New options make Prius pricey

High-tech features and luxury options will push the redesigned Toyota Prius into new territory--namely, $30,000-plus. The 2010 Prius hybrid will offer options found on luxury cars: systems that automatically park the car in a parallel parking space and slow the vehicle when a crash is likely. But Toyota is aware of a new competitor--the 2010 Honda Insight, a hybrid that is a little smaller and expected to be less expensive than the Prius.

60mph speed limit plans axed in favour of smart motorways

Government plans announced early this year to reduce air pollution caused by vehicle emissions by reducing the speed limit on a 32-mile stretch of the M1 have been shelved. The proposals involved lowering the speed limit from 70mph to 60mph, from junction 28 of the M1, near Matlock in Derbyshire, to junction 35a, north of Rotherham. MSN readers back 80mph limit on UK motorways UK motorway to charge moving electric cars But Transport Minister Patrick McLoughlin will announce later today that blanket reductions of speed limits are not the answer, and alternative solutions to improving air quality must be found.

Pininfarina readies 'Sergio' concept for Geneva

Pininfarina is readying a concept car dedicated to the late Sergio Pininfarina to be shown at the Geneva motor show. The Pininfarina Sergio is hailed as a celebration of the brilliant life's work of the man who headed the Italian design house for 40 years before passing away last July. Just one image has been revealed so far but we're promised a modern vision of the great man's creations, described by Pinin as "a modern vision in the name of exclusivity, innovation and passion".