The current-generation Audi R8->ke1440 is getting ready to enter its last year on the market as the automaker is already testing a redesigned version. However, the Germans haven't given up on the current R8 just yet.

Starting this summer, customers will be able to acquire an even more powerful version of the V-10 variant which will carry the LMX name and sit atop the V-10 Plus. Besides a significant power bump, the LMX also benefits from extensive Audi->ke14 Exclusive treatment with numerous bespoke parts added inside and out.

A unique blue paint job, new wheels, carbon-fiber reinforced plastic components, and a leather-wrapped cockpit are only a few of the features found on the new edition. But more importantly, the new sports car->ke506 is fitted with Audi's laser light technology, previously seen on the R18 e-tron quattro race car->ke148.

Although only 99 units are set to be built, the Audi R8 LMX will become the first production road-going vehicle to carry laser headlamps, snatching the achievement from German rival BMW->ke178 who will launch a similar technology in the i8 sports car later this year. A sneaky move from Audi, who is probably introducing the LMX only to poke at the Bavarian company.

Updated 06/13/2014: Audi unveiled a very cool promo video featuring driver featuring Tom Kristensen driver pushing the R8 LMX to the limits. Enjoy!

Updated 06/18/2014: Audi unveiled the R8 LMX at the 2014 Le Mans and this was the perfect opportunity to release new images and video. Enjoy!

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Audi R8 LMX.

2015 Audi R8 LMX

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Audi R8 LMX
  • Engine/Motor: V10
  • Horsepower: 570
  • Torque: 398
  • Transmission: seven-speed S tronic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

At first glance the LMX looks nearly identical to the standard R8, but once its details are taken separately, a more exclusive model starts to take shape. The first things that catch the eye are the unique Ara Blue paint, which benefits from a crystal effect finish, and the slightly larger rear wing. The wing is made out of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and sports a matte hue, just like the front spoiler lip, the engine cover, the mirror housings, and the rear diffuser. The unique 19-inch wheels are provided by the company's Exclusive division.

Additionally, the R8 trademark front grille, as well as the front inlet grilles and rear outlet grille, have received a Titanium Gray finish while the exhaust pipes have been painted in high-gloss black.

Laser Light "Vision"

Getting back to the cool laser light headlamps, the units have been developed with help from the company's motorsport division, which implemented the technology on the R18 e-tron quattro race car. Capable of generating a cone of light with twice the range of LED lamps, the laser spots are activated once the vehicle reaches 37 miles per hour. To prevent the laser lights from interfering with oncoming road users, Audi fitted the vehicle with an intelligent camera-based sensor system.

Interior

Although interior changes are limited to blue accents and contrast stitching, these subtle enhancements are more than welcome given the fact that Audi->ke14 decided to sell the R8 LMX with a sober, yet boring black interior. Specifically, the Nappa leather seats feature a Sepang Blue diamond pattern while the backrest covers are wrapped in the same Ara Blue hue as the outer shell.

The contrasting theme continues with Sepang Blue stitching on the parking brake lever, the center tunnel console, and the steering wheel, while the black Alcantara headlining and the Nappa leather covering the door panels borrow the same blue diamond pattern seen on the seats.

Rounding off the cabin are Matte Carbon inserts in the center console and in the doors and illuminated aluminum inlays bearing the car's limited edition number integrated into the CFRP door sills.

Drivetrain

The R8 LMX is powered by a beefed-up version of the almighty 5.2-liter V-10 engine that delivers 570 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. That's 45 horsepower and 8 pound-feet of torque more than the standard V-10 model, which translates into improved acceleration times and top speed. The 0 to 62 mph sprint can now be achieved in just 3.4 seconds - 0.4 seconds faster than the regular R8 V-10 - while top speed is rated at 199 mph.

The mill comes connected to a seven-speed S Tronic transmission and a quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, with stopping power provided by 15-inch, carbon-ceramic brake disks that work together with Red anodized brake calipers.

Type

5.2 liter, V-10 engine

Output

570 HP

Torque

398 LB-FT

0 to 62 mph

3.4 seconds

Top Speed

198.8 mph

Transmission

Seven‑speed S tronic


Prices

Scheduled to arrive in showrooms this summer, the Audi R8 LMX will start from €210,000 in Germany - about $289,000 at current exchange rates. The sports car will be built in only 99 units.

Competition

Porsche 911 Turbo S

The Porsche 911 Turbo S may not benefit from ten cylinders, but it does pack a lot power, having 560 horsepower at its disposal. The familiar 3.8-liter flat-six engine enables the sports car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, 0.3 second quicker than the R8 LMX (which benefits from extra 10 horsepower) on its way to a top speed of 197 mph.

The vehicle comes equipped with a seven-speed dual clutch PDK transmission, an auto start/stop system and an all-new, electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management system.

Although it kept its familiar appearance, the new 911 Turbo was fitted with a new front fascia, redesigned headlamps, larger air intakes and brand-new full-LED headlamps. The taillights and the exhaust system have also been redesigned. On sale since September 2013, the 911 Turbo S is priced from $182,050.

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Slightly more powerful than the 911 Turbo S but missing about five horses when compared to the R8 LMX, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S moves around thanks to 565 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque squeezed out of a 6.0-liter V-12 engine.

Equipped with a new Sportshift III automated manual transmission and an exhaust system derived from the one fitted in the One-77, the V12 Vantage S needs 3.7 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standing start, being slower the both the 911 Turbo S and the R8 LMX. However, the British sports car is the only one of the three to reach a top speed of 205 mph.

Packed with high-end standard features such as carbon-fiber front splitter and rear diffuser and a full leather and Alcantara interior, the V12 Vantage S can be had for $184,995.

Conclusion

With so many exclusive features and 570 horsepower on tap, the Audi R8 LMX is not only the most powerful R8 V-10 ever built, but also an inspired last hurrah for the sports car that's set to receive a replacement in 2016. The high price tag and the limited availability, however, are likely to make it less attractive than other similar offerings.