Audi has finally brought its laser headlights stateside, and they arrive in the 2017 R8 V10 Plus Exclusive Edition. The supercar also packs in a bunch of upgrades to its standard R8 package.
The German automaker revealed its laser headlamps in 2014 with its R8 LMX model, but a 1968 law prevented American versions of Audi’s cars from earning the laser lights.
The new R8 V10 Plus Exclusive is the first Audi to come with a U.S.-law friendly version of the special laser headlights. At normal speeds, regular LED headlamps are used, but when the special R8 V10 hits 40 mph, the laser versions kick in to create a bright blue beam.
Derived from the R8 V10 Plus, the Exclusive Edition offers more personalization via Audi’s Exclusive Program. The version shown off comes in Quantum Gray, with side blades and a grille in Titanium Black, with the blades boasting orange pinstripes.
This aesthetic continues into the cabin with black and orange leather paired with microsuede and Alcantara finishes.
Powering the Exclusive Edition is a 5.2-liter V10 powerplant that makes 601 horsepower. All of this power is sent through Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The R8 V10 Plus Exclusive Edition leaps from stop-to-62 mph in 3.2 seconds and boasts a top speed of 205 mph.
Audi is set to only make 25 examples of the R8 V10 Plus Exclusive Edition, with each one starting at $229,200.