Ms. McCloskey says it was a fundamental error for economists to start making their arguments in terms of "Max U" alone.

WSJ: Cultural Conversation: The New Theories of Moral Sentiments

"In fact, 'Max U' would be a much more sensible person if he had gender change and became 'Maxine U, '" she chuckles.

WSJ: Cultural Conversation: The New Theories of Moral Sentiments

Though Ford is concentrating on hybrid versions of C-MAX in the U.S., the designs of C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid are based on the gasoline- and diesel-powered European version.

ENGADGET: Ford C-Max Energi pricing: $29,995 after a federal tax credit, available this fall