Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4

When it was unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini called its Asterion plug-in hybrid a “hyper cruiser.” That’s just about the perfect way to describe it.

The Asterion combines a 5.2-liter V10 engine with three electric motors, for a total of 910 hp. That’s enough to launch it from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds, and on to a top speed of 198 mph.

That’s pretty astonishing, especially considering that Lamborghini didn’t even want to build this car in the first place.

Lambo is resolutely anti-hybrid, but acknowledges that it may need to build one eventually to meet stricter global emissions standards. The Asterion shows that the company will be ready when that day comes.

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Hyundai Santa Cruz

A Hyundai pickup truck doesn’t sound very appealing right off the bat, but the Santa Cruz is a surprisingly cool concept.

The Santa Cruz isn’t a traditional pickup, but rather a cross between a pickup and a car. Hyundai sought to create the best of both worlds by offering truck-like utility and styling, with car-like comfort and fuel economy.

Unveiled at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, the Santa Cruz features a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 190 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system.

The Santa Cruz hasn’t been confirmed for production yet, but if it ever gets built, it will further blur the line between cars and trucks.

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Honda Civic

This concept-car preview of the 10th-generation Civic was a surprise hit at the 2015 New York Auto Show. It represents Honda’s intent to imbue its bread-and-butter compact with a little more style and excitement.

The concept showcases a new design language that marks the first substantial styling change for the Civic since 2006. With a low stance, wraparound taillights, and plenty of aggressive scoops and spoilers, it checks all of the sport-compact style boxes.

That sporty styling is totally appropriate, because a version of the high-performance Civic Type R is finally slated to come to the U.S.

A production model based on this concept will debut later this year. Some styling details may change, although that crazy green paint is expected to remain as a production color option.

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Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6

It’s not often that Bentley makes a major change to the types of cars it builds. The current Continental series dates back to 2003, after all, and the company will still brag about 24 Hours of Le Mans wins from the 1920s.

That makes the EXP 10 Speed 6 truly radical. While still a bona fide luxury car, it’s much smaller and closer to a traditional sports car than just about anything Bentley has ever made.

Propulsion for the sleek coupe comes courtesy of a hybrid powertrain, with enough grunt to get the EXP 10 Speed 6 up to 200 mph. Other up-to-the moment touches include 3D-printed components and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

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Aston Martin DBX

An electric SUV from Aston Martin… why not? The Aston Martin DBX concept shocked (pun intended) the world at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show with that combination of decidedly un-Aston traits.

Despite its taller profile, the DBX manages to look as sleek as Aston’s traditional motors, and with one electric motor powering each wheel, it promises to be similarly exhilarating to drive should Aston use that setup in an expected production SUV due out in a few years.

The DBX shows that Aston Martin’s unique character can survive in a future where SUVs rule the luxury market, and tough emissions standards voce engineers to get more creative when it comes to powertrains.

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