OK, the answer to that question may seem obvious, but you might be surprised.

According to a recent poll, called the Challenge X Survey, about 88 percent of women said they would be more likely to stop and strike up a conversation with guys who are driving the latest fuel-efficient car as opposed to someone cruising around in a hot new sports car. What’s more, about 80 percent of car buyers here in the U.S. say they would rather spend quality time at a party talking to someone in a fuel-efficient auto rather than an exotic sports model.

This kind of information could cause quite a stir among males planning a mid-life crisis – in the past, they’ve been able to buy a Corvette (or some other life-affirming symbol of their manly power) and call it good. But in light of this new information, what’s a guy to do?

Does this mean that they’ll be trading their Hummers for Hondas? They just might, once they discover that more and more women are turning their attention toward cars that are green instead of admiring those fast, mean machines. What’s more, most respondents in the 18-to-43-year-old category said they consider it a fashion faux pas to buy a car that’s not environmentally friendly.

This, of course, poses questions for those tooling around in the kinds of cars that would only be green if you painted them. What does it mean for their future? That remains to be seen.

Until automakers start producing hybrid and electric vehicles that are as sleek and sporty as their gas-guzzling counterparts, auto enthusiasts are in a challenging position. Yes, I want to save the polar bears … but I’m also infatuated with the Bentley Continental. Fortunately, several automakers are trying to follow in the footsteps of the California-based Tesla Motors and give us some sexy yet environmentally friendly cars. Honestly, it just can’t happen soon enough.

A few years ago, a guy (who drove a minivan) tried to convince me that the car you drive has nothing to do with who you are. But we all know that it says as much about you as the music you listen to, the clothes you choose to wear and the style of home you live in. That’s not a shallow indictment of an individual’s strengths and shortcomings, but rather an outward indication of what matters is most important to them.

Perhaps what this survey is saying is that it really is what’s inside – or in this case, under the hood – that counts. What we need now are more cars that take that inner beauty and look as good on the outside as they do under the hood.

• Start-Ups Race To Produce Green Cars [via Zemanta]
• Putting the zoom into electric cars [via Zemanta]
• All About: Greener driving [via Zemanta]

Last week, Honda announced plans to roll out additional cars to join its original hybrid – the Honda Civic - and try to continue living up to the title of “greenest automaker,” which has been bestowed upon the car company by the Union of Concerned Scientists for four consecutive years.

The first new car on the block will be a five-door family friendly hatchback, but Honda’s most exciting piece of news was their plan to also offer a hybrid sportscar. Based on the CR-Z sports car that they first showed off at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the new car will combine sporty performance with environmental awareness. (Kind of like a Tesla Roadster, only the price tag will fall well below $98,000.)

The CR-Z, which stands for “Compact Renaissance Zero,” will use Honda’s FCX Clarity, a next-generation, zero-emissions hydrogen-powered fuel cell. The name gives a nod to the idea of creating a renaissance in the design of compact cars, offering advanced technology and driving pleasure while at the same time reducing the vehicle’s overall environmental footprint. The outer design is futuristic, with an oversized grille lending a high-performance look and feel to the car. LED headlights and fin-shaped sub-lights are nice touches that suggest a dynamic, exciting ride. Inside, look for a high-tech environment that is both sporty and sophisticated.

Sports cars often put drivers in a dilemma: Save the environment or enjoy the ride. It looks like soon, we may be able to do both. In style.