Audi R8 LMX To Feature Laser High Beam Lighting As Standard

Audi R8 LMX is the limited edition version of the new R8, which is the most powerful road-going version of the super sports car ever built. It is also the first production car to adopt laser high beam lighting as standard. The LMX is based on the V10 plus model and is equipped with high-revving, mid mounted ten-cylinder engine. It also sports double wishbone suspension and Audi Space Frame aluminium body. The model is a true limited edition which will be produced in only 99 examples.

The V10 engine generates 570 hp (420 kW) and 540 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque. The acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is estimated at only 3.4 seconds before topping out at 198 mph. The powetrain is coupled with a compact, seven-speed S tronic transmission, which transfers the power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

The latter distributes it to the racing-inspired 19-inch, 20-spoke wheels matched with tyres with 215mm front and 305mm rear widths. These conceal carbon-fibre ceramic brake discs with red anodised calipers measuring 380 mm in diameter at the front.

The light emitted by laser beams is blue. This has inspired an Audi exclusive Ara Blue, crystal effect customized paint finish for the new R8 LMX. Other exterior paint finishes include Daytona Grey matt or Mythos Black metallic paint finishes.

The car is also marked out by a large, fixed rear spoiler for increased downforce on the rear axle. The additional utilization of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) for the front spoiler lip, side flics, engine compartment cover, exterior mirror housings, sideblades, rear wing and diffuser is also present. Titanium grey color has been used for the singleframe grille and front air intakes and the outlet grille at the rear. As a contrast, the sports exhaust system includes high-gloss black tailpipes.

Inside, the bucket seats are upholstered in Fine Nappa leather and finished with Sepang Blue diamond stitching and backrest covers in Ara Blue. Sepang Blue diamond stitching also adds contrast in the Alcantara headlining and black Fine Nappa leather door trim panels. The same color is also sewn into the edges of the parking brake lever, centre tunnel console, steering wheel and instrument cowl.

Audi R8 LMX also features matt carbon covers for the centre tunnel console and parking brake lever. Illuminated aluminium inlays bearing the limited-edition number are integrated into the CFRP door sill trims. Fine Nappa leather is used for the S tronic sector lever and the knee pads, while the floor mats have black piping and Sepang Blue stitching.

What is more important here however is that this Audi model is equipped as a standard with company's revolutionary laser high beam lighting. A laser spot for the high beams increases the illumination range substantially, which is ideal for a supercar like the R8 LMX.

Furthermore, this combination of LED and laser high beams will be used for the first time on the new Audi R18 e tron quattro at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The race will start on 14th of June. To go into details, in the new 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 of four high-power laser diodes, which generate a blue laser beam with a wavelength of 450 nanometers. Then, a phosphor converter transforms this into roadworthy white light. In addition, a laser spot that is active at speeds of 37 mph and above, supplements the LED high beam in the R8 LMX. At last, an intelligent camera-based sensor system detects other road users and actively adjusts the light pattern to avoid dazzle.

Audi R8 LMX (2014)

Source: Audi