New Jersey resident Jeff Chase was considering trading in his 1989 Mazda 929 for a new car and checked the government's FuelEconomy.gov website and it said it met the 18 MPG threshold to be considered a gas-guzzling clunker. He went back later to buy the new car only to discover the numbers had been changed and the combined mileage was now 19 MPG and therefore disqualified from the discount.

"The dealer that I wanted to do business with had started to write sales orders for cars but were not delivering them until the final CARS rules were set," said Jeff Chance. "They are finding out that cars that they thought were qualified as trade-ins are no longer eligible. Now these people will not be able to purchase a car."

Jeff isn't alone. Daniel Anderson was planning to trade up from his 1991 V6 Toyota Camry only to be rejected because the number was changed sometime in the last week from 18 MPG, a number that would have garnered him a check, to a new 19 MPG rating.

Were the vehicles rechecked? Did they apply a new standard? Given the numerous Camrys and old Mazdas on the road, it's possible there are thousands of car owners on the road who believe they're qualified for a discount only to arrive at the dealership and find the numbers have changed.

This is especially troublesome because the official rules released this week states they'll use the latest combined mileage as determined by the EPA because the agency reconfigured how they measure mileage to more accurately reflect real-world MPG. Thus the Cash For Clunkers final rule states:

CARS Act Rule Language
EPA changed the way it calculated fuel economy ratings starting in Model Year 2008, and has estimated the revised ratings for Model Years 1985-2007. Therefore, as described above, eligibility is determined by the revised ratings rather than the original EPA sticker on the vehicle. Since the revised ratings reflect a lower fuel economy, vehicles that would not be eligible under their original EPA rating may qualify for trade- in.

If this is the case, people who discovered their car's were formerly rated as 18 MPG technically had vehicles determined to qualify under the rules.

Karen E. Aldana with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the agency wasn't aware of what happened. "On the final rule we said we'd use their fuelconomy.gov ratings, so the fact that they're changing it all of a sudden, if that's happening — this is the first I've heard of this."

NHTSA spokesperson Rae Tyson called us back after the story originally ran to inform us that, though they wrote the role, the mileage measurements are completely under the control of the EPA and the rating that went into affect on Friday, July 24th is the one that currently determines eligibility and if anyone made a deal before Friday did so at their own risk.

"The fact is that we have said all along that any dealer entered into a sales agreement prior to the beginning of the agreement was doing so at his own or her own peril because until the program is final you always run into the risk of a deal made not qualifying," said Tyson.

An aide we've spoken to for one of the leaders behind the original bill in Congress says they were also unaware this was occurring.

UPDATE: WE Just received this statement from the EPA confirming what happened:

EPA Statement On Mileage Changes:
In support of the new CARS program, the government conducted a month-long quality assurance and quality control effort regarding fuel economy calculations on more than 30,000 vehicle model types spanning the past 25 years.

As a result of the review, roughly an equal number of vehicles became eligible as those found to be not eligible. Of the above model types, eligibility for roughly 100 vehicles was affected.

An enormous effort went into completing these updates so that they would be in place with NHTSA's issuance of the CARS regulation last week — working to ensure that the most precise info possible would be available to consumers once the program took effect.

Photo: Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood celebrating the launch of the CARS program last week. Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images

In his opening, President Obama framed the historic moment by pointing out the gathering of auto executives, governors, legislators, environmental activists and others historically at odds with each other. He failed to mention the reason everyone is so happy to get together is that he has a gun to their heads in the form of government funding.

The goal of a new national standard is a mixed bag for automakers. On one hand, lawsuits and state standards are being dropped and the EPA and Department of Transportation standards are being combined. Obama also mentioned the increase in fuel economy will provide a savings for consumers over the life of a car and save 1.8 billion gallons of fuel.

On the other hand, helping determine what automakers should build does not create demand. Lots of fuel-efficient cars are out there today but most consumers aren't interested. CAFE doesn't deal with the demand side of the equation. We can continue forcing automakers to build fuel-efficient cars that nobody wants to buy, but unless we're willing to enact a higher fuel tax (with obvious progressive checks in place to deal with lower-income car owners) to out-price SUVs and pickup trucks, consumers won't change their habits.

But the details? Ah yes, the details — a 5% annual increase in average fuel economy from 2011, culminating in 35.5 MPG in 2016. The breakout will be 39 MPG for cars and 30 MPG for trucks. So basically, unless you're an automaker building an appliance, get out of the game. There's no room for a Corvette ZR1 or rear-wheel-drive power wagon. Nope, it's all going to be Priuses and Fusion hybrids from here on out. We'd move to Canada except we're assuming it'd be worse up there. Maybe Mexico is the place to go.

