Audi R8 LMX announced
Audi are saying the R8 LMX will be limited to just 99 units worldwide. A small allocation will come to Australia, with Audi Australia now taking orders. Australia's allocation will likely only be a single figure amount, with delivery expected late 2014 - early 2015.
The main talking point of the R8 LMX is the laser headlights. Lasers are used to augment the car's high beam lighting, offering a night time beam distance that Audi is double that of current LED headlight technology.
While BMW showcased laser headlight technology in 2012, Audi have been the first to bring it to production, with the technology making its debut on Audi's R18 e-tron quattro race cars in the Le Mans 24-Hour Race this June, before it's applied to the LMX, assembly of which starts in the second half of this year.
Laser High Beam technology
Using one laser module per headlight, Audi says their new laser high beam lighting generates a cone of light for twice the distance of an all-LED headlight. Each module comprises four high-power laser diodes that generate a blue laser beam with a wavelength of 450 nanometres. A phosphor converter transforms this into roadworthy white light with a colour temperature of 5,500 Kelvin - a colour temperature claimed to be ideal for the human eye to determine contrast and detail.
The laser spot only comes 'online' at speeds over 60 km/h. Below this, normal LED high beams light the way. An intelligent camera-based sensor system detects other road users and actively adjusts the light pattern to exclude them.
Some European countries have reservations about the laser headlight technology however, and there has been speculation that some EU countries may not approve laser headlights for road use.
Other Features
Headlights aside, the LMX carries many of the same mechanical specs as the top model in the current R8 range. That means a mid-mounted 5.2-litre V10 engine that produces 419kW/540Nm, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and hits a top speed of 320 kph. Average fuel consumption is 12.9lt/100 km and emissions are listed at 299gm CO2/km.
Transmission is a compact seven-speed S tronic and drive is Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. 19-inch wheels, exclusive to the LMX, are combined with 380mm carbon-fibre ceramic brake discs and red anodised brake calipers. Tyres are 235/35 R 19 up front and 305/30 R 19 at the rear.
The LMX's double wishbone suspension and ASF (Audi Space Frame) aluminium body is developed from Audi's racing technology. A large fixed rear spoiler is finished in carbon fibre, as are the other aerodynamic aids at the front and sides, as well as the exterior mirror housings and rear diffuser.
Non-carbon fibre parts on the limited edition are finished in Ara Blue, a crystal effect custom paint finish, with details like the grille, and air intake shrouds picked out in titanium grey. The sports exhaust system has high-gloss black tailpipes.
Inside, the blue theme is continued, with 'Sepang Blue' contrast diamond-pattern stitching for the Nappa leather folding bucket seats, with the diamond pattern also applied to the door cards, while the same blue stitching is also used on the parking brake lever, centre tunnel console, steering wheel and instrument cowl. Backrest covers are finished in Ara Blue and the headlining is in black Alcantara.
Other interior touches include matte carbon covers on the centre tunnel console, parking brake, door inlays and the arc around the cockpit. Illuminated aluminium inlays bearing each RMX's limited-edition number are integrated into the door sills.
Australia's allocation of the R8 LMX, along with local pricing has yet to be revealed, but expect less than a handful (possibly only 2 or 3) of the 99 total units to come to Australia and pricing to be in the $400,000 range. Audi say they'll provide further details closer to the local release date.
