The
Audi R8 LMX generates a brute power of 570 hp, accelerates from 0 to 100 km in flat
3.4 seconds. It consumes 12.9 litres of fuel per 100km. The limited-edition car
is the first production car in the world to come equipped with laser high
beams.
According
to a company statement, in 2008, the Audi R8 became the first production car in
the world to boast all-LED headlights; this was followed in 2012 by dynamic
turn signals. Audi launched a new chapter in automotive lighting with the
Matrix LED headlights, which debuted in the updated A8 in 2013. Now the brand
with the four rings is igniting the next stage in the R8 LMX: the laser spot
for the high beams. It increases the range substantially, which is ideal for a
supercar like the R8 LMX.
The
Audi engineers work very closely with their racing colleagues on the
development of lighting technologies. 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. The premium brand is thus
continuing its tradition of using racing to test new technologies destined for
production.
“Audi has long dominated the most important
24-hour race. In addition to the outstanding TDI drive technology, a maximum
light yield gives our pilots a major advantage, and with night racing in
particular is a key factor to our success,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg. “The
transfer of the laser headlight to the Audi R8 LMX underscores our leading
position in lighting technology. The safety benefit this provides to the
customer truly represents Vorsprung durch Technik,” says Audi’s AG’s Board
Member for Development.
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 colour temperature of 5,500 Kelvin –
ideal conditions for the human eye that enable the driver to recognise contrast
more easily and help prevent fatigue. The laser spot, which is active at speeds
of 60 km/h 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
Audi R8 LMX is available as a coupe with a production run limited to 99
vehicles. With 570 hp and 540 Nm of torque, its 5.2 litre, V10 engine achieves
a top speed of 320 km/h. A compact, seven-speed S tronic transfers the power to
the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The 19-inch wheels are combined
with carbon-fibre ceramic brake discs, which up front measure 380 millimeters
(15.0 in) in diameter. Red anodized brake calipers shine behind theexclusive
designer wheels. The R8 LMX is shod with 235/35 R 19 tyre up front and 305/30 R
19 tyres at the rear.
Source: Audi