Thinking about a new hatchback? You might want to wait a second. The Mercedes’ A-Class has typically been more concerned with the environment rather than making a statement about style. For the 2011 New York and Shanghai Auto Shows, Mercedes intends to change that boring image with an newly styled concept car that looks more performance than greenr, taking the A-Class in an entirely new direction. Though it is just a concept, it might show the direction the front-wheel drive platform is headed-one that will appeal to a more youthful and enthusiastic buyer.

The Benz A Class concept car comes complete with BlueEFFICIENCY 2.0L four-cylinder good for 210 hp, a dual-clutch transmission, a radar-based collision detection system and Adaptive Brake Assist.

Who says electric cars aren’t fun. The Nissan Leaf Nismo RC is a perfect example of taking green and turning on the green light. Features include full carbon fiber monocoque bodywork with removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and taillights, and a driver-adjustable rear wing. The concept is painted in a special Pearl White paint with blue NISMO/Zero Emission graphics. this souped up version of the Leaf is 3.9 inches shorter, 0.8 inches longer, 6.7 inches wider, and 13.8 inches lower. And if you thought the leaf was lightweight, the Nismo is 40% lighter than the original main stream model giving it the added pick up it needs to compete with other cars in a race environment.

For the powertrain, Nissan used a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that delivers a total of 107 HP and a peak torque of 207 lbs-ft. This motor is charged by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules.

The Nismo can only hit speeds of 93mph max with a maximum drive time of 20 minutes.