It’s no secret that the world’s automotive companies are looking for ways to stay relevant, while furthering the discussion on environmental sustainability. In the last several years, there have been some big innovations in alternative energy and many expect that in the coming decade, hybrid models will finally become the norm. But what is on the table for this near future? Here is a list of the fifteen most intriguing hybrid models that may see in the coming years.

Mercedes F-Cell Roadster

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After having been unveiled in March 2009, the F-Cell Roadster has been referenced by critics as more of a publicity stunt than anything. A combination of Mercedes’ past and future, the F-Cell is more visually intriguing than it is practically useful. Technically-speaking, this roadster is fitted with a 1.2 kW hybrid drive train, which gives it the ability to reach top speeds of 15 mph and achieve an operating range of 217 miles. One hundred and fifty trainees and students at Mercedes Sindelfingen Plant developed this concept hybrid. Though Daimler (Mercedes parent company) has no interest in mass-producing this vehicle, this concept has led consumers to believe that environmentally-sustainable Mercedes are not that farr off on the horizons.

Antro Solo

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The Antro Solo looks like it came from the pages of a sci-fi graphic novel. But this solar-gas-electric hybrid is not fiction, it is reality. And this Hungarian-designed Antro Solo gets 150 miles to the gallon. The prototype for this vehicle was created out of the lightweight material carbon fiber, which allowed the car to weigh much less than other hybrids. In order to maximize more fuel efficiency, the designers installed solar panels on the roof. Additionally, each passenger’s seat comes equipped with pedals that can power the vehicles generator. This vehicle is set to go into mass production by 2012, and is expected to cost around $20,000

Bright Automotive’s Hybrid Truck

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Indiana’s Bright Automotive has decided to venture in a different direction. They have developed and created a hybrid transport vehicle marketed solely for government and commercial use. With the ability to transport up to 2000 pounds, a storage capacity of 180-cubic-feet, and the ability to run on electric battery alone for 30 miles, the IDEA could prove a perfect fit to replace local transport vehicles for the public and private sectors. If the government gives Bright the federal loan money it expects, high volume production of the IDEA will begin in 2012. By 2013, Bright Automotive expects to produce around 50,000 vehicles a year. Currently, the company has a number of potential commercial customers lined up, including Frito Lay, Cox Communications, and Alcoa.

Toyota FT HS Hybrid Concept Car

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The FT HS concept for Toyota was originally designed to fill the void left by the ‘Supra’ when Toyota halted its production in 1997. This rear-wheel-drive Hybrid Sports delivers an impressive 400 horsepower. The engine combines a 3.5 liter V6 with a 650v electric motor for power and efficiency. With an expected price tag in the mid-$3oks the FT HS is slated for a late 2009 release.

Buick Business Hybrid

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Buick debuted this 7 seat, 5-door hybrid hatchback at the Shanhai Auto Show in April of 2009, which is product of a collaboration between GM and The Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center. The Business utilizes li-ion batteries and an improved electric motor to get fuel economy that’s an estimated 20 percent better than what’s available now. This hybrid concept was created solely for the class of executive transport vehicles in China. To conserve energy the Business Hybrid automatically ‘powers down’ when idle, and utilizes a regenerative brake system to conserve fuel. Unfortunately, GM only has plans to release this hybrid in China, and a specific release date is yet is TBD.

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Citroen C-Metisse Diesel Hybrid

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The C-Métisse is a quadruple gull-wing door sports car with front wheels that are powered by a 205 hp diesel V6, and the rear by two electric motors. Citroen claims the hybrid (which was originally exhibited in 2006) can reach 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds and top speeds of 155 mph. Regardless of car’s obvious power, the vehicle still averages 42 mpg due to its hybrid technology. While the C-Metisse boasts many appealing attributes that sports car consumers desire, Citroen has yet to name a release date for the hybrid concept.

Toyota 1/X Hybrid

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Toyota has taken the concept of green technology literally with the development of a hybrid vehicle made from seaweed. The 1/X is a hybrid-powered car that envisions a future where cars leave a fraction of the environmental footprint they leave now. Weighing less than a third than the Toyota Prius, but boasting as much interior space, the 1/X seeks to revolutionize the way cars are made and what materials are used in the manufacturing process. Although this car is only in the conceptual phases of development, Toyota is looking to implement plant-based plastics for their vehicle fleet in the near future.

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Infiniti Essence

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Unfortunately, just weeks after the Infiniti Essence made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March of 2009, Infiniti announced it was shelving the project. This news was surprising to the industry, because the release of this vehicle had created huge buzz for the luxury sports car market. Boasting fuel efficiency and mighty horsepower, the Essence combined an electric motor with a twin-turbo 3.7-liter V6 to produce a nearly 600 horse power engine. Though Infiniti announced the demise of the Essence soon after its unveiling, they did publicize the technology developed for the Essence would make it into future models of the M37 and G37.

