Audi R8 LMX

With the new R8 LMX Audi reinforces its lighting technology leadership, achieved over the recent years with the all-LED headlights first production car (the 2008 R8, the introduction of dynamic turn signals in 2012 and the launch of the the Matrix LED headlights, which debuted in the updated A8 in 2013.

The laser spot for the high beams increases the range substantially, and was the result of a collaboration between Audi engineers work and their racing colleagues.

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.

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 R8 LMX is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 engine delivering 419 kW (570 hp) and 540 Nm (398.3 lb-ft) of torque, coupled with a seven-speed S tronic that transfers the power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in just 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h (198.8 mph), and an average consumption is 12.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (299 grams CO2 per kilometer – 18.2 US mpg/481.2 g/mile).

The new top model also features an exclusive customized paint finish in Ara Blue, with crystal effect.

Among the new exterior details is the 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 interior features black tones 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 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.

Matte carbon is used on the covers of the center tunnel console and the parking brake lever, on the inlays in the doors and the arc around the cockpit. Illuminated aluminum inlays bearing the limited-edition number are integrated into the CFRP door sill trims. Fine Nappa leather adorns the selector lever for the S tronic and the knee pads; the floor mats have black piping and Sepang Blue stitching.

Planned to be prduced in just 99 units, the Audi R8 LMX will go on sale this summer, with a base price in Germany of approximately €210,000.

(Source: Audi)