Audi is going to be the first carmaker to launch laser headlights on the market, ahead of BMW. The first Audi model to get laser headlights is going to be the R8 LMX. The Audi A8/S8, A6/S6 and all the other Audi models are probably going to be available with laser headlamps in the near future too. Audi's new headlight technology uses a laser spot for the high beams. Audi has also developed a set of headlights that use LED and laser high beams. After LED and Matrix LED headlights, laser is the third new lighting technology developed by Audi. The new laser high beams generate a cone of light with twice the range of the LED ones. The laser spot is activated at speeds of 37.3 mph (60 km/h) or more. The laser beam is generated by four diodes measuring 300 micrometers in diameter, that generate a blue light with a wavelength of 450 nanometers.
The Audi R8 LMX, which is going to be the first vehicle equipped with laser headlights, is priced from €210,000 and it will go on sale this summer. The R8 LMX is going to be limited to just 99 units. Apart from the new cutting edge headlight technology, the Audi R8 LMX is going to be fitted with other new exclusive systems too. The power of the Audi R8 LMX comes from 5.2 liter V10 engine that develops 419 kW (570 hp) and 540 Nm (398.3 lb-ft) of torque. With this engine, Audi's LMX R8 is able to accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.4 seconds and to reach a top speed of 198.8 mph (320 km/h).
Audi rates the R8 LMX with a fuel consumption of 18.2 US mpg (12.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers) and a 481.2 g/mile (299 g/km) CO2 emissions level.
The Audi R8 LMX is equipped with the 7-speed S tronic transmission, big brakes, and 19-inch alloys. Visually, the R8 LMX distinguishes itself through the Ara Blue exterior finish with a crystal effect, the large fixed rear wing, front side flics, and its carbon fiber body parts (side mirror casings and sideblades).
