Audi tests innovative lighting technology on the race track

Optimal illumination of the track plays a crucial role in the already gruelling Le Mans 24 Hours aside from other endurance races - as they are partially held in darkness.

With its matrix LED headlights, last year's Audi R18 e-tron quattro set standards in terms of lighting range and light intensity at Le Mans. Now in the 2014 R18, the headlights combine the strengths of the matrix LED headlights with laser diodes.

The hybrid headlamp assembly allows a further optimisation to the cornering lights.

Depending on the position of the car on the race track, it illuminates a corner even before the driver turns in - a crucial feature according to Two-time Le Mans winner and former World Endurance Champion Marcel Fassler who commented, "I've never had such good light on a race car as on the new R18. It's clearly even better than last year. The laser light is brighter, more concentrated and more precise."

Audi has consistently set standards in lighting technology at Le Mans. The Audi R10 TDI in 2006 was the first race car equipped with LED daytime running light. On the R15 TDI, LEDs additionally functioned as the high beam while Audi utilised full LED headlights for the first time via the R19 TDI in 2011.

"Audi is the trendsetter in lighting technology. The A8 has recently been available with matrix LED headlights - the most advanced lighting technology for production cars. Our latest development is laser light - even sharper, more powerful and more efficient. We're equipping the new Le Mans race car with it and will be the first automobile manufacturer to introduce laser light in production cars," said Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development of Audi AG.

At the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2014 in January, Audi showcased the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept car and a front section of the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro including the headlights.