How much dorkier can environmentally friendly cars get? After I saw the Zooop and the NmG, I didn't dare ask the question, but here's Venturi answering it anyway with the Eclectic. Claiming its creation is the world's first "energy-autonomous" vehicle, Venturi equipped the amazingly nerdy car with a solar panel and a wind turbine so it can get power from the elements. It also has a plug for recharging from an outlet, which I predict any owner will be using a lot, as the panel and turbine combined give you only something like 14 miles a day. But electric power still beats gas.

As all warm and fuzzy as that makes me feel, I really don't think I could bring myself to even be a passenger in one of these. Come on, people! Tesla Motors has already shown that energy-conscious cars don't have to look like they were designed by Steve Urkel. Honestly, the Eclectic looks like someone gave a high-tech refit to Fred Flintstone's foot-powered car, which was actually pretty energy-autonomous, too, if you think about it.

Anyway, should your love of all things green trump your aesthetic sensibilities, you'll actually be able to buy an Eclectic next summer for about $31,500, according to a Venturi press release. Only 200 are being made in a limited run, but somehow I think you probably don't need to rush to place your order. Production models are scheduled to hit in 2009. — Peter Pachal

Venturi, via Electro-Plankton