Alternative fuels have become highly visible in the U.S. in recent years. In 2007, we can expect to see acceleration in the media about the endless possibilities and unique sources of energy. You will also continue to see and hear about hybrid drive systems on the street and on the drawing board of the auto manufacturers and the capabilities available both from economic and performance perspectives.

Ethanol E85, diesel, hydrogen and electricity are already being used to power vehicles that are ready for purchase and others in testing. The real question is will all of this development continue at a rapid pace based on the record gas prices we experienced late last year, or will the alternative fuel concept be placed on the back burner once again as gasoline prices fall or stabilize?

The best answer is that research will continue at full throttle knowing our consumption needs in the future.

Starting with the most common alternative fuel vehicles available in the market today -- the hybrids and those equipped to run on Ethanol E85 -- Toyota is the hybrid leader. The company already sells the Prius, Camry and Highlander with the hybrid option. Under the company's Lexus brand, the RX400H and the GS450H are also available. The GS450H carries a high performance designation with its 3.5 liter V6 and hybrid system, a combined rating of 339 horsepower and turns 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Toyota's latest concept car, the FT-HS, is powered by their hybrid synergy drive system and produces 400 horsepower.

Other hybrid providers include Honda with the Civic and Accord sedans. At General Motors the company's hybrid systems are termed mild hybrids. These systems do not actually power the vehicles, but rather shut down the gasoline engine when stopped and restart when the acceleration is engaged.

Such systems are available in the Chevrolet Silverado Classic Hybrid, GMC Sierra Classic Hybrid and the Saturn Vue Green Line. Ford Motor Co. offers the Ford Escape and the Mercury Marine Hybrid SUV.

Simply said, ethanol E85 is a form of alcohol produced from corn or sugar cane. The mixture at the fuel pump is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. This mixture is used in a flexible fuel vehicle, noted as FFV. Octane is normally higher than standard gasoline and it has been reported that miles per gallon is slightly less than that achieved with standard gasoline.

The ethanol E85 fuel is available for use on several cars and trucks from Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Isuzu, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury and Nissan. Visitors to the Chicago Auto Show will get a close up view of the Ford concept car, the Interceptor, that is powered by a 400 horsepower V-8 motor mated to a 6-speed transmission. It runs on E85 fuel.

The series of digits on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) provides a considerable amount of information about the vehicle. Specifically, the eighth digit specifies if the vehicle has been recommended to use E-85 fuel.

For example, the eight digit designation of "K" is an indication that the 2007 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo models are E85 user-friendly. At Ford, the "V" designation indicates it is fine to use E85 to power the Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis. Check with your dealer for digit identification information before using E85 fuel.

It also appears that diesel may become as major a fuel source for vehicles in the U.S. as it is in Europe. New Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is now arriving at the fuel pumps. This fuel contains 97 percent less sulfur than previous types of diesel fuel. It is ideal for the next generation of diesel-powered cars like the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-320 Bluetec.

J.D. Powers and Associates predict that sales of diesel cars will triple within the next 10 years based on advancements in diesel technology and the new clean diesel fuel.

For the 2007 model year, diesel fueled vehicles are available from DaimlerChrysler Corp., with the Mercedes E320 and Jeep Grand Cherokee. In the truck category, models are available from Chevrolet, GMC, Ford and Dodge.

Hydrogen powered vehicles became a reality in 2006. BMW has developed a vehicle called the BMW Hydrogen 7. It is a duel fuel vehicle powered by hydrogen or gasoline with a total cruising distance of 425 miles. The only emission with hydrogen fuel is water vapor. A 6.0 liter, 260 horsepower, 12-cylinder engine was installed in a 7 Series BMW with all of the power and comfort features of the basic 7-Series model.

Hydrogen contained in a 17.6 pound liquid tank, will power the vehicle for 125 miles, coupled to a 19.5 gasoline tank for another 300 miles. The driver can change tanks with a switch on the steering wheel, or the tanks will be changed automatically as one of the tanks nears empty.

During 2007, BMW plans to build 100 units that will be available to their VIP dealers world-wide. California, with its hydrogen fuel facilities, is on the distribution list.

Honda has had 20 Honda FCX test vehicles on the road during the last several years. In the fuel cell category, the fuel source is hydrogen that powers an electric motor drive train. The new generation Honda FCX model was recently shown as a concept car. This model is close to production and will be available on a lease basis in Japan and the US as a 2008 model. It comes as a 4-door model with a range of 270 miles.

Don't discount the electric vehicles in this alternate fuel category. Two will be displayed as concept cars at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. General Motors shows their appropriately named Volt model, and Ford displays its Airstream model. Both can be plugged into a garage electrical outlet for overnight battery charging. The pair is powered by an electric motor fed by batteries.

GM's Chevrolet Volt has a small gasoline engine that runs a generator to recharge the batteries when they are low. The Ford Airstream has a hydrogen-fed fuel cell rather that the gasoline engine. Neither of the models has yet been approved for production, but stay turned.

After years in the research labs, manufacturers are getting a hold on alternate fuels that will play an important role in the automotive marketplace over the years to come.