Swedish automaker Volvo plans to begin fitting automatic start-stop systems to its cars in the next several months. The company is also developing its first diesel hybrid powertrain that's scheduled to be available by 2012, according to AutoblogGreen—but with a twist.

The report said that Volvo's particular system will be a full hybrid with either diesel or electric power driving the vehicle without assistance from the other. The two could also be combined. Either way, here's the interesting part: the diesel engine would drive the front wheels, while electricity would drive the rear wheels. That would totally screw with your handling on a racetrack, but for everyday driving, it's quite an interesting idea.