As production of the current Audi R8 slows to a close, Audi have released a special edition version of the supercar before it’s replaced with the new 2015 R8 next year. Named the Audi R8 LMX, the special edition will be the most powerful R8 yet, producing a staggering 562 bhp.

More Powerful Engine

The special edition R8 LMX is set to be the jewel in Audi’s shining R8 crown. Audi have confirmed that the LMX will be the most powerful production R8 with its 5.2 litre V10 engine putting out 562 bhp – squeezing out an extra 20 bhp over the standard V10. The boost in power has a minimal but present effect over the standard R8’s performance. The R8 LMX achieves a 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph – making it a fraction quicker than its predecessor. All that power is tamed through Audi’s legendary 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and the patented quattro four-wheel drive system.

Laser Headlights

Audi claim that the new R8 LMX will be the world’s first production car to use laser headlights. As pioneers in lighting, the 2008 Audi R8 was the first car to use full-LED headlights. The new laser technology means that the headlights will have double the reach, illuminating the road much further ahead. However, as lasers provide a more focused light than LEDs, the light will not dazzle oncoming traffic. The laser headlights are capable of projecting light 600 metres in front of the LMX, and the technology is used in combination with existing LEDs to produce pure white light. Audi claim the light emitted has a colour temperature of 5500 kelvin, replicating the intensity of natural daylight.

Expected to be shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June later this year, the LMX will enter production this summer. Only 99 examples of the R8 LMX will be produced, each priced at a cool £160,000.

The R8 LMX might be a little outside of most people’s budgets, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grab a slice of the Audi pie. In fact, with our great Audi finance deals, you could be closer than you think to getting your hands on a fine feat of German engineering. The Car Loan Warehouse are specialists in financing both new and used cars, and we work with dealers and lenders to find you the best loan, regardless of your credit score. Try our easy to use car finance calculator to see how much you could save.