Audi R8 LMX launched with laser beam headlights

Audi has often forayed the path into the world of automotive lighting technologies and trends. Be it LED daytime running lights, or LED headlamps, dynamic turn signals or its recently launched matrix LED headlamps, Audi has often been on the forefront of new lighting solutions. A few months ago, Audi displayed a prototype vehicle with the next step in lighting solutions, a laser beam powered headlamp.

And now, Audi has decided to put the concept into production with a new limited edition Audi R8 LMX version. Audi’s new headlamps will soon be seen on the car, which will be launched later this year. That said, the first time laser technology would actually be used in real world surroundings will be at the 24 Hours of LeMans on June 14 and 15 in the new Audi R18 e-tron Quattro LMP1 class racecar. Audi’s roadcar engineers have worked hand in glove with their racing department to get this relatively new technology into production spec road cars.

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. The laser module generates a blue tone laser beam, which is then converted into a roadworthy white light, which is ideal for the human eye and enables the driver to differentiate contrast with greater ease.  Active at speeds of 60 kmph and above the laser supplements the LED high beam in the Audi 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.

Apart from the unique headlights, the Audi R8 LMX also gets a custom paint finish that Audi calls Ara Blue, incorporating a crystal effect. A large carbonfibre spoiler at the rear, just like the one available on the R8 GT, a carbonfibre front lip and carbonfibre front flics help increase down force on the Audi R8 LMX. The front and rear grille are finished in a shade of titanium grey while the sport exhaust, which comes standard on the LMX, is finished in gloss black.