Audi R8 LMX, with laser headlights, launched in India at Rs 2.97 crore

Audi India has just announced the launch of the new R8 LMX. Priced at Rs 2.97 crore (ex-showroom Mumbai/Delhi), it not just the most powerful iteration of Audi’s mid-engined supercar yet, but also the first vehicle in India to feature laser headlights as standard.

The R8 LMX is available only as a coupe with a production run limited to just 99 vehicles. Audi says the R8 LMX can be differentiated from the rest of the range with its fixed rear spoiler, additional usage of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer for the front lip spoiler, wing mirrors and the engine compartment. Further differentiating the flagship model are the high gloss black tailpipes and the single frame grille finished in titanium grey.

Inside the headlight units of the new R8 LMX are new laser high beams with laser module, each comprising of high-power laser diodes. Audi claims this arrangement offers twice the illumination range of all-LED headlights. A camera-based sensor system detects other road users and actively adjusts the light pattern to avoid glare.

Mechanically, the R8 LMX is based on the V10 Plus model and is the most powerful R8 ever. Its mid-mounted V10 engine puts out 570bhp of power and 540Nm of torque, allowing the car to hit 100kmph from standstill in just 3.4 seconds before topping out at nearly 320kmph. 

Back in 2008, the R8 famously became the first production vehicle to feature all-LED headlights and this was recently followed by the unique Matrix LED headlights, which debuted in the latest version of the A8. Rather unsurprisingly, Audi has gone a step further with the R8 LMX. The latter competes with the likes of Lamborghini Huracan and the Ferrari 458 Italia in India.