Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV

What it is: A plug-in hybrid crossover with the ability to run on electric power for a range of 30 miles, after which a backup engine powers the electric motors for extended range.

What we like about it: Its cocochi-interior, which is not only fun to say, but also provides a "clean, stress-free and safe & reassuring" environment for passengers. Their words, not ours.

Coolest feature: Body paint incorporates heat-reflective and insulation technology to reduce the need to blast power-sapping air conditioning on hot summer days.

Nissan Land Glider concept

What it is: A battery-powered, zero-emissions tandem two-seater with the heart and dynamics of a motorcycle and the enclosed protection of a car. Also described by Nissan as a "personal city commuter."

What we like about it: Nissan's determination to actually produce something fairly similar in the not-too-distant future.

Coolest feature: Crash avoidance system in which sensors mounted in the body detect other vehicles and direct the Land Glider away from obstacles.

Lotus Exige Stealth

What it is: A one-of-35 special edition Exige coated in rubberized black matte paint and wearing a set of unique rims.

What we like about it: It looks like the type of car Batman might give his son on his 16th birthday — that is, if Batman wasn't destined to live alone.

Coolest feature: Lotus claims the paint actually has a "soft touch" to it that is actually four- to five-times more resistant to scratches than a normal paint job.

Toyota FT-86 concept

What it is: A stunning rear-wheel drive sports coupe concept from a company that isn't particularly known for building stunning rear-wheel drive sports coupes.

What we like about it: It's a nice reminder that Toyota isn't all Camrys and Corollas. (After all, they did bring us the Supra.)

Coolest feature: Contrast between sweeping smooth lines below the doors and the dagger-like headlamps.

Honda CR-Z concept

What it is: A hybrid sport coupe that offers the frugality and economy of an Insight with the spirit and styling of an updated Honda CR-X. While it's a concept, expect a production version soon that follows this design closely.

What we like about it: The entry-level hybrid market is lacking any kind of excitement, and the CR-Z changes that.

Coolest feature: Hybrid technology without lame hybrid design.

Lexus LFA

What it is: A V10-powered, 552-horsepower, 9,000-rpm-redline, 0-62-mph-in-3.7-seconds, one-of-500, $375,000 supercar…brought to you by Lexus. No, this isn't a concept. Yes, they will build it.

What we like about it: A devastating rebuttal to anyone who thinks all Lexus vehicles are boring. (And if you've driven the Lexus IS-F, you know this isn't the case.)

Coolest feature: Triangle-stacked galactic spaceship exhaust.

Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept

What it is: A good look into the future of Subaru's design language.

What we like about it: If this is how future Subarus are going to look, call us Crocodile Dundee.

Coolest feature: Giant gullwing doors that look like they were lifted off some futuristic Epcot theme park ride.

Honda EV-N concept

What it is: A petite plug-in electric vehicle whose lithium-ion-powered motor propels the front wheels.

What we like about it: Retro design that harkens back to the Honda 600. It's actually nice to see Japan on the retro bandwagon.

Coolest feature: The remote-start keyfob displays the car's level of battery charge.

Daihatsu Deca Deca concept

What it is: An ultra-boxy living space on wheels. The rear suicide door and lack of a B-pillar makes for an immense loading and cargo area.

What we like about it: Scooby-Doo's Mystery Machine has nothing on this.

Coolest feature: A table, movable folding seats and a slick built-in LCD TV mean you really could live in it pretty comfortably.

Subaru WRX STI Carbon

What it is: A Japanese market-only WRX STI with a carbon fiber roof, form-fitting Recaro seats and a choice of 296-hp or 305-hp turbocharged boxer engines.

What we like about it: Carbon fiber makes everything better. (No, the fake stick-on stuff doesn't count.)

Coolest feature: The red-stitched black suede dash adds class and rally-bred, glare-reducing practicality.

Suzusho Supasse-V

What it is: A featherweight, Lotus Exige-sized exotic powered by the Mazdaspeed3's turbocharged 2.3-liter direct injection 4-cylinder.

What we like about it: 263 horsepower in a car that weighs 1,100 lbs. less than the 'Speed3? Yes, please.

Coolest feature: Unconventionally-shaped wheel wells.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Cargo

What it is: A taller, panel van version of Mitsubishi's regular i-MiEV electric vehicle targeted for commercial use.

What we like about it: In places cramped for space, like Tokyo, it only makes sense to build upwards instead of out.

Coolest feature: A whopping 62 cu. ft. of cargo space packed onto the back of a minicar.

Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo LWB

What it is: A long-wheelbase BMW 7-Series with a couple of turbochargers breathing new life into its V8, 21-inch wheels and luxurious custom interior touches.

What we like about it: Ferrari schmerrari — Alpina exclusivity is tough to beat.

Coolest feature: Hauling its enormousness from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds.

Nissan Fuga/Infiniti M

What it is: An all-new iteration of Infiniti's technology-laden M sedan (Nissan Fuga in Japan), wearing curvier sheet metal this time around. A hybrid is expected in 2011.

What we like about it: Aggressive new styling better matches its performance prowess.

Coolest feature: "Forest AC" climate control, which deodorizes the cabin air and creates backwoods-like breezes and fresh scents.

Mazda RX-500 concept

What it is: A 247-hp, 1,873-lb. rotary-powered supercar concept that originally debuted at the 1970 Tokyo auto show.

What we like about it: What's not to like?

Coolest feature: Forward-swinging butterfly-wing passenger doors and gullwing engine-access doors on that breadvan booty.