The Audi R8 LMX offers breathtaking performance and
groundbreaking technology. The limited-edition car is the first production car
in the world to come equipped with laser high beams. The R8 LMX can now be
ordered and will debut on the streets this summer.
The Audi engineers work very closely with their
racing colleagues on the development of lighting technologies. The combination
of LED and laser high beams, for example, will be used for the first time on
the new Audi R18 e‑tron quattro at the 24 Hours of
Le Mans on June 14 and 15. The premium brand is thus continuing its tradition
of using racing to test new technologies destined for production.
With 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 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 color 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 active at speeds of 60 km/h (37.3 mph) 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 the dynamic, top‑of‑the‑line Audi model. Its
high-revving, mid‑mounted engine, double wishbone
suspension and ASF (Audi Space Frame) aluminum body are closely based on
racing. The Audi R8 LMX is available as a coupe with a production run limited
to 99 vehicles. With 570 hp and 540 Nm of torque, its 5.2 liter, V10 engine accelerates the car from 0
to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. Top speed is 320 km/h,
and average consumption is 12.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers [18.2 US mpg/481.2 g/mile]. A compact, seven‑speed S tronic transfers the power to the quattro permanent all‑wheel drive system. 19‑inch wheels are combined with
carbon‑fiber ceramic brake discs, which up front measure
380 millimeters in diameter. Red anodized brake calipers shine behind
the exclusive designer wheels. The R8 LMX is shod with 235/35 R 19 tires up
front and 305/30 R 19 tires at the rear.
The new top model also sends out a clear visual
signal with its Audi exclusive 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 fiber‑reinforced polymer (CFRP) 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.
The dynamic lines carry over into the black
interior, which also features 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 center 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 Audi R8 LMX will take to the streets this
summer. The base price in Germany is € 210,000.
