Audi has recently launched the R8 LMX, a limited edition supercar equipped with the world’s first laser high beams! Although only 99 units will ever be built, it will stand as the world’s first production car to illuminate the road ahead with lasers beginning in June 2014.
According to Audi, with the latest laser high beams, one laser module per headlight generates a cone of light with twice the range of the all‑LED headlight. Each module comprises four high‑power laser diodes. With a diameter of just 300 micrometers, these generate a blue laser beam with a wavelength of 450 nanometers. A phosphor converter transforms this into roadworthy white light with a colour temperature of 5,500 Kelvin – ideal conditions for the human eye that enable the driver to recognize contrast more easily and help prevent fatigue.
The laser spot, which is actived at speeds of 60 km/h and above, supplements the LED high beam in the R8 LMX and greatly enhances visibility and safety. An intelligent camera‑based sensor system detects other road users and actively adjusts the light pattern to exclude them.
The Audi R8 is powered by a 5.2 litre, V10 engine that churns out 570hp and 540Nm of torque. This allows the R8 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. Top speed is 320 km/h, and average consumption is 12.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. A compact, seven‑speed S tronic transfers the power to the quattro permanent all‑wheel drive system. 19‑inch wheels are combined with carbon‑fibre ceramic brake discs, which up front measure 380 millimetres in diameter. Red anodized brake callipers shine behind the exclusive designer wheels. The R8 LMX is shod with 235/35 R 19 tyres up front and 305/30 R 19 tyres at the rear.
The new model comes with a customized paint finish in Ara Blue, crystal effect. A large, fixed rear spoiler increases the downforce on the rear axle. Like the front spoiler lip, the flics on the sides, the engine compartment cover, the exterior mirror housings, the sideblades, the rear wing and the diffuser, it is made of carbon fibre with a matte finish. The Singleframe grille, the air inlet grilles up front and the outlet grille at the rear are finished in titanium gray. The sport exhaust system has high-gloss black tailpipes.
Inside, you’ll be able to find black interior, with blue accents. The folding bucket seats are covered in Fine Nappa leather with Sepang Blue diamond pattern. The backrest covers are finished in Ara Blue. Sepang Blue stitching provides subtle contrasts, including on the parking brake lever, the centre tunnel console, the steering wheel and the instrument cowl. The black Alcantara headlining and black Fine Nappa leather door trim panels take up the Sepang Blue diamond pattern of the bucket seats.
The base price of the Audi R8 LM in Germany is €210,000.
