the new Prius: now even more better than you!

The Toyota Prius is, as we all know, was the first mass-produced hybrid car, and the 2008 model is the most fuel efficient car sold in the United States. It’s also become a archetype for pretentious liberals and rich hippies among conservatives, which is about to get worse because the newest Prius model comes equipped with cooling fans run by solar panels on the roof. Yes, Virginia, the Prius has gotten even more uppity.

The fans run when the car is off and locked, keeping it cool in hot weather and eliminating the need to rush for the A/C the second you restart the car. However, Toyota is still offering remote-control A/C as an option because of the high cost of the solar panel upgrade. The new Prius will also feature an improved aerodynamic design, which allows more speed for less energy, and redesigned headlights that use 17% less power than older models. Sadly, it doesn’t fly, talk, or bake cookies in the glove compartment yet, but it’s only 2009.

Besides, we like the fact that new Prius models feature a range of improvements, and that even the small tinkerings are more specific and noteworthy than changes in standard-engine cars. We’re also impressed by the across-the-board dedication to this technology, and it’s clearly a situation where competition is breeding improvements and progress, at least in this early stage of hybrid vehicle production. Of course, Rush Limbaugh will have a fit when he sees how much a solar panel upgrade will run the average consumer (which he considers himself to be, despite being a rich pill-popper who gets paid to do basically nothing), but if he’s that pissed off about hybrid technology, he’s welcome to return to the days of the Nash Rambler while the rest of us make a better world.