Toyota A-BAT Hybrid Truck

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The Advanced Breakthrough Aero Truck may be a loquacious title for this hybrid compact pickup, but the features prove quite innovative. This truck made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in 2008, which in turn created a lot of industry buzz surrounding the environmentally conscious truck market. The A-BAT is supported by a drive train with a four-cylinder gas engine with Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive. Because this vehicle is still in the conceptual phase, Toyota is not required to publish fuel efficiency specifications. Regardless, the industry expects that once this vehicle is produced it will boast a much higher fuel efficiency output than the contemporary standard for compact trucks.

Hyundai BLUE-WILL

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In March 2009, Hyundai announced it would be unveiling a new hybrid SUV at the Seoul Auto Show in April. The car features lithium-Ion batteries paired up with a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine. What makes this car special is the use of “dye-sensitized solar cells” that are utilized in providing power to the vehicle’s 100 kW electric engine. Hyundai has yet to determine a release date for the BLUE-WILL, there are rumors to suggest a 2010 release date.

Ford Diesel Electric Hybrid

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The Ford Reflex features a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system that utilizes diesel, electric and solar power. This combination of power was developed to deliver maximum fuel economy, up to 65 mpg, without compromising performance. Even though this concept was orignally released in 2006, this car is still a concept and a definitive release date for mass distribution has yet to be determined.

Mercedes Boxfish Hybrid

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Mercedes looked to mother nature for the inspiration for this fuel-efficient concept car. With a body design inspired by the eponymous fish, this concept proved more effecient than imagined. After initial testing, it was found that, due to its aerodynamic and streamlined shape, the car was 20% more fuel effiecnt and had 80% lower nitrogen oxide emissions. As a result, the Boxfish is able to travel 70 miles on one gallon of diesel fuel. The prototype made its debut in 2005, and currently has no release date.

Mindset AG Solar Hybrid

Resembling both the DeLorean, and the newer Dodge Challenger, this hybrid was created by the Swiss company Mindset AG. The ultra-lightweight hybrid vehicle combines an electric motor with a .63-liter V2 engine, the result of this combination allows the vehicle to travel 70 miles on one charge. Furthermore, this car also has mounted solar panels on its rear, and can be recharged by plugging into the wall. Mindset AG has 10,000 units planned for distribution by late 2009. The projected cost for this vehicle will be around $78,000 dollars.

Lightning Hybrid LH4

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Having debuted at the Denver International Auto Show in April 2009, the LH4 is the first door less, bio-diesel, hydraulic, hybrid sports car, anywhere in the world. Lightning Hybrids is a small startup that is based in Loveland, Colorado that has designed two 100-MPG hydraulic-biodiesel hybrid cars. Currently, a price point and public release date have yet to be determined for the LH4.

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Yamaha GEN-RYU Hybrid Motorcycle

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The GEN-RYU combines a YZF-R6 600cc engine with an electric motor that allows the motorbike to handle like a 1,000cc class system. Not only does this bike offer environmental advantages, but advanced safety technologies as well. These functions include: a vehicle-to-vehicle distance warning system that utilizes the latest communications technologies, and a light system that improves nighttime vision when turning at intersections and curves. Though the concept was debuted in 2005, a release date has yet to be determined.

If you are like most car enthusiasts, your true dream car falls into one of two types: muscle cars or high-end exotic cars. Since the dawn of the auto industry, men and women have challenged each other on the open road, eager to build it bigger, faster and more powerful than ever before. Of course, power and luxury come at a price, and in today’s economy many of us simply cannot justify the expense of buying our dream cars. Fortunately, there are several ways to experience your dream ride without making the investment in an exotic car of your own.

Rental Cars

If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, Miami, New York City or another luxury destination, why not splurge on a high-end ride for the weekend? The travel industry is hurting badly in today’s economy, resulting in some truly amazing flight and hotel deals. With all that money saved on travel and lodging, it is easy to justify a rental car that will make you feel like a true high roller. Gotham Dream Cars and Dream Car Rentals are just two of the many rental agencies that specialize in exotic rides like the Ferrari F430 Spider and the ever-popular Porsche 911.

Make sure you read the fine print before committing to a rental contract. Most exotic rental car agencies require all drivers to be at least 25 years old, although some will allow younger drivers for an additional fee. Exotic car contracts usually limit the mileage per day or per week, with a very hefty charge for each additional mile. You also need to be certain that you select full insurance coverage, as many regular insurers will not cover specialty cars.

Be especially cautious when renting an exotic car overseas. Driving laws are often quite different than those with which you are familiar. Pick up an international driving permit before you leave home, and check into traffic laws in your destination. Depending on the country, you may be required to drive with your low beams on at all times, carry emergency flares or maintain a particular level of insurance on the car. Also keep in mind that in some countries you are expected to pay traffic fines on the spot, while in other places this will get you arrested for bribery.

Fractional Ownership

If you would rather have your choice of luxury car available where and when you want it, why not consider joining a fractional ownership club? The equivalent of time share for cars, fractional ownership clubs are popping up all over the country.

For maximum flexibility, look for a club that has numerous locations around the country and operates on a point-based system. This will allow you to reserve any car in your point bracket at any location, rather than being tied to a specific model or a specific “home” area.

