FOR CAR JUNKIES

, the New York International Auto Show (currently underway in Manhattan's Jacob Javits Center) is a mighty fix thanks to the more than 1,000 2007 and 2008 models on display.

This year, the buzz is on energy efficiency. From hybrids to alternative fuel vehicles to mini models that won't guzzle gas, each manufacturer has its own technological take, says Jack Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book. "Certainly we hear a lot about global warming," he says, "but there's also this pocketbook issue of fuel efficiency. Manufacturers know consumers are looking at a combination of very practical and ethereal, ethical issues." In other words, manufacturers are looking for ways to help the environment, while helping out your wallet at the same time.

Check out our slideshow for 15 vehicles eight in production and seven concept cars worth a look:

1. Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell

Market Testing

An SUV propelled solely by electricity and hydrogen? That's right: The new Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell car requires no gasoline and will produce no harmful emissions. That may sound like science fiction (and the SUV does, in fact, closely resemble the company's 2005 concept car, the Chevrolet Sequel), but more than 100 of the eco-friendly vehicles will be on the road this fall as families in New York, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles take ownership for free for market testing. Fuel cell technology is expensive and time-consuming to produce, hence the cautious start. (Want to volunteer? Click

2. Ford Escape Hybrid

Remodeled

Shhh! A common complaint of the 2007 model is that it's no quiet ride. The '08 version, which will arrive in dealerships this spring, has been retooled inside and out. A reshaped exterior and smooth transition between electric and gasoline power, among other upgrades, make it 15% quieter for highway driving. Prices start at $26,825.

3. Lexus LS 600h L

New Model

Energy conservation and luxury go hand in hand with Lexus' new hybrid model. The LS 600h has massaging seats, a 19-speaker sound system and of course an electric/gas hybrid motor. Dealerships are taking reservations for this ultra-luxe model, which goes on sale in June. But it'll cost you: prices start at $104,750.

4. Nissan Altima Hybrid

New Model

Nissan's first hybrid is currently available in just eight states California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. Not local? If you're looking for an energy-efficient model, getting the 41 mpg city; 36 mpg highway this model offers may be worth the long drive. The 2007 model, MSRP $24,400, is eligible for a $2,350 federal tax credit.

5. Saturn Aura Green Line

New Model

The latest of Saturn's hybrids, the Aura Green Line uses 25% less energy than its standard counterpart. And it offers plenty of technology to reduce fuel consumption. The gas engine automatically shuts off when stopped to minimize idling (electric power remains), and energy produced while braking is used to recharge the battery. Prices for the 2007 model, which arrived at dealerships in March, start at $22,695. It has already qualified for a $1,300 federal tax credit.

6. Saturn Vue Green Line

New Model

The first GM hybrid, Saturn's Vue Green Line debuted at dealerships last fall. It uses 20% less energy than its standard counterpart, and gets 27mpg city; 32 mpg highway. There's no need to wait for skyrocketing summer gas prices to come ahead financially. Prices start at $23,000.

7. Toyota Camry Hybrid

Remodeled

Talk about hard working the 2008 Camry Hybrid uses a smaller Hybrid Synergy Drive System than the 2006's model's 3.0-liter V-6 engine, yet produces the same horsepower. Use the "ECO" button to limit the electric power used for air conditioning and other systems, simultaneously improving fuel economy.

8. Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Remodeled

Do these roomy leather seats make me look fat? A more powerful engine and a larger frame, among other upgrades, pack another 500 pounds onto the 2008 Highlander Hybrid's frame. Yet it's just as fuel-efficient as the 2007 model, getting 31 mpg city; 27 mpg highway.

9. Chevrolet Volt

Concept

No gas station nearby? That's no problem for the Volt. The concept car's E-Flex Propulsion system lets you use any of four fuel choices to maximize its efficiency: electricity, gasoline, E-85 ethanol or biodiesel. Despite the range of choices, its engine is compact allowing plenty of room for five passengers and cargo.

10. Ford Airstream

Concept

Inspired by "2001: A Space Odyssey," and the iconic Airstream trailers of the 60s, this concept car has a distinctly futuristic twist a high-tech HySeries drive that allows the car to run entirely on electric power. Even without the built in-red velvet seats, mood lighting and lava lamp video screen, we have just one thing to say: Groovy.

11. Ford Interceptor

Concept

Although just one Mustang (the iconic '60s coupe) inspired the design, this concept incorporates a whole herd a full 400 horsepower, to be exact. Its 5.0-liter racing engine runs on E-85 ethanol.

12. Lincoln MKR

Concept

Lincoln's concept car gives new meaning to "environmentally friendly." A TwinForce 3.5-liter V-6 engine uses gasoline, or, alternately, E-85 ethanol. And the little details? The MKR takes the eco route whenever possible, from the chemical-free leather and soy-based foam seats to the reengineered oak instrument panel.

13. Mazda Nagare

Concept

"Nagare" means "flow" in Japanese, and this hydrogen-electric hybrid is all curves. On the outside, the sculpted waves and butterfly-wing doors lend the impression of motion. Inside, a wraparound bench for three forms the backseat, with a lone bucket for the driver up front.

14. Saab BioPower 100

Concept American Debut

Saab's 9-5 BioPower is already popular in Europe, but the line hasn't yet made it stateside. A concept car, the 9-5 BioPower 100, is the first. Based on your driving habits and speed, the car automatically determines which fuel will be most efficient: electricity, E-85 ethanol or a combination of both.

15. Toyota FT-HS

Concept

Drivers, start your engines. The FT-HS goes from zero to 60 in just under four seconds, placing it among the fastest of electric-gas hybrids. Toyota has hinted that this concept sports car could end up in production sometime soon.