As though things weren’t bad enough, the transportation secretary, Ray LaHood made a blatant error today when he testified before a Congressional subcommittee that owners of recalled Toyotas should “stop driving” their vehicles until they were repaired. I have attached a copy of the corrected statement by Ray LaHood.

Stay strong and committed!  This too shall pass!!!

 The Redesigned 2010 Toyota Prius

The world's most important hybrid gets a full monty. Toyota has sold more than a million Priuses to date. Fiddling with its magic formula comes with great risk. Have no fear, as the third-generation example doesn't stray far from what's made it a top-seller and red-carpet status symbol, yet is improved in a number of ways.

The Prius' packaging and silhouette remain much the same, but the most important number you need to know is 50-as in a Toyota-estimated EPA combined mileage rating of 50 mpg. That's up from the current car, which garnered 46. Official EPA city/highway numbers are pending but will obviously have to go up a commensurate amount as well.

Getting more power and better mileage at the same time is no easy chore, but the new Prius pulls that off. A larger (1.8 vs. the previous 1.4-liter) Atkinson-cycle four cylinder engine delivers more torque than before. Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation system has done away with the need for underhood accessory belts. The updated Synergy Drive System now offers three drive modes: EV-Drive (electric only), Power (for a sportier driving experience), and Eco, to maximize fuel economy.

A revised profile is created by moving the windshield pillars forward, while the top of the roof moves 3.9 inches to the rear. Rear headroom and aerodynamic improvements are the result, and the Prius retains its EPA midsize car rating. Another benefit of the flatter roofline is the availability of a power moonroof, an oft-requested option than could not be packaged into the second-gen model. Solar panels over the rear seating area power a ventilation system, further reducing drain on engine-generated electricity and AC requirements. The rear cargo area has been reconfigured, and is 2.2 inches wider than before. Wheelbase remains the same, and overall length increases by 0.6 inches.

You'll have no difficulty recognizing this car as a Prius, although the look has been freshened and sharpened up. LED lamps are employed for lowbeam headlights and in the tail and stoplights.

There's now a bone line that runs the length of the car just below the side glass, the face wears the latest Toyota "corporate" look, and the rear light clusters are recontoured. Toyota claims the chassis architecture is all new, which will result in better handling, quieter ride, and improved collision safety. Disc brakes at all four corners replace the previous disc/drum combo. 15-inch rolling stock remains standard, there's a new 17-inch wheel and tire offering. (taken from motortrend.com)