Audi R8 LMX [UK]
One of many examples of Audi technology honed on the track during top level competition and then transferred to the road was the advanced laser lighting fitted to the Audi R8 LMX. The visibility-boosting innovation made its debut in the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance marathon in the R18 e-tron sports prototype before appearing in this limited run model, of which a total of just 99 were produced. The LMX was notable not only as the first production car to feature laser lighting as part of its standard specification, but also as the most powerful roadgoing R8 of its era.
To push the Audi R8 LMX beyond the already extreme limits set by the V10 plus model on which it's based, the output of the high-revving naturally aspirated ten-cylinder FSI engine was boosted from 550PS to 570PS. That ensured the LMX was able to dispatch the 0-62mph sprint in a fractionally faster 3.4 seconds, helped by its super-quick seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.
Laser light was activated when the driver switched the headlights from dipped to main beam at speeds in excess of 37mph. Laser modules incorporating four high-power laser diodes and a phosphor converter in each headlight generated a beam with double the range of the all-LED light units, which were also standard. An intelligent camera-based sensor system actively adjusted the light pattern to avoid dazzling other road users.
The R8 LMX in the Audi UK Heritage Fleet features an Audi exclusive Ara Blue, crystal effect customised paint finish and blue interior detailing which were inspired by the blue light emitted by laser beams before they pass through a phosphor converter.
Carbon-fibre ceramic brakes with red anodised calipers were standard, as was a carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) finish for the exterior mirror housings, sideblades, rear wing and other exterior and interior details.
