The Chevy Corvette’s formula is simple, pure and inherently American. You take a sleek and stylish coupe body, put it on a rear-wheel drive platform, add a V8 and presto!: you have an American icon.

However, that all might change though by 2016 according to Automotive News, as emission and efficiency standards reach new heights. Tom Stephens, GM’s Vice Chairman of global product development, announced that the company might consider a hybrid power train in future Corvette models if all other attempts to meet the new government-mandated CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards prove unsuccessful. This would be a huge change for Corvette fans, being that the current ‘Vette is a tire-scorching, 430-horsepower behemoth. Not to mention the non-base models which are super cars in their own right, the Corvette Z06 and ZR1, with 505 and 638 horsepower respectively.

But companies like Tesla and Fisker are proving that hybrid and all-electric sports cars are both marketable and incredibly fun to drive.   By incorporating technologies like cylinder deactivation systems, direct injection and variable valve timing, the Corvette’s current V8 can be made more efficient.

Combine these with other fuel-saving features like light weight construction, electric power steering and low rolling resistance tires, and it is possible that the next-gen Corvette would be efficient enough for the car’s classic formula to remain unaltered. Whether a V8 or hybrid drive train is used, GM is insistent that the next chapter in the Corvette story will be just as thrilling as those that came before it.

Getting a multimillion-dollar government loan would likely show a strong vote of confidence in your company’s efforts. That’s exactly what up-and-coming automaker Fisker Automotive got this past week when they received $528.7 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). While that may sound like a poor allocation of tax dollars in this economic climate, the federal government believes it is money well spent.

When it comes to making an investment in the future of alternative transportation, Fisker is a good bet to place money on. As a developer of plug-in hybrid technology, Fisker has designed a sport sedan that’s as green as just about any other hybrid on the road, but at least twice as fun to drive.  Did we mention it’s stunning silhouette?

The 2009 Fisker Karma is only the first of Fisker’s proposed lineup of plug-in hybrids, which also includes a low-cost entry level model as well as a Chevy Volt competitor. This isn’t the first time that DOE has handed out loans for the development of next-gen cars, however. Earlier this year, Tesla Motors, builders of the Tesla Roadster and upcoming Model S, received $465 million. But the recipients of the most government cash are names you’re probably already familiar with. Nissan got $1.6 billion while Ford got a jaw-dropping $5.9 billion. While it may take some time before we see if the research resulting from these loans have paid off, the future of hybrid cars is certainly well-funded.

2009 Land Rover LR2 Crossover

Summer may be winding down, but the deals keep on coming. This latest one from Land Rover really took us by surprise.  Right now you can finance a 2009 Land Rover LR2 or LR3 or 2009 Range Rover at an unprecedented 0% APR.

There’s a nifty payment calculator on Land Rover’s website that allows you to input your down payment and trade-in value and adjust your term (up to 84 months). Of course, the rate and term you can actually get all depends on how good your credit is. But the idea of 0% interest on a new Land Rover is simply unheard of.

The luxurious yet versatile 2009 LR2 crossover with its 230-horsepower 3.2-liter V6. Or perhaps you prefer the 2009 LR3 midsize SUV, with its available 300-horsepower 4.4-liter V8 and all-wheel drive that will allow you to experience refinement both on and off road. But if you pine for only the highest luxury, you can opt for the Crème de la Crème and choose the full-size ultra-luxurious 2009 Range Rover.

This was the biggest surprise about this offer for us, as the Range Rover is the mother of all luxury SUVs but still eligible for this special financing.  With a 375-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, full-time 4WD and electronically adjustable air suspension, the Range Rover is equipped to take you to places you only dreamed about before. And with plenty of style as well.

You should act soon though, because these offers end September 30, 2009.

2009 Hyundai Sonata

It’s not surprising that sales have seen a sharp decline for the past several weeks.  That’s good news for you, the consumer.  Marketing departments are digging deep into their think tanks to unveil new campaigns aimed at bolstering sales in the post-Cash for Clunkers era, which means better deals right now.

Hyundai’s one of the main auto manufacturers to utilize aggressive incentives to increase their market share.  For a limited time, they are offering $1,000 on top of the value of your trade-in. If your car is worth $3,000, then you’ll get $4,000 for it. This extra $1,000 is in addition to other factory rebates or special financing rates that apply.

With the right trade-in, these offers could match or even beat the Cash For Clunkers government rebates. What makes this deal even sweeter is that there are no requirements for fuel economy, so any trade-in (and any replacement vehicle you choose) is eligible.

Using the above example of a trade-in vehicle valued at $3,000, you could get a 2009 Hyundai Sonata minus the $4,000 of your trade-in and  the $3,000 factory rebate for a whopping $7,000 off!

You don’t have much time to take advantage of these incredible savings though, as the offer ends September 30, 2009.

To make room for the all-new 2010 Forte, Kia is offering aggressive pricing on 2009 Spectras. With up to $3,500 cash back available on all Spectra models, Kia’s deal-sweetening on a very capable compact (especially for college students) makes sound fiscal sense.

Available as a sedan or hatchback (known as the Spectra5), the Spectra’s practicality and style are undeniable. Trunk space in the sedan is plentiful at 12.2 cubic feet, while the hatchback provides an incredible 18.3 cubic feet of cargo room and even more when the rear seats are folded down.

The Spectra’s 138-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine also lends to its practicality, as it is powerful enough to move you from point A to point B with a smile on your face and efficient enough to deliver a respectable 24/32 mpg (city/highway).

While it’s still too early to call whether or not the Spectra’s successor will be as good as it’s cracked up to be, it’s clear that the Forte will have some pretty big shoes to fill. This deal ends September 30, 2009, so hurry before all the remaining Spectras are gone.