2008 L.A. Auto Show: BMW 7 Series, X6 Hybrid Concepts

• Looks like: BMW wants in on the hybrid halo
• Defining characteristics: Huge turbocharged V-8 engines, tiny electric motors
• Ridiculous features: 400-hp V-8 in a hybrid
• Chance of being mass-produced: We’re not sure if there’s a market for super-powerful hybrids, and BMW hasn’t hit home runs with recent new models

Riddle me this: What's one hybrid the world does not need right now? An uber-luxury sedan. A bonus no-go would be a hybrid performance SUV. Yet those are the two hybrid concepts BMW is showing in L.A.

The recently redesigned 7 Series and the X6 SUV both sport the same powertrain, a 400-hp, turbocharged V-8 engine teamed to a mild hybrid system. The result? 15% better fuel economy. Compared to a turbo X6, which gets 12/18 mpg city/highway, a 15% improvement would be roughly 14/21 mpg. Not exactly in the running for green car of the year, is it?

The hybrid system does use advanced lithium-ion batteries and an engine-stop function that kills the gas engine at stops to conserve fuel.