It Isn't Easy Going Green

Eco-consciousness (or not) at the Frankfurt Auto Show

September 17, 2007—The German government has been pressuring automakers to produce eco-friendlier cars of late, and as the models on display at the Frankfurt Auto Show (which runs through Sunday) demonstrate, responses have ranged from acquiescence to outright hostility. ("This is the German way of giving the finger," one exec said of his gas-guzzling offering.) Thankfully, the bad vibes didn't spill over to the designs, which remained as forward-thinking as ever. Here are five standouts (some eco-friendly, some defiantly not):

BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid
Bimmer's first hybrid packs a powerful (and green) kick: Its rumored 410-hp gas-electric power train gets about 20 percent better fuel economy than the company's conventional V-8. Sadly, it's not slated to go into production till 2009.

Ford Verve Concept
Unlike many in its compact class, Ford's new Verve is neither retro nor goofy. In fact, we dare say it's almost sexy. No word yet on when we'll see one on the road—but given Ford's current financial predicament, the sooner the better.

Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept
Powered by a tiny 1.8-liter, four-cylinder DiesOtto hybrid engine that cranks out 238 horsepower while getting 44 miles per gallon, this dolphin-shaped full-size sedan (above) suggests that in the future, luxury can come with a clear conscience.

Lamborghini Reventón
Only 20 of this absurdly powerful 650-hp V-12 supercar are being made, each available for a cool $1.4 million. The outlandish, stealth fighter–inspired body is covered in matte gray paint, and the vehicle is charmingly named after a bull that killed a Mexican matador in 1943.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Pur Sang
This special-edition 1,001-hp beast (the name means "pure blood") is even more exclusive than the Reventón—only five are being made, at a price of two million bucks each. It reaches 252 mph, but gets only three miles per gallon. There are absolutely no plans for a hybrid version.