Yokohama Tire Corporation's eco-friendly dB Super E-specâ„¢ tire, which is composed of 80 percent non-petroleum-based products, accumulated high test scores when compared to low rolling resistance competitors during Tire Rack's recent Real World Road Ride.

"The Tire Rack test shows that the dB Super E-spec, which introduces new technology in tire materials and design, is noticeably better on all-around performance," said Mark Chung, YTC director, corporate strategy and planning. "Compared to standard tires on a Prius, both the fuel efficiency and handling are improved, and compared with other conventional tires that offer enhanced fuel efficiency, the dB Super E-Spec excels in driving performance. As the only manufacturer reducing petroleum by infusing orange oil into the tires, the dB Super E-spec stands above the competition."

By Sam Moses [NewCarTestDrive]

Here's an overview of the models and specifications for the 2010 Prius.

By Sam Moses [NewCarTestDrive]

For 2010, the new four-cylinder engine goes from 1.5 to 1.8 liters, and horsepower increases from 76 to 98. Combined with the electric motors, there's a total of 134. The larger engine provides more torque, allowing the Prius to maintain freeway speeds at lower rpm, boosting fuel mileage. It's an Atkinson Cycle engine (different valve timing and breathing). CO2 emissions have been reduced from a score that already tops the charts.

By Sam Moses [NewCarTestDrive]

There are significant changes in the styling of the new 2010 Prius, all of them good we think, resulting in a sleeker car.

All-new version more refined, more efficient. 
By Sam Moses [NewCarTestDrive]

The all-new 2010 Toyota Prius offers no surprises, just significant improvement. It's sleeker and better looking, and more powerful while delivering an EPA-rated 51/48 mpg City/Highway, up by 3 miles per gallon.

There are few vehicles that have been as enthusiastically anticipated as the 2011 Chevy Volt. With the media buzzing with excitement over GM's latest green creation, many are wondering if the Volt will indeed live up to the hype. Just over a year remains until the Volt's proposed release date and there is still speculation regarding the car's actual performance versus the manufacturer's claims.  Moreover, Chevy might even release a high-performance version, aptly dubbed Chevy Volt SS.

The new 2010 Lexus HS 250h combines the performance of a V6 with the mileage of a four-cylinder economy car using an advanced hybrid gas-electric powertrain.

Hybrid drive systems can be designed to boost mileage as in the Prius or enhance performance as in the LS 460. The Lexus systems are a modular technology and can deliver any mix of the two. The new HS 250h falls somewhere in the middle of the hybrid spectrum.

Ford will bring its sixth-generation Fiesta subcompact to the U.S. in the first half of 2010, the first time since the first-generation Fiesta landed here 30 years ago. We expect it to be priced in the mid-teens alongside the Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Smart ForTwo, and Toyota Yaris, and be very competitive.

The gorgeous 2010 Fisker Karma sports sedan promises so much that some auto-industry watchers fear it's almost too good to be true. The verdict should come with the Karma's scheduled production debut in late 2009.

Fisker Automotive calls the Karma an eco-friendly car without compromise in performance, style or design. It's a large, four-passenger plug-in hybrid sedan that drips luxury and sex appeal.

The editors at Autos.com have put together a helpful guide for shoppers interested in purchasing a used 2nd generation Toyota Prius. Not only is this the generation of Prius that's synonymous with the word hybrid, but it's also the hybrid that brought the technology to the masses. Additionally, it's hands-down one of the most reliable vehicles you could buy, not to mention most-efficient. Used Toyota Prius Buying Guide