Slideshow: Future Hybrids

THERE'S NOTHING LIKE wallet-draining gas prices to convince drivers that it's time to start considering a more fuel-efficient car.

Indeed, sales for gas-sipping hybrid vehicles are at an all-time high. J.D. Power & Associates says annual green car sales jumped 38% in 2007 and are expected to increase another 14% this year. And according to a recent survey by the automotive web site Cars.com, 59% of car shoppers have already bought or would consider purchasing a hybrid. As gas prices continue to creep above $4 a gallon, more consumers are abandoning their gas-guzzling SUVs in favor of more fuel-efficient models. In fact, hybrids are flying out of dealers' lots so fast that auto makers are struggling to keep up with demand.

The good news: A handful of new and exciting green vehicles are slated to be released over the next couple of years. Not only should that help boost the supply of environmentally-friendly vehicles, but it should also give drivers more styles to choose from. Best of all, improved technology will make this next generation of vehicles even more fuel efficient than their predecessors. One caveat, though: Even with a greater variety and number of models, dealers may still fall short on supply so expect to pay a premium over the sticker price.

View our slideshow for a peek at the next generation of hybrid vehicles:

Talk about a high voltage idea. Chevy's Volt is a sleek sedan that combines a "plug-in" electric battery — that lasts for an impressive 40 miles — in addition to a gas tank. "It's not just a new model, it's a new approach," says Joe Wisenfelder, senior editor of Cars.com. Those with a short commute could theoretically drive to work on the electric battery alone. To rejuice, just plug the car into a regular 110-volt outlet. While the Volt is expected to have a small gas tank, it should still get around 50 miles per gallon and drive for another 360 miles once the battery wears out. Auto information site Edmunds.com expects the Volt to hit dealerships by 2010 and cost around $30,000.

Although Honda (HMC) hasn't officially given its Global Small Hybrid a brand name yet, industry insiders are calling it the "Prius Fighter." Based on Honda's FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, this sleek five-door hatchback will feature new technology that reduces the size and weight of the hybrid system, allowing for greater fuel efficiency and a lower price tag. Edmunds.com estimates the car could get an inspiring 60 miles per gallon and cost less than a Civic, which starts at $22,600. This fighting machine is expected to hit showrooms in early 2009.

Who says a green vehicle can't protect the environment and have a little fun? By 2010, Honda plans to roll out its first sporty hybrid, called the CR-Z, that will combine looks with power. This futuristic two-seater sports coupe is based on the highly-popular CR-X hatchback of the 1980s. The concept version of the new CR-Z was introduced at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show and experts believe the street version will look very similar. Edmunds.com predicts the CR-Z will come in under $30,000. No details yet on the car's expected fuel efficiency figures.

It's no secret that auto sales have taken a nose dive. However, Honda's smallest vehicle, the Fit, lays claim to being one of the few cars bucking the trend, thanks to its high fuel efficiency. Now, the Japanese auto maker plans to make the Fit even more environmentally friendly by introducing a hybrid version. Few details are available, but one can only expect that the hybrid Fit will get even better gas mileage than its traditional cousin, which boasts 27 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway. As for price, Honda is expected to charge just a slight premium over the traditional model's MSRP of $16,000.

One of the most highly-coveted green machines by Hollywood celebrities and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs alike is the Tesla Roadster. Tesla hopes its sexy electric sports car will be considered the next Porsche 911 — if not better. It boasts 248 horsepower and can go zero to 60 in less than six seconds. While the Tesla is already on sale, those who want it will have to wait in line (the waitlist is lengthy). For drivers who manage to get their hands on one, bragging rights will set them back around $100,000.

If Irvine, Calif.-based auto maker Fisker Automotive has its way, the Tesla Roadster won't go uncontested for long. Fisker's Karma is a plug-in hybrid sports car that looks as if it's meant more for the racetrack than rush-hour traffic. It can reach a top speed of 125 miles per hour and sprint from zero to 60 in less than six seconds. Driving enthusiasts got a sneak peek in January at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The street-ready version is expected to go on sale for around $80,000 during the fourth quarter of 2009. Want one? Better get your name on the waiting list. Fisker is already taking orders.

Clear hybrid vehicle victor Toyota (TM) has no plans to rest on its laurels. The Japanese auto maker is busy working on a redesign of its popular Prius for the 2010 model year. Toyota is notoriously tight-lipped about its new models — and the next-generation Prius is no exception. A Toyota spokeswoman did say, however, that the new Prius will provide some unique exterior styling and should be even more fuel efficient than the current version (pictured), which gets 48 miles to the gallon in the city and 45 on the highway. The 2010 model will arrive in showrooms in May 2009.

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