300 horsepower is still a significant benchmark within the auto world. (As we found out last year when we created our list of 300 horsepower cars under $10K, check it out here.) That’s enough power that some serious performance is usually on tap, especially when the curb weight is kept low in concert with the output. So which cars with at least 300 ponies are the very lightest? Our list seeks to answer just that, with cars that are on sale in the U.S. today, and being limited to just the lightest example of any one particular model (sorry 911 and Corvette). Check out the top ten hardest punching lightweights, in our gallery above.

We’re making our lists a little early this year, as Tesla can only promise delivery of our custom Roadster by the end of the year if you order today (October 28) by eight o’clock Eastern.

Oh, and if you live in Colorado, you may be eligible for a $42,000 tax credit.

Still can’t justify it? A subscription to Winding Road also makes a great gift for discriminating drivers.

+ Tesla: Last Call For Holiday Deliveries

We currently have the 2010 Toyota Prius in our Austin fleet, and we know you have questions about it. Is it nearly as good as it is popular? Ask us, and find out.

See it in the gallery above, then head over to the Ask It page in our forums, and we’ll answer all your questions to the best of our abilities.

Advanced Flow Engineering offers up a new Stage 2 cold air intake system for your 2007-10 BMW M3. The intake, which has an MSRP between about $1180 and $1370 replaces the stock air intake with six-inch performance air filter, aluminum housing, and flow-improving plastic tubes.

The AFE air intake improves airflow by 85 percent, boosting horsepower, torque, and fuel economy.

We think a 15-horsepower and 13 pound-feet increase, as well as improved gas mileage, for around a thousand dollars (the prices are currently reduced on AFE’s website) is not too shabby.

Check it out in the gallery above, or scroll down for the press release.

The Telsa, when plugged into the electrical grid, creates at least 30% more CO2 emmissions than a comparable gasoline powered vehicle.

Sweep the emmisions under the carpet and it becomes green? Get off the blinders. Coal fired power generaters are much dirtier than gasoline engines, and are no where near as efficient.

According to reports, Reva, an Indian electric car manufacturer, may build vehicles in the US. If the deal passes, Reva would manufacture its NXR near Syracuse, New York. This would create 250 jobs over the course of three years.

The Reva NXR EV has a top speed of 65 miles per hour, and a range of 100 miles.

See the Reva NXG and NXR in the gallery above, or follow the link below for more information.

+ Autoblog: REPORT: Indian firm Reva to build electric cars in upstate NY

Subaru has pulled the sheet off of its Hybrid Tourer Concept at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, revealing a crisp, forward-looking, hybrid wagon from a company well known for forward-thinking wagons. We gave you the full details about the Tourer Concept a bit ago (here), but didn’t want to miss out on passing along more and better photography of the fetching fantasy wagon. Click through our gallery above to have a look.

Green Car Journal has announced its Top 5 for 2010 winners. Eventually, GCJ will choose the Green Car of the Year form this list. And they are (in alphabetical order):

• Audi A3 TDI
• Honda Insight
• Mercury Milan Hybrid
• Toyota Prius
• Volkswagen Golf TDI

Our reactions, repectively:

• Hmm. Yes.
• You’ve got to be kidding me.
• The little thing on the instrument panel that grows leaves while you drive is kinda neat.
• Never heard of it.
• Hooray!

What do you think of their choices? Which should earn the title of “best-of-the-best in ‘green’ cars?” Comments are good for the environment.

+ Green Car Journal: Hybrids & Clean Diesels Named Green Car of the Year Finalists