Toyota FT-HS Concept

Remember the first enviro-friendly cars? The initial cost was huge, and when it came to styling you had to swallow hard and remind yourself - "I'm doing it for the good of the world."

Fast forward to today, and what do we have? Well, the latest designs are beyond eye-catching - Tom Cruise might have even considered upgrading his Lexus on one of these bad boys. And how is it looking on price? Actually, there's a slight problem with supply. You're just plain not allowed one, as they haven't quite figured out how to make them yet.

Introducing the great hybrid car tease of 2007 - cars we may or may not see at an undisclosed time in the future. This is the age where manufacturers race to bring green concepts to the world:

Chevrolet Volt concept car:

Click the picture to see a great rundown on this from AutoblogGreen, but in a nutshell: It has two engines - one electric, and one gasoline. The gasoline motor never powers the wheels, however, but just kicks in to recharge the battery if needed. The proposed battery capacity would give 40 miles before needing a recharge - which is more than most people require for a daily commute - and a total range of 640 miles when also utilising a full 12 U.S. gallon tank of fuel. Being able to charge the car either by plugging in, or if necessary via the petrol engine, seems like an insightful approach that may well appeal to the market.

Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept:

This car is marketed as the first hyrid to completely do away with fossil fuels, as it takes 100% biofuels instead (ethanol), and has a fuel-saving 'zero mode' for electric only city driving. It boasts 260bhp, and is said to be the world's first hybrid convertible. Click picture for details.

Toyota FT-HS Concept:

Slated to have a 3.5 litre V6 motor and an electric motor, the FT-HS is said to do 0-60mph in about four seconds(!). Click picture for (scant) details.

Sigh...