This week, Audi launched the R18 e-tron quattro LMP1 racer for 2014. Within the R18 e-tron's arsenal for defending its Le Mans title was new headlight technology. For the very first time, Audi will use laser headlights. "By using the new lighting technology Audi is setting yet another milestone at Le Mans", stated Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board for Technical Development of Audi AG.
BMW may have beaten Audi in launching laser light tech with its i8 hybrid sports car concept back in 2011, but Audi stated that laser headlights open new possibilities for future road going cars.
Lasers sound complicated, right? Here's how they work: a blue laser beam is backlit against a yellow phosphorous crystal lens, through which a light beam is emitted. So? Well, laser light is 1,000 times more powerful than LED technology. Plus, laser uses 50 per cent less power. The benefits of which become clearer when screaming down Circuit de la Sarthe's Mulsanne straight at night. Another knock-on benefit to laser headlights is that, because they're brighter, the headlights can be designed smaller, thus saving weight. And like any car company that competes in motorsport, what you first perfect on the track, typically trickles down to road use.
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In related news, Audi stalwart, Alan McNish, announced his retirement this week. After a successful motor racing career that spanned 33 years, he said "It's very important to know when to stop and get out." McNish's career included three Le Mans wins and success in the American Le Mans series. A Monaco resident, McNish will doubtless be missed by Audi.