That would stand to reason since the Prius ICE engine isn't operating for the entire time of the EPA testing, whereas the TDI is running 100% of the time. Try comparing a TDI Passat or Jetta with the 2.5l and the 2.0T and you'll see that the TDI has 56 g/mile lower CO2 emissions than the 2.5 and 30 g/mile less than the 2.0T.

When you look at what's important to someone who doesn't NEED a car, it makes sense that fuel economy isn't as much of an issue as quality of workmanship, good design, value for money or being fun to drive: When it comes time to go somewhere on a daily basis, these folks are more likely to take public transportation, walk or bicycle.

Great writeup - Will be good to see these prowling the streets here in SF as replacements for Escape Hybrid taxis.

I do, however, disagree w/ the assesment that the lack of AWD is a failing here, as there's no need to drag around a couple hundred extra pounds of mechanical complexity 90 percent of the time. Our fathers and grandfathers survived for decades in snowy climates in places like Michigan, Illinois and New England with RWD American sedans: They simply put snow tires on the car in the Fall, used tire chains if it got really bad out, and drove cautiously in bad weather.

Personally, I think the new CMax Energi is going to be a great car for retirees - it's tall and easy to get into/ out of, has plenty of space and can accomplish much of what the Volt does with a lower cost of entry.

Why drive to LA from SF when you could take the train or fly? And if you're retired, you're not in a hurry - so you'd probably stop in Solvang for lunch while the car recharges, and could overnight in Monterey...

If anyone ever purchased a Smart or a Prius C for primarily highway driving - They're doing it wrong. Those cars are for urban traffic and tiny parking spaces - not doing 75 on the Interstate.

For buyers who want a V8 Mustang, there will be plenty of options - On the Used Car Lot.

With the exception of the mid-engined R8, every single Audi produced since 1970 has been based on a FWD platform (with available AWD since the Ur-Quattro) Audi are not about to introduce a RWD platform.

Since they're used cars - So we get a special deal on them?

Once again, Lincoln has it wrong.
Without the LS, Lexus would never have sold many ES's.
Without the S Class, Mercedes wouldn't sell many C Classes.

Of course, what's worse is that when shoppers walk into the dealership and see a more attractive version of essentially the same car with a Ford badge across the showroom floor with a $15K lower pricetag - all thoughts of "Exclusivity" and "Luxury" tend to fly out the window.