Audi R8 LMX coupe revealed

The current Audi R8 supercar is coming to the end of its life, but before the all-new model arrives next year, the German manufacturer is releasing one last limited edition.

Named the Audi R8 LMX, production will be limited to just 99 models. To make it stand out from the crowd, it will be the first road car in the world to feature futuristic laser headlights – ahead of the all-important BMW i8 that goes on sale towards the end of 2014. The BMW had been billed as the first production road car to feature the tech, but this new Audi will snatch that title – arriving in showrooms this summer.

The new laser headlights generate a cone of light with twice the range of LEDs – offering around 600m of uninterrupted light. They are up to 30 per cent more efficient, while also enhancing visibility and safety. An intelligent camera-based sensor system detects other road users and actively adjusts the light pattern to exclude them and prevent momentary blinding.

All Audi R8 LMX models come with a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox, 19-inch alloy wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes and will only be available as a two-seat coupe. It only comes in exclusive Ara Blue paint, while a large boot spoiler makes passers-by aware that this is no ordinary Audi.

On the outside, there are plenty of lightweight carbon fibre additions, such as the engine compartment cover and door-mirrors, while at the rear all cars get a gloss black sports exhaust.

Inside the R8 LMX gets a black interior with blue stitching, plus additional touches of carbon fibre to accentuate the lightweight sports car look.

All models will get a newer, faster version of the 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine from the top-of-the-range Audi R8, capable of 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 199mph. As you’d expect, fuel economy and emissions are poor – with the Audi R8 LMX returning just 22mpg and 299g/km of CO2.

Although unconfirmed, we expect demand to be sufficient enough to ensure the Audi R8 LMX goes on sale in the UK later this year. Prices will be announced nearer the time, starting from around £170,000.

For more information about the current Audi range, including a video review of the standard Audi R8, visit the Carbuyer Audi reviews page.