X Prize Competition Narrows Field Of Candidates To 43

Tata Nano Europa

The last time we mentioned the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize, there were 111 competitors aiming to create vehicles that are (a) capable of 100 mpg and (b) viable for mass production. After reviewing the applications, the pool of candidates has been cut to 43 teams from around the globe, which now move on to the performance/safety testing phase. (No mention of a swimsuit competition. Yet.) The models are almost evenly split between "mainstream" vehicles with four wheels and room for four riders and "alternative" vehicles, where things presumably get a little wackier. The $10 million prize winner should be announced in September of 2010. [DetNews]