Prices and structure vary widely between clubs, but some general guidelines apply. You will need to pay a one-time initiation fee along with an annual membership fee. Your annual fee will provide you with a certain number of points that can be redeemed for car rental days. Each car is assigned a point value per rental day. There is usually a system in place for purchasing additional points, which can get you a higher-value car or more rental days during the year.

Take In a Driving Experience

Driving experiences are becoming highly popular around the world. Sponsored by the major exotic car manufacturers such as Ferrari and Porsche, as well as by independent auto clubs, these events provide a wonderful chance to learn to drive an exotic car under the guidance of experts.

Depending on the experience that you choose, you might find yourself tackling an icy winter course in Canada, zipping around hairpin turns in the German mountains or attempting to break speed records on a Formula One track in the parking lot of Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Driving experiences are available for virtually every exotic car and race car you could imagine. Your available time and budget will determine the length of your experience, from an afternoon to several days. Available experiences run the gamut from speed to winter driving to advanced technical maneuvers. If you prefer to leave the driving to someone else, many courses offer ride-along experiences in which you will ride with a professional driver.

Consider a Lease Buy-Back

If you will be traveling in Europe for an extended period of time, you may be able to enjoy the car of your dreams at a price much lower than a standard rental. The lease buy-back program was started as a means of avoiding the astronomical VAT (value added tax) on new cars in Europe. Here’s how it works.

A brand new car is leased to a tourist from outside Europe. The length of the lease can be anywhere from 17 days to six months. The deal is carried by the leasing agency, so all you have to pay is the lease fee, which is usually a lot lower than a comparable rental. At the end of the lease period, you return the car which is now “used.” It is then sold to a European buyer as a used car, bypassing the heavy VAT.

If you are a luxury or exotic car enthusiast who simply can’t justify paying for a high-end car of your own, why not try out one or more of the above options? Whether you rent a car for the weekend or join a fractional ownership club, there is no reason not to enjoy the car of your dreams.

By now it is no secret that gas prices are out of control, and it looks like they will only get worse before they get better. Pundits have long debated how high gas prices would have to rise before consumers stopped complaining and actively started changing their habits. Now that gas is over $4 per gallon in many places, that time seems to have come.

A massive rush on hybrid vehicles started at the beginning of this year and reached a frenzy by May. Dealers are having trouble keeping the popular Toyota Prius and other hybrids on their lots. Some locations have wait lists several months long. In response, Toyota has announced plans to build additional battery plants to allow the company to significantly ramp up production.

Of course, it didn’t take long for other auto manufacturers to realize which way the wind was blowing. Mercedes, for example, launched a complicated green initiative last month called “Road to the Future.” The company plans to launch its own hybrid and fuel cell vehicles under a modular program that will allow consumers to choose the green technologies that best meet their needs. A major part of this program is BlueTEC, Mercedes’ own clean diesel program that cuts emissions as well as improving fuel efficiency.

Even exotic car manufacturers are getting into the game. Ferrari, for example, has announced plans for a new hybrid, as well as a biofuel supercar that runs on ethanol. High-end luxury manufacturers such as Lexus have also announced plans for fuel efficient vehicles.

Now is an exciting time to be a car buyer. New emissions regulations and fuel efficiency standards are being implemented worldwide. Meanwhile, consumers have stepped up to say that they will no longer tolerate gas guzzling cars. These factors are working together to force some of the most massive technological changes that the car industry has ever seen. Car buyers would do well to sit back and wait until the dust settles and the new technologies are fully implemented.

The Mercedes SL has a long and venerable history. Its lineage dates to the 1950s, when the iconic 300SL Gullwing brought the company to the forefront of high performance sports cars. As the years progressed, however, the SL underwent some significant design changes. In the past decade, the SL has been more soccer mom than road warrior, a luxury car better suited to suburban cruising than high-speed racing.

The 2009 redesign promises to change all that, however. The new SL class is leaner, sportier and higher powered than its most recent predecessor. Replacing the marshmallow softness of the exterior lines is a sleek and crisp body that is built with aerodynamics in mind.

Under the hood, the SL is ready to roll. The base models, the V-8 powered SL 550 and the V-12 SL 600 promise more horsepower and more torque than ever before. However, hardcore power enthusiasts may want to hold out for the SL 65 AMG instead.

The new bad boy of Mercedes Benz, the SL 65 AMG is one of the most awaited new car releases in a long time. The 6.0 L V-12 has been tweaked to draw a full 670 horsepower, capable of rocketing the car from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds. This is made possible in part due to the car’s lightweight carbon-fiber composite construction, which reduces the weight by 551 pounds.

Of course, you might have gotten used to the luxury that the SL class has come to represent. Fortunately, a return to sportiness does not mean a loss of luxury. With safety features that include a roll bar that automatically deploys just before a rollover, and technological touches such as Mercedes new AIRSCARF, which gently blows warm air at neck level for top-down winter driving, it is clear that the new SL blends the best of both worlds. After all, if you are going to barrel down the highway at 195 mph, you might as well do it in comfort, right?