Well the original Prius came out in 1997 when gas was sub $1.50 maybe even sub $1.00. I still think at over 19k the new Prius c is over priced. I'd still like to see a diesel hybrid in a compact car. That would get amazing mileage because absolutely zero fuel would be being used during regenerative braking. However, I have always thought, why not put some kind of generator/alternator on the hubs of all 4 corners and charge a IMA battery at all times at full strentght rather than just vrakng.