The Swiss know how to make a splash.

Audi A1 e-tron

What it is: Audi's latest e-tron electric vehicle concept, based on the aforementioned new compact A1 hatchback.

Cool features: A small, gas-powered rotary engine charges its batteries. Rotaries are far smoother, more compact and lighter than their piston-banging counterparts, making them appealing options for efficient packaging with electric motors. Like the upcoming Chevy Volt, the A1 e-tron is powered solely by its electric motor, with the rotary only rarely kicking in to recharge the batteries. Audi says the A1 e-tron should be able to achieve 124 mpg.

Bottom line: Maybe these two technologies (electric motor and rotary engine) that have yet to reach their respective pinnacles will find that they were always meant for each other.