The limited-edition Audi R8 LMX has been introduced with the “first ever” laser headlights and it’s scheduled to make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in late June.

Premium features

Set to be sold in limited numbers, Audi says the new range-topping R8 is the “world’s first production car to feature laser high beams,” as standard equipment.

These laser headlights have four high power laser diodes which emit white light at a colour temperature of 5500 Kelvin – ideal conditions for the human eye that enable the driver to recognise contrast more easily and help prevent fatigue. They operate at speeds above 60 km/h and greatly enhance “visibility and safety.”

The R8 LMX also has a camera-based sensor system that detects other cars and actively adjusts the light pattern to “exclude them.” It additionally has an Ara Blue exterior with carbon fibre flics and a fixed rear wing, gloss black tailpipes, carbon fibre ceramic brake discs as well as exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the R8 LMX features minor updates including Fine Nappa leather seats, Sepang Blue contrast stitching and Ara Blue accents. There’s also an Alcantara headliner, matte carbon fibre trim and illuminated door sill plates.

Power is provided by an uprated version of Audi’s naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine that develops 419 kW and 540 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a standard seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

This setup enables the coupe to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds before hitting a top speed of 320 km/h – 0.1sec faster than the standard R8 V10.

Production of the Audi R8 LMX will be limited to 99 units, with first deliveries commencing later in the year.

Audi R8 LMX gallery