Audi R8 LMX has laser vision

Laser high beams are a first on the most powerful Audi R8 ever produced.

Audi has announced a limited edition version of its R8 two-seater supercar. The R8 LMX has been given an extra serving of horsepower and torque as well as laser high beams that, according to Audi, offer twice the illumination distance compared with all-LED headlights.

Audi has used a tuned version of the top-spec 5.2-litre V10 for the R8 LMX. Power is 570PS (562bhp), which is 20PS more than the R8 Plus model and 45PS more than the standard V10. Torque is 540Nm (398lb/ft), up from 530Nm.

Those extra ponies help the Audi R8 LMX accelerate faster than ever. 0 to 62mph takes 3.4 seconds (down from 3.6 seconds) and the top speed is 198mph ─ an extra 5mph faster. Fuel economy is somehow a smidge better at 21.9mpg, while CO2 emissions are 299g/km.

A seven-speed S tronic transmission, 19-inch, 20-spoke alloys and carbon-fibre ceramic brake discs with red calipers and 380mm front discs are standard fare. An unique Ara Blue crystal effect paintjob can be chosen if the Daytona Grey matt and Mythos Black metallic are a bit mudane for you.

Lighting duty is taken care of by LED high beams. The laser high beams (seen first on the Audi Sport quattro laserlight) kick in above 37mph, providing white light at a colour temperature of 5,500 Kelvin that is said to help the driver ‘recognise contrast’ and prevent eye fatigue. A camera-based sensor ensures other road users aren’t blinded.

The R8 LMX is differentiated in a number of aesthetic ways. It has a fixed rear spoiler and carbon fibre-reinforced polymer is used for a number of areas including the side flics, engine compartment, rear wing and diffuser. You also get titanium grey air inlets, outlet grille and singleframe grille and high-gloss black tailpipes out back.

On the inside are bucket seats encased in Fine Nappa leather with Sepang Blue diamond stitching. Elsewhere yet more leather and Alcantara are complimented by blue stitching and accents. The blue external and internal detailing is said to be inspired by the laser high beam’s hue, which is a cool blue before a phosphor converter changes the colour to white.

Only 99 Audi R8 LMX special editions will be sold worldwide so you better gather up £160,025 and head to your nearest dealership. The rest of us can drool as the car makes its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed that starts on June 26th.