The Lexus LS-based TS-650 concept car powered by a 650 horsepower V8 could be the first production road car to originate from TMG's Cologne facility. (Photo: Ultimate Car Page)

In the following rounds of the resurrected World Endurance Championship, the single TS030 often proved more than a match for the seasoned Audi team. In the five remaining races, the petrol-hybrid prototype won three times.

To celebrate these achievements TMG had a sizeable stand in the hall dedicated to motorsport. Taking center stage alongside the TS030 was the Lexus LS-based TS-650. Powered by a 650 horsepower, twin-turbo V8, this high-performance sedan may very well become the first limited-production road car to originate from the Cologne facility.

World Sports Car Championship
The FIA established a new World Endurance Championship with the 24 Hours of Le Mans as the blue-ribbon event. This meant a return of the much-missed championship that was last held back in 1992.

The Aston Martin DBR1 that brought Aston Martin's only Le Mans victory in 1959, driven by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvatori, is up for sale at a rumored $32 million. (Photo: Ultimate Car Page)

To underline why it was missed by so many, a superb collection of sports racers was assembled that raced in the world championship between 1953 and 1992. Among them were actual Le Mans-winning cars such as the Jaguar XJR-9 that scored the marque's first victory since 1957 and the very DBR1 that brought Aston Martin's its only victory in 1959.

That very important car has been regularly and successfully raced in historic events for many years but is now offered for sale for a rumored GBP 20 million ($32 million).

This display was certainly stuff of dreams, also including a Ford GT40 and Porsche 917K both in Gulf livery, three Silver Arrows from the Mercedes-Benz factory museum and one of the Peugeot 905s that won the very last World Championship.

As always, the 2012 edition of the Essen Motor Show delivered something to suit every automotive enthusiast's needs. With a lot of ground to cover, it did take some time to weed through the less appealing exhibits to find the true gems.

For a gallery of photos, see Essen Motor Show.

Read more stories like this at: The Ultimate Car Page.