Hot, sexy hybrids

Here is a hybrid that could very well outperform its gasoline-powered equivalent. It takes the 300-horsepower twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine of the 535i sport sedan and adds an electric drive system that boosts power output by 35 horses. It can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. But it can also drive solely on electric power up to 37 mph. It's a looker, too, with a sultry shape that shames the other hybrids with their pudgy proportions and dinky wheels designed to reduce drag. Driving a BMW ActiveHybrid 5 sends a drastically different message than driving a Toyota Prius. Now, if BMW would only pick a better name for it.

Read:  BMW Still King of the Hill

The new Ford Fusion almost looks like an Aston Martin from the front -- almost. That's not to say it's anywhere near as sexy as a sports car, but it does look a heck of a lot better than other hybrids, including the previous Fusion. For 2013, Ford is producing two versions of the midsize hybrid sedan: a conventional one with an upgraded lithium-ion battery pack, and a version called the Fusion Energi with more batteries and plug-in capability. A smartphone application lets owners monitor battery charging remotely. Both hybrid models can drive up to 62 mph solely on electric power. Last year's model could reach only 47 mph in electric-only mode because of its weaker nickel-metal hydride battery pack.

Read:  Ford Fusion Gets a Makeover

If Lexus were to produce a hybrid version of its LFA supercar, it would probably look like this sexy machine. It's the company's interpretation of what a future luxury sports coupe should look like. With its huge, angular grille, sloping glass roof and bulging fenders, it manages to be racy and elegant at the same time. The interior is just as richly sculpted, with a stylish steering wheel of polished metal, leather and carbon fiber. The door panels and center console have sweeping shapes that curl like waves. A 12.3-inch display in the middle of the dash complements the multilayered instrument binnacle in front of the driver. Lexus, please turn this into a production model.

View Pictures:  Lexus LF-LC Hybrid

Here's another performance-oriented hybrid that should be loads of fun to drive. It uses a V6 gasoline engine that puts out 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. But wait, there's more. An electric motor adds 27 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque for a combined power output of 329 horses and 457 lb-ft of torque. Estimated fuel consumption is 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway/27 mpg combined. On the outside, it's the same classy E-Class we've come to expect.

Read:  New Hybrids From Mercedes

Toyota says this concept is a "vision of future mobility" and a new styling direction for the brand that incorporates triangular shapes and a low-slung windshield. The idea was to create a midsize plug-in hybrid concept that could be introduced in 2015. It would have a plug-in hybrid drive system that's smaller, lighter and more fuel-efficient than current systems, while also offering better acceleration, a longer electric-only range and short charge times.

Read:  Toyota Unwraps Newest Prius Model

This sporty little sedan has a turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine that puts out 150 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. An electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries adds 27 ponies. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission completes the package. Volkswagen kept the weight down as much as possible on all of the drive components, adding only 221 pounds more than on a regular gas-powered Jetta. The hybrid gets a combined city/highway EPA fuel economy rating of 45 mpg, and it can drive in electric-only mode up to speeds of 44 mph, but only up to 1.2 miles. But the Jetta Hybrid isn't just about driving slowly and saving fuel; a sport mode on the transmission uses the electric motor to boost acceleration.

Matthew de Paula wanted to be an automotive journalist ever since reading his first car magazine in grade school. After a brief stint writing about finance, he helped launch ForbesAutos.com and became the site's editor in 2006. Matthew now freelances for various outlets.