From hybrids, technology, new vehicles and the environment, to saving money at the pumps.

Leno gives Volt big plug: TV show host and comedian Jay Leno is well known as a big name in automotive enthusiast circles so it was inevitable that the 2011 Chevrolet Volt would make its way into his "Big Dog" garage. Chief engineer Andrew Farah delivered the Volt to Leno as part of a California goodwill tour for the upcoming vehicle. "I guess it's Jay Leno's Green Garage this time," Leno says in the introduction to a 13-minute video on his Web site. Leno points out the Volt's similarity to a 1916 Owens Magnetic gas/electric, explaining that the Owens runs an electric dynamo and has no transmission, clutch or shifting. "Electric cars are nothing new," he tells Farah in the video. "You could conceivably get hundreds of miles per gallon if you live 30 miles away from work," Leno says as he looks under the hood, in a quote that will surely be music to GM's ears.

F1 lends hybrid hand to Ferrari: Last year, at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, Ferrari president Luca Cordero di Montezemolo confirmed the Italian automaker was testing a hybrid version of its 599 GTB Fiorano. That model was believed to be about five years out, but Italian magazine Quattroruote says Ferrari will display a hybrid version of its 599 GTB Fiorano at March's Geneva Motor Show, just one year after Ferrari confirmed such a model was under development. Unlike typical hybrids, the 599 will use a system derived from Ferrari's F1 racing efforts. Called Kinetic Energy Recovery System, or KERS, the system employs an electric motor near the rear transaxle that uses lithium-ion battery pack. The system allows for regenerative braking as well as an auto start-stop system.

Audi gives in to hybrid power: After numerous on-again, off-again rumors, Audi announced it will launch a hybrid version of its compact sport-utility vehicle. Audi says the Q5 Hybrid will make its debut in late 2010, possibly indicating a reveal at the auto show in Los Angeles, Calif., in November. No technical specs were released, but it is believed the vehicle will employ nickel-metal hydride batteries rather than a more advanced - and expensive - lithium-ion batteries. The Q5 Hybrid will be Audi's first full hybrid model. Audi still prefers diesel technology to hybrid technology but the Q5 Hybrid should help the German automaker in the North American market.

Four-cylinder and diesel set for C-Class: Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will re-introduce a four-cylinder engine into the entry-level C-Class for the first time since 2005.

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