The Focus is powered by the new I-4 engine makes extensive use of lightweight aluminum components, which offer both a weight savings - approximately 40 pounds compared with the equivalent Zetec I-4 engine - and chassis dynamics benefits, such as improved weight distribution front-to-rear and higher power-to-weight ratio.

Put the two together and you get regular cars with low polluting engines and the regenerative power of a battery cell. It's an in-the-box solution that requires nothing new in the way of fuel or infrastructure. Drivers don't have to do anything, and as the technology is refined so to will be the warranties that protect it. It's a combination that works when it comes to building cars that feature higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions ratings, with the same or better performance and space standards.

As gas prices continue to soar and car buyers get serious about saving money at the pump, that's a combination that may well have a lasting impact on the types of cars we drive.