With yesterday's 2010 Toyota Prius Review, we've now driven all three major competitors in the Greener-Than-Thou segment. Let's take a look at how the new Prius stacks up against the bigger, mid-size 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan (which normally would play against Toyota's larger Camry Hybrid, but since the Fusion's already kicked it's tail in fuel economy, we thought we'd move it up from the JV Hybrid Car Wars to the Varsity level), the 2010 Honda Insight and, sort of like a control subject, a 1990 Geo Metro XFi. We'll take a look at how each plays against each other when it comes to fuel economy, size and space, performance, driving dynamics and price. So finally, we can answer the question: Which new hybrid car should you buy?

Fuel Economy:

Adjusted for the new EPA standards, we're amazed that the 19-year old Geo Metro XFI turns in better highway fuel economy than any of the hybrids. Predictably, the Toyota Prius, with its stop/start engine and large battery pack manages to best it in the city cycle, but neither the Insight nor Fusion Hybrid can do the same.

We've tried hypermilling the three hybrids, managing 43.8 MPG in the Ford Fusion Hybrid in city driving, figures in the low 60 MPG range with the Insight and low 70s with the Prius, both in mixed driving. While specific comparisons shouldn't be drawn based on those numbers, they do indicate the ability of each to exceed their official EPA ratings by driving like a grandparent; the Fusion Hybrid can barely manage it, while both the Insight and Prius easily exceed them.

A quick Google search reveals tales of owners averaging 60-70 MPG in Metro XFis in realistic conditions.

Size/Space:

The compact-class Honda Insight has 85.0 cubic feet of passenger space, considerably less than the mid-size Fusion and just-sub-mid-size Prius. They measure 99.8 and 93.7 cubic feet respectively. Since they're hatchbacks, both the Insight and Prius are more flexible for carrying cargo than the Fusion; the Ford only has 11.8 cubic feet of space in its trunk, while the Insight manages 15.8 with its seats up, the Prius measures 21.6. A larger car with more space in the rear seat, the Prius's storage room is noticeably larger than the Insight with the rear seats folded flat.

The Geo is absolutely tiny, at 146.1" it's over two feet shorter than the Insight.

Toys:

All three hybrids have noted that the largest determining factor in fuel economy is the driver and taken steps to give them the tools to drive in the most fuel-efficient manner. The Honda Insight does this with both an "Econ" button that, like Prozac, removes the highs and lows from throttle inputs and an aggregate display of your fuel economy history, complete with Game Boy-worthy graphics and simulated medals for good performance. Supplementing that is a more immediate glowing surround for the speedometer, it turns bright green when you're driving economical, before fading to dark blue when you're not.

Honda's is a more effective system than the equally low-tech display in the Prius, which provides drivers with only a confusing bar graph that tracks from "Charge" to "Power" and a history of your recent fuel economy figures.

The Ford SmartGauge with EcoGuide, on the other hand, provides drivers with a myriad of tools "empowering" them to make full use of the hybridized drivetrain to achieve maximum fuel economy. In addition to a seriously useful sliding indicator of how much throttle opening you can use while remaining in EV mode, it features a section of nicely-animated leaves that whither and die, or bloom and grow depending on your driving habits. It also shows you when you're using regenerative braking and how much charge it's sending to the batteries. Seriously, it's a sexy-looking system that will have a real impact on your fuel economy.

The Metro has a five-speed manual gearbox.

Price:

The Insight's Raison d'être is to offer people who want a Prius a cheaper option. Unfortunately, at $19,800 (before $670 in destination, license and registration) it looks like it'll only be about $2,700 cheaper than the more fuel-efficient 2010 Prius. It's estimated that car will come in around $500 more expensive than the 2009 model, which starts at $22,00. The Fusion Hybrid is considerably more expensive at $27,270, but comes loaded with options.

Then there's the used Metro Xfi, they're hard to find (especially in good condition), but prices have come down from last summer's fuel-crisis high of $7-8,000; expect to pay less than $3,000 for a good one.

Driving Dynamics:

The Fusion Hybrid has a clear performance advantage, hitting 60 MPH a second faster than the 2nd place Prius. While none of these are what you'd consider true driver's cars, both the Ford and Toyota are perversely fun to drive. Sadly we can't say the same of the Insight, which is merely competent. The Insight is also far less refined than either the Prius or Fusion Hybrid; both of those cars ride and isolate noise like luxury cars.

The used Metro is ridiculously slow, unrefined and doesn't come with things like modern tires, suspension or brakes. At 19-years old, it's also likely to be suffering from mechanical problems.

Image:

There's no denying the pop culture resonance of the Toyota Prius. It's the choice of vacuous, eco-friendly image-seeking celebrities everywhere. Buy one and you'll instantly appear to be the greenest family on your block. The Insight, which adopts a similar look, will benefit from riding the Prius's coattails and from the name recognition its first-hybrid-vehicle-ever predecessor lends it. It's a hard case for the Ford, which needs to rely on all its leafy "hybrid" badges to make a case for itself.

Driving a crappy old Metro in front of anyone but an extremely savvy hypermilling enthusiast will simply make you look like you didn't get into Meth production until the market was already flooded.

