A Special Audi R8, Limited to 99 Units Worldwide, Also Available in Japan | Audi

Audi R8 LMX

World's Limited 99 Units: Special Audi R8 Now Available in Japan

Audi Japan has announced the introduction of the "R8 LMX," a special limited model based on the flagship sports model "R8," of which only 99 units will be sold worldwide.

Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)

Featuring Laser Light Technology

The "R8 LMX" introduced by Audi Japan is an Audi equipped with the latest technology used in the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race machines.the "R8 LMX", six of the 99 units produced worldwide will be sold in Japan.

The Audi R8 LMX is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine, delivering a maximum output of 419kW (570ps) and peak torque of 540Nm. Driving all four wheels through a 7-speed S tronic transmission, it accelerates from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds, a 0.2-second improvement over the current "R8 5.2 FSI quattro." Its top speed is 320km/h.

The most distinctive feature of the Audi R8 LMX is its headlights, which incorporate "laser beam technology" – the same cutting-edge technology that powers Audi's "R18 e-tron quattro" in the WEC (World Endurance Championship), including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

As the name suggests, this technology embeds laser modules within the headlight units, projecting illumination twice as far as LEDs. Each module contains four high-power laser diodes, just 300 micrometers in size, emitting a blue laser at a wavelength of 450nm. This is then converted by a phosphor converter into a color temperature of 5,500 Kelvin, considered the most comfortable for the human eye, before illuminating the road.

When the vehicle exceeds 60km/h, the laser spot complements the high beams. The system also includes a camera that monitors the surroundings and automatically controls the lights to avoid dazzling oncoming or preceding vehicles.

The R8 LMX is an exclusive model, with only 99 units produced worldwide, six of which will be introduced to Japan. The price, including consumption tax, is 29.05 million yen. The car is scheduled for its domestic debut on October 11th and 12th at the WEC Round 6 venue held at Fuji Speedway.