There's a lot to be said for the sound and feel of a high-revving engine accompanied by a few choice power shifts - or for that matter the visceral thrill of ten cylinders motivating a scorching straight-line launch. We may still experience this decades into the future. But after more than 100 years with internal combustion and gasoline, it's apparent that things are changing.

Within the next decade or two, there's a good chance you'll be driving a vehicle powered by an advanced power plant that's far removed from the familiar internal combustion engine now residing under your hood. Government regulation, environmental pressures, Middle East instability and market competition have spurred accelerated research and development into alternative fuels and the vehicles that run on them, creating a new twist in the motor vehicle's evolution.

Many alternative fuel buyers are motivated by such tangibles as fewer tailpipe emissions and significantly higher fuel economy, the latter resulting in decreased annual fuel costs. Other financial incentives are sometimes available from air pollution control agencies, state energy offices and other state and local sources. Additionally, non-financial incentives, such as the ability to drive in carpool lanes with a single occupant, are available in several states.

Let's examine the various alternative fuels and advanced technologies driving this part of the automotive field to see where we are and where we're headed.