A federal judge in Vermont dealt a blow to traditional automakers Wednesday, upholding California's anti-emissions regulations and opening the door for other states to create similar laws policing vehicles sold in their states.

Washington is among 13 states that have followed California's lead, putting pressure on car manufactures to lower greenhouse gases on a set timeline.

Whether or not the judge's ruling will have a noticeable impact on the automotive industry remains to be seen. The Environmental Protection Agency still must provide a waiver allowing state laws to take effect.

Meanwhile, the cost of crude oil is expected to continue to drift up in 2008, leaving little room for the gas-chugging beasts of yore.

But raw power will never go out of style, and in Germany this week, some seriously sexy cars are showing off their cleaner, more efficient muscle at the 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

The Mercedes-Benz F700 concept car, for example, manages to get 44 miles per gallon and a decent 238 horsepower from its 1.8-liter, 4-cylindar engine. That's thanks to a precisely engineered combustion process, direct fuel injection and turbocharging.

Alas, in a seemingly paradoxical display of beefiness and practicality, Mercedes' 2007 E63 AMG Wagon, is one of the worst fuel consumers, getting an estimated 12 miles per gallon in the city and 18 on the highway... but its 8-cylindar engine cranks out a whopping 507 horsepower.

Check out your vehicle's estimated fuel consumption here.