Combining advanced aerodynamics, a three-wheel design, and a new form of fuel delivery, the "Alé" (pronounced 'alay') boasts a major mileage edge over other performance vehicles -- even most hybrids -- getting up to 92 MPG (US). But don't worry about being laughed off the track; it runs 12s in the quarter mile, and with 1.7 Gs of cornering force, it can out-maneuver even the most expensive Porsche, Lamborghini, or Ferrari.

Really, this is what cars should look like now; that it's been in development for over 15 years speaks to this fact. A candidate for the multi-million dollar Automotive X-prize in the Alternative Class, maybe it will garner enough support to enter the mainstream if it wins. Or maybe someone will outrun rap/movie star Chris Brown (who just bought himself a 13 MPG Lambo) at a green light in an Alé and it will become "cool" to get better than 900 miles to a tank. It's available in BC, Canada in limited quantities now, and there are plans to go into full-scale production in 2012.

from SFGate.com

Oil prices have hit levels not seen in nearly a year, threatening drivers with another round of increases at the gas pump.

Crude oil prices have topped $70 per barrel for the last week, pushed higher by violence against oil workers in Nigeria and fears of tightening supplies worldwide. Contracts to buy crude for future delivery closed Friday at $72.81 on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the highest price since last August. They slid 0.8 percent Monday to close at $72.19.

Rising crude prices usually mean that motorists will soon pay more for gasoline. The effect isn't immediate and can take weeks to be noticeable. But there are signs it is already happening.

The national average price for gasoline peaked at $3.23 for a gallon of regular in late May and then started tumbling. But the drop stalled around the start of July. In recent days the national average has started to rise, although by mere fractions of a penny. It now stands at $2.97, according to the AAA auto club.