And here we thought it looked good in white. Land Rover is quick to remind that the LRX is just a concept, but it’s sending a pretty strong message in Geneva, where a second, black-and-silver LRX will join the original white truck that premiered in Detroit. And the new one is even hotter than the original, itself one of the best concepts of the last year. It’s supposed to demonstrate how a (potential) production LRX could be personalized, and we would like to have one delivered to our personal garage approximately yesterday.

The rakish shape now features a silver roof fitted with side rails and a removable carbon-composite panel. This beautifully contrasts the black primary finish, and aluminum-accented details do their part to further dress up the exterior. As a subtle reminder to onlookers that this is still a Land Rover despite its elegance, matte-finished protective trim adorns the side sills and wheel flares. Furthermore, carbon-composite skidplates supply underbody protection. Inside, a sumptuous-sounding (LR hasn’t released any pictures yet) tan-and-dark chocolate interior awaits. Motivation comes from a 2.0L diesel hybrid that is theoretically capable of 60 mpg on the EU combined cycle. The Electric Rear Axle Drive can power the SUV on its own up to 20 mph, and it also can be used to supply additional torque when the LRX is playing in 4×4 mode. Like we said earlier, the LRX is still only a concept, but Land Rover will be actively monitoring customer and dealer interest in Geneva.

Has the recent wave of diesels wiped away those cloudy memories of choking on diesel fumes from those old Benzes on the road in front of you yet? Well prepare to let go of the last vestiges of diesel apprehension. Audi today revealed its R8 V12 TDI Concept at the Detroit Auto Show.

The Audi V12 TDI Concept is powered by a 6.0L V12 TDI engine that produces 500-hp and 738 pounds of earth twisting torque. 0-60mph comes in at 4.2 seconds and its top speed is well over 186.41 mph. Despite Audi’s conservative language, we can’t see much of a reason for this slick piece not to make it to market.

After Audi’s recent LeMans win with a diesel-powered race car, this diesel ’super sports car’ as Audi calls it, the R8 V12 TDI was the next logical step. In addition to the impressive torque, Audi claims the R8 V12 TDI should be good for 24MPG.  Not bad. Just don’t get run over by a big rig while pumping fuel at the rest stop, your roof is probably around the height of their bumpers after all. Oh and remember to wave at your fellow diesel powered buddies in their old Benzes.

Land Rover showed their much anticipated three-door compact SUV concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. The Land Rover LRX Concept is said to be a cross coupe that will fit under the Freelander 2 / LR2.

“The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles,” says Phil Popham, Land Rover’s managing director. “LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it’s a very different Land Rover.

We can definitely expect the LRX to enter production before the end of the decade offering a fuel-efficient power management system. The LRX concept embodies the power management systems and other technologies first shown by Land Rover in the Land_e concept in 2006.