The German automaker is showing its early intentions for the year 2015. In a cracking start, Audi India has launched a limited edition R8 LMX model at the whopping price tag of INR 2.97 crore (ex-showroom, New Delhi/Mumbai). The car is one of the most powerful vehicles from the German brand as it unleashes massive power output of 570bhp and peak torque of 540Nm. But unfortunately, only 99 of such units will be available for purchase as this is a limited production run.
The powerful engine is an uprated version of 5.2L naturally aspirated V10 petrol engine which is working under R8 V10 Plus. The engine with the assistance of 7-speed S-tronic automatic gearbox and Quattro AWD, propels the car from 0-100kmph in just 3.4 seconds of time reaching the earth-shattering top speed of 320kmph. Apart from its gigantic power output, it is also the first production in the Indian market to sport laser high-beam lightning technology. The lightning system was first used in R19 e-tron Quattro at the sports car race 24 Hours of Le Mans. BMW i8 which is expected to be launched early this year will be second car in the country that will come with laser-beam technology.
Audi revealed the supercar R8 LMX last year but the arch rival BMW shattered its move by started delivering laser-light equipped BMW i8 in overseas market last year in June. However, in India, Audi won the race becoming the first automaker to launch such technology. As per the design and engineering aspect, Mr. Joe King, Head of Audi India stated that R8 LMX fascinates the enthusiasts with brilliant design, lightweight engineering and jaw-dropping performance. It is beautiful to stare at and splendid to drive. The car will only add more enthusiasts to the growing Audi fan-base in the country.
Talking about the car, it is available in unique Ara Blue body paint. Besides the spectacular headlights, the front contains single frame grille with vertical slats. The aerodynamic body is enhanced by the 19-inch wheels while the rear outlet grille is finished in titanium gray with high-gloss black sport exhaust pipes.
The interiors on the other hand is decorated in black with blue accents all over. The bucket type seats are upholstered in Fine Nappa leather while the backrest is covered in Ara Blue. The floor mats comprises of black piping and stitched in Sepang Blue. Apart from the luxury cum sports interiors, the car is reinforced with carbon-fibre enhanced polymer. The braking system has the carbon-ceramic support that works in harmony with Red Anodized brake calipers.
It is just a start while Audi India has several plans for this year. It already had a fascinating 2014 with record sales of 10,851 units, the seventh consecutive growth in a row. It recently launched A3 Cabriolet and is ready for the release of much anticipated 2015 Q3 and Q7 luxury SUVs for the Indian market. Especially for the Q7, Audi has recently unveiled next-gen 7-inch MMI (Multi-Media infotainment) system at the Consumer Electronic Show. It will feature touch-pad controller while company says that the MMI system will also support Apple Car Play and Google Android Auto.