Which Hybrid Should I Buy:

You may be wondering which car you should buy as your first Hybrid, or which one makes the most convincing case for the current Hybrid owner to trade up to a better vehicle. What about people who don't want to sacrifice driving dynamics in the pursuit of economy or just want a cheap, practical, fuel-efficient vehicle for their commute? The answer for all those people is the 2010 Toyota Prius. Not only is it the most fuel-efficient new vehicle for sale in this country, but it's the most practical vehicle here, at a size larger than the Insight with plenty of room for both people and packages. Combine both those advantages with driving dynamics that are on par with the Ford Fusion Hybrid and what should be a very reasonable starting price and you have an incredibly complete package. Then there's the reputation; this new Prius finally lives up to it, we just wish it had Ford's SmartGauges.

Notes:
- All numbers quoted have been provided by the manufacturers. Exceptions are clearly distinguished by "(Est)" which indicates an educated estimate has been made.
- Fuel economy figures quoted come from the Environmental Protection Agency and are in US gallons. 1 US gallon = 1.2 Imperial gallons.
- The EPA mileage test changed in 2008 to a much more stringent standard. Vehicles tested before the change typically returned xx% better economy than the do now. For example, the 2007 Toyota Prius was rated at 55 MPG combined before and 46 MPG combined after the change. This new standard is widely considered to be more accurate than European tests. For example, the Honda Insight is officially rated at 64.2 MPG combined in the United Kingdom. That's 53.5 MPG in US gallons, 12.5 MPG more than it's rated at here.

A larger, more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle engine now powers this third-generation Prius, making 98 HP on its own, 134 total with the help of the electric motor. Toyota claims the larger engine is actually more fuel efficient on the highway thanks to its extra torque enabling it to operate at lower RPMs. That new engine also uses less fuel during cold starts and at high speeds and more importantly to the traditional enthusiast crowd, the larger engine also reduces the 0-to-60 time by more than a second to 9.8 seconds.

A number of other refinements have also been made to Toyota’s hybrid system. Now using an electric water pump, the Prius’s engine bay is completely free of belts, improving economy and reducing maintenance needs. That hybrid system, called Hybrid Synergy Drive is actually 90 percent new for 2010, with numerous refinements all intended to boost operating efficiency.

The 2010 Prius offers drivers three modes of operation: EV-Drive Mode which runs the car only on the battery at “low speeds” with about a one mile range; Power Mode which makes the gas throttle more sensitive for better response and a 2010 Honda Insight-like Eco Mode which, unoriginally, boosts fuel economy.

Toyota claims that at .25, the 2010 Prius has the lowest coefficient of drag of any mass-produced vehicle in the world. The second-generation model’s number was .26. The flat underfloor now features a keel to help with straight-line stability.

Another big feature is the optional solar moonroof. It contains solar panels that power the ventilation system. An electric fan runs on that solar power when the Prius is parked, reducing interior temperatures so less energy is needed to cool it down when its occupants return. There’s also a remote air conditioning system, which allows the driver control the interior temperature before they get in the vehicle.

The official press release follows:

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.

-more-
2010 Toyota Prius 2-2-2-2
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.

- more -
2010 Toyota Prius 4-4-4-4
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.

- more -

2010 Toyota Prius 5-5-5-5
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.

2010 Toyota Prius
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 Toyota Prius

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.

Information leaked in Honda's official magazine in Belgium and published late yesterday on Carscoop indicate on the European cycle, the 2009 Toyota Prius (the current model) is officially rated at a combined 54.7 MPG average; the 2009 Insight only manages 53.5 MPG in the same test. Lets do some quick math: In the euro cycle, which is more optimistic than American EPA tests, the Insight is 1.9% less efficient than the current Prius. Using the Prius’s official 46 MPG EPA figure to determine a US EPA cycle projection, we can calculate that the Insight would, all thing being equal, manage 45 MPG. 1 less than the Prius. It should be noted, however, that these EPA numbers are estimates only and not official.

The Insight uses the same 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine as the Civic Hybrid, here delivering 88 HP from the engine and a total of 95 HP combined. The gas engine produces 90 lb-ft of torque while the electric motor makes 76 Lb-Ft.

The Belgian Insight will be offered in two trim levels. Standard on both is ABS, Stability Control, a full compliment of airbags, climate control and a CD radio. The up spec model adds Bluetooth, parking assist, cruise control, fog lights, heated front seats and rain sensors.

Expect more details at next week’s Detroit Auto Show, or before then, if another European division of Honda decides it wants in on the embargo break action.

[via Carscoop]

The Senate plan involved raising CAFE standards to 35 mpg by 2020, Bush supports 34 mpg by 2017 and the Big 3 would much prefer 32-35 mpg by 2022. Current standards are 27.5 mpg for cars and 20.7 mpg for light trucks, though fuel economy has actually been falling since 1987. Of course, the Hybrid Escalade will save us all. [Cox via AAS]