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HERE we go again, the first of the vehicle manufacturer's opportunities to display their wares to the motoring press and public, last weekend was the opening of the North American International Auto Show, I think most of us know it as the Detroit Motor Show. Interestingly while reading some of the American scribe's reports, it would appear that they all agree that there were no earth shattering surprises from the manufacturers this year, well I suppose that is true if you look at the American stable, but there were some very interesting concepts from Europe and Japan.

Audi took their already iconic super car to new levels with the R8 V12 TDi concept, the already potent machine is proposed with a twin turbo, twelve cylinder, six litre version of the original 5.5litre engine of the Le Mans winning Audi R10 and performance figures are stunning.

Producing 500 bhp and 1000 Nm of torque the car reaches 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 186 mph. That torque is available from just 1750 rpm to 3000 rpm and gives a superb tractability for all forms of motoring.

Being a diesel the car already meets the proposed EU 6 emission limit that is only expected to come into force in 2014, this is due to the use of a highly efficient common rail injection system with piezo injectors, twin particulate filters and an all new ultra low emission system.

Whether this concept will ever hit the road, who knows? But the thought of all that power and lower emissions is food for thought.

Land Rover unveiled their LRX concept, an evolution of Land Rover design that signals the brand's shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values.

As the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability-focused technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world and offers the potential of 120 g/km CO2 emissions. LRX is described as a cross-coupé and, although 149 mm shorter than the Freelander 2 / LR2 and 205 mm lower, was conceived as a premium car, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector, those who want many of the benefits of a 4x4 and the presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package.

LRX is conceived as a highly fuel-efficient, US Federal-specification, 2.0-litre, turbo diesel hybrid, capable of running on bio-diesel. In combination with other Land Rover technologies, this power train could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30% compared with other 4x4s of comparable size, and reduce emissions to approximately 120 g/km.

LRX's improved efficiencies are the result of advanced mechanical and electrical energy-saving elements, which are combined to achieve cumulative gains in many areas. Volkswagen showed the new Passat CC, based on the current sedan model the new four-seat CC features the aggressive stance of a coupé yet benefiting from four doors and four individual seats with plentiful headroom. The nose features contoured light units framing a set of sculpted air dams that mix aesthetic appeal with functionality.

Integrated into the front of the vehicle are a set of sensors for Volkswagen's Lane Assist and Park Assist systems.

A choice of three petrol and two diesel engines is offered. The entry level petrol engine is a 1.8-litre TSI unit developing 160 PS and 184 lbs ft of torque linked to a choice of six-speed manual or the advanced new seven-speed DSG gearbox.

The second petrol engine, the 2.0-litre TSI, raises power to 200 PS while torque peaks at 206 lbs ft. The 2.0-litre TSI engine is available with a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. Topping the range is the potent 3.6-litre V6 FSI engine developing 300 PS and 223 lbs ft of torque channelled via 4MOTION four-wheel drive and a six-speed DSG gearbox.

Two new common rail diesel engines will also be offered in 140 PS and 170 PS guises linked to either six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes.

Some interesting offerings from Europe and hopefully we will be seeing them all on our roads in the foreseeable future.

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