First space, now the Shell station — a just-announced new X Prize is hitting the road, focusing attention on terrestrial vehicles. The contest's mission: invent a car that gets at least 100 miles per gallon and win a race to be held next September.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the contest yesterday at the New York International Auto Show. He described the plan as "an excellent example of how the private sector can spur solutions to our most complex challenges."

At least 64 teams are already on deck to compete. The outcome of this contest could have an arguably bigger impact than the X Prize Foundation's spaceship contest, especially given the current runaway fuel prices. Oh, yeah. And the saving the planet part, too.

What's next? Those flying cars we've been waiting for since The Jetsons?

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