Laser high beams!

First we had LED daytime running lights, then LED headlights' 'matrix beam' and now laser light!

Audi is again using the Le Mans 24 Hours this year to further extend its advantage in the area of light and vision.

With the new R18 e-tron quattro race car, Audi has opted for a combination of LED and laser light. 

"Audi is the trendsetter in lighting technology," said Prof Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development of AUDI AG.

"The A8 has recently been available with matrix LED headlights - the most advanced lighting technology for production cars. We're going to offer it in further models.

"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."

Optimal illumination of the track plays a crucial role in the Le Mans 24 Hours and other endurance races, which are partially held in darkness.

"We've always attached great importance to making our drivers feel safe and comfortable in the cockpit of an Audi race car," said Chris Reinke, Head of LMP at Audi Sport.

"Good night vision is an essential element of this. The matrix beam LED headlights already provided our drivers with a major advantage at Le Mans - combined with laser light, it'll increase even further. This new technology has great potential for the future."