Production cars: Audi TTS | Mazda RX-8 | BMW X6 | Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 | Volkswagen Passat CC Coupe | Cadillac CTS-V

Audi R8 V12 TDi

The undeniable star of the 2008 Detroit Motor Show, the stunning Audi R8 TDi concept features a 6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 diesel engine producing a prodigious 500bhp – 86bhp more than the standard V8 petrol version.

But more important is the torque – the concept Audi R8 V12 TDi has a whopping 737lb/ft of pulling power – more than double the torque of the petrol R8 – slashing the 0-62mph time from 4.6 seconds to 4.2 seconds and a top speed over 186mph

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Land Rover LRX

One of the stars of the 2008 Detroit Motor Show, the Land Rover LRX follows the likes of the BMW X6 with its four-wheel-drive ability and coupe-like looks.

The Land Rover LRX displayed at Detroit features a 2.0-litre diesel hybrid powertrain with only 120g/kg of CO2 emissions, and a traditional mechanical four-wheel-drive.

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Lexus LF-A Roadster

The stunning LF-A Roadster is Lexus’ answer to a fully-blown topless supercar, with a 5-litre V10 engine said to be “capable of more than 500 horsepower and test-track speeds greater than 200 mph.”

But more important is the design of the LF-A Roadster, which features lightweight aluminium and carbon-fibre construction, and stands just 48-inches tall.

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Hummer HX

General Motors rolled out a baby monster on its home turf. The Detroit-based carmaker, which owns the Hummer brand, unveiled this – the Hummer HX.

Three young designers were tasked with conceiving the design of the all-new Hummer, and the HX features a pair of removable roof panels and sloping rear window.

The Hummer HX is fitted with GM’s biofuel engine, which is powered by a corn-based fuel.

Mitsubishi RA

This four-wheel-drive ‘Evo-coupe’ features the trademark Mitsubishi electronic driver aids such as Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) which is comprised of Active Centre Differential, Active Yaw Control, Sport ABS and Active Stability Control.

But Mitsubishi has opted for a greener engine to power the sexy-new coupe with a 2.2-litre turbo diesel producing 200bhp, meaning the concept RA combines sporting dynamics and low emissions.

Mazda Furai

Mazda is pushing the rotary-revolution even further with this – the storming 450bhp Mazda Furai concept.

Using a three-rotor RENESIS rotary engine, the stunning Furai – translated as ‘sound of the wind’ – is built to run on 100 per cent ethanol.

However, a Mazda spokesperson ruled out the possibility of future production of the Furai, stating the car was strictly intended as a design study for future Mazdas.

Audi TTS

Audi has injected the standard TT with steroids to produce this – the range-topping TTS.

Sporting an uprated version of the familiar turbocharged 2-litre petrol engine, also used in the Volkswagen Golf, the new Audi TTS produces 272bhp and 260lbs/ft of pulling power – enough to propel the hot coupe from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds.

And Audi has fitted the TTS with four-wheel-drive and special magnetic dampers as standard to ensure the hot TTS can transfer the massive power to the road.

Outside, keen fans will notice the standard 18-inch aluminium wheels and newly styled LED bi-xenon headlights marking the new Audi TTS from its lesser siblings.

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Mazda RX-8

Mazda has facelifted its revolutionary RX-8 coupe for 2008, with restyled front and rear bumpers, high quality finish front headlamps, twin circular LED rear lamps, and bigger exhaust pipes.

Mazda has also fitted five-spoke 19-inch wheels, while underneath, the RX-8 gets a new bracing bar for better stability and a lower gear ratio to increase acceleration off the line.

Click here for more pictures of the Mazda RX-8

BMW X6

Sporting the most powerful engine ever fitted to a BMW X model, the new coupe-SUV X6 will feature a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine developing 400bhp and 450lb/ft of pulling power – meaning the near two-tonne X6 can sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.3 seconds.

Inside, the X6 gets four sculpted seats and a reported luggage space of 25 cubic feet which the manufacturer claims can “store four full-size golf bags in the luggage compartment – even with four people riding in the vehicle.”

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Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The biggest motor show in the US gets a bona-fide bruiser – the new Chevy Corvette ZR1.

The all-American 1500kg heavyweight is powered by a monster 6.2-litre supercharged V8 kicking out 620bhp – enough power to give it claimed cornering forces of 1G.

And the fastest ever Corvette can reach a top speed in excess of 200mph.

Volkswagen Passat CC Coupe

Wading into waters infested by the Mercedes CLS, the Porsche Panamera and the upcoming BMW CS, the ‘people’s manufacturer’ has introduced this – the Passat CC Coupe.

A four-door coupe, the new VW Passat CC Coupe is longer and wider than the standard Passat, but is 50mm lower, giving it a sleek, rakish appearance. There’s also a panoramic skylight.

Engines available on launch include the range-topping 3.6-litre FSI producing 296bhp, launching the sexy VW from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds and on to an electronically limited 155mph top speed.

Cadillac CTS-V

The big Caddy is aiming high – the all-new CTS-V has the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG squarely in its sights, and with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 pumping out 550bhp, the Yank tank is taking the fight to the Germans.

The new Cadillac CTS-V features massive 15-inch ceramic brakes to haul its bulk to a standstill, while 19-inch alloy wheels and suspension components controlled by magnets ensure the ride should be able to keep up with its European rivals.