Well, it looks like Audi beat its German rival BMW at getting its laser headlights to the market. Audi has unveiled a limited edition version of the R8, christened LMX. It does not only pack more of a punch under its hood, but it comes standard with laser high beams derived from the marque’s Le Mans racers.

Thrust for the R8 LMX is derived from a tuned version of the standard V10 plus model’s 5.2-liter V10 that produces 570-hp and 389 lb-ft. of torque. This would make the R8 LMX the most powerful version of the car to hit the streets, legally, that is. The R8 boasts a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, sending the coupe from zero to 62 mph in a tooth-rattling 3.4 seconds.

The real differentiating factor is the laser beam high beams that the R8 LMX includes as standard trim. The units offer twice the illumination of standard LED units. The beams use a module inside the headlamp to generate a tiny blue laser beam that is converted into white light appropriate for road-going. All this, thanks to a phosphor converter. Science is great, right? Once the R8 hits 37 mph or higher, the laser beams adjust the lighting pattern to accommodate an oncoming vehicle.

Furthermore, the R8 LMX gets a unique set of 19-inch alloys as well as numerous carbon fiber bits on the mirror housings, decklid cover, and front splitter. A gaudy spoiler and shiny tail pipes round out the rear.

Open the doors and you’ll see the R8 LMX features blue stitching on the leather bucket seats, door panels, and headliner. Additionally, there is more carbon fiber trim on the dashboard and center console. The R8 LMX debuts next month at the Goodwood Festival of Speed with a base price of US$270,000. Audi hasn’t mentioned if the car is to be offered in the USA, but with these exclusive features we don’t see a shortage of people clamoring after the beast. Not to mention, whenever an automaker releases a model under the “limited-edition” moniker, that can hint at the next-generation car on the horizon. Until then, keep yourself entertained with our very own Audi R8 V10 Spyder exotic rental offering, it’s only 0.5 seconds slower than the fickle R8 LMX.

-Evan W.