring function promotes drivers to take an interest in acquiring fuel-efficient driving habits over the long term.”