Volkswagen Group’s German premium car maker Audi has unveiled the new 2014 Audi R8 LMX. The latest R8 variant from the Inglostadt based manufacturer has been touted as the world’s first production car with laser high beams. 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. 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.
Exterior styling highlights of the new 2014 Audi R8 LMX include an Ara Blue paint with carbon fiber accessories, black end cans, and 19 inch alloy wheels. On the inside, the car gets Nappa leather upholstery with Sepang Blue contrast stitching and Ara Blue accents, Alcantara headliner, carbon fiber accessories and illuminated door sill plates.
Powering the new 2014 Audi R8 LMX is a 5.2 liter V10 engine that has a max power of 570 hp and peak torque of 540 Nm. The engine is comes mated to a seven speed S tronic gearbox, which sends all the power to all four wheels using a quattro all wheel drive system. Audi says that the new car hit 100 kmph from standstill in 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 320 kmph.
The car is available in Germany and prices for the new car start at 210,000 Euros. Production will be limited to 99 units only.