Global carmakers have been unveiling concepts that could shape the future of automobiles for the next decade, with a focus on lean, green models.

Hybrids and electric cars took center stage on day one of the show, which is open to the public March 4-14.

The 2011 Porsche 918 hybrid concept is set to debut tomorrow at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

The 918 hybrid is powered by a 500 HP V8 engine along with two electric motors which supply an additional 218 HP.

Porsche claims that it delivers up to 78 miles to the gallon and can travel 16 miles on battery alone.

Ferrari is expected to reveal a hybrid version of the 599 GTB during the 2010 Geneva International Motor Show in March.

The car should use a system based on lithium-ion batteries and an electric motor, both of which are respectively placed on either side of the rear transaxle.

Overall a reduction of about 35% in fuel consumption (equivalent to about 17 litres per 100km) will be achieved.

In a recent interview with the German Magazine Automobilewoche, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said that Lamborghini is planning to launch a hybrid Gallardo.

Winkelmann said that, while Lamborghini is planning to go green, it isn’t about to forget about performance and the pleasure of owning a supercar.

The new hybrid will consist of a small electric motor for slow moving urban traffic but will switch to its V-10 or V-12 engine when on the open road.

Mercedes-Benz has launched the new S400 hybrid model: the first series-production Mercedes-Benz passenger car with hybrid drive and the world’s first car with a lithium-ion battery.

“The S400 HYBRID is a major milestone on our road towards emission-free mobility”, says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

New Porsche Cayenne S hybrid will finally came to market in 2010.

According to the German automaker, the hybridized Cayenne will emit some 20 percent less C02 than comparable combustion engine vehicles with similar power output. Covering a 0-to-100 km/h sprint in just 6.8 seconds, it will earn its ‘S’ designation by delivering V8 performance and four-cylinder efficiency, all while complying with the Ultra Low Emission Vehicle II emission standards.

Cayenne S Hybrid will roll freely at highway speeds without the combustion engine on, greatly minimizing engine emissions and fossil fuel consumption. This differs from current hybrid concepts that deliver benefits mainly in city traffic.