In the not-too-distant future, that blur in the fast lane is as likely to be motivated by a high-tech hybrid power plant as it is an exotic, high-horsepower internal combustion engine. Surprised? You shouldn't be. Gas-electric hybrid vehicles are beginning to emerge in various forms these days, from Honda's mainstream Civic Hybrid and Toyota's acclaimed Prius to Ford's hybrid Escape SUV. Ultimately, hybrid power plants will become just another option at the showroom.

Some of the recent concepts forwarded at major auto shows share the direction that automakers have in mind. One of these directions speaks to the performance buff in us — high-performance hybrid sports cars. One such glimpse into the future, Mitsubishi's gas-electric hybrid Eclipse Concept-E, provides a formidable example.

The Concept-E's front wheels are driven by a parallel hybrid system integrating an electric motor with a 3.8-liter V6, for a combined 270 horsepower. The automaker's innovative E-Boost system channels an additional 200 hp to the rear wheels from a 150 kW electric motor located behind the cabin, powered by lithium-ion batteries secreted along the center of the vehicle. E-Boost is activated by aggressive throttle to provide an immediate boost in acceleration, much like a conventional turbo- or supercharger, transforming the car into a 470-hp, all-wheel-drive terror that raises the hybrid performance bar to new levels.

A look inside reveals further emphasis on the car's hybrid technology, with a decidedly futuristic twist. Centrally placed is a complex 3-D video imaging display that offers simulated gauges, diagnostic information and interactive displays. The gearshift, looking as much the part of a fighter jet's sidestick controller as a shifter, connects to a six-speed transmission that allows for both manual and automated shifting.

The familiar corporate grille sits atop a gaping air intake and between large headlight assemblies featuring unique plasma lamps. Its teardrop-shaped details — including side glass, door-handle cutouts and roof profile — pay homage to the second-generation Eclipse that was cherished by the street-tuner crowd. But the overall look of this iteration is thoroughly modern and striking. The muscular fender bulges speak of immense power and purpose, not inconsequentially housing wild nine-spoke, 20-inch wheels wrapped by 245/40R20 performance tires up front and 275/35R20 at the rear, suspended by independent multilinks at all four corners. It's a theme well integrated with the car's ground-hugging lower styling and aggressive stance, further supporting Mitsubishi's fusion of the disparate perceptions surrounding high-power, speed and hybrid technology into a single package.

Subaru Steps Out

Then there's Subaru with its B9 SC "Scrambler" hybrid electric concept. This advanced car blends the design direction of Subaru's Andreas Zapatinas — formerly head of design at Alfa Romeo — with a unique hybrid electric drive technology that works seamlessly with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive systems, and also is adaptable to its current vehicle platforms.

This automaker's Sequential Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle (SSHEV) system places a generator between a gasoline-powered 2.0-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine and transmission — with a two-way clutch, high-performance electric motor and all-wheel-drive transfer gearing integrated into the transmission case. What's unique about the SSHEV power plant is that its Boxer gasoline engine supplements the electric drive motor, rather than the other way around. Up to about 50 mph, the gasoline engine's primary role is to charge the laminated lithium-ion batteries that power the hybrid vehicle's electric motor. The gasoline Boxer engine takes over as primary propulsion above 50 mph, a speed range that's most efficient for this internal combustion power plant. Both electric and gasoline power plants jointly provide power under demanding driving conditions.