New Audi R18 e-tron Quattro to use laser light in Le Mans

Audi unveiled another technical highlight of its new LMP1 sports car at the world premiere of the new Audi R18 e-tron Quattro.  It will run with laser light for the first time in the Le Mans 24 Hours and in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

“Motorsport accelerates our developments.  By using this new lighting technology Audi is setting yet another milestone at Le Mans.  Laser light will also open up completely new possibilities for our production models in the future. Once more, motorsport at Audi accelerates a new technical development for our customers,” said Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board for Technical Development of AUDI AG

The innovative laser light will complement the main LED headlights of the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro. A blue laser beam backlights a yellow phosphorus crystal lens through which the light beam is then emitted. This new light source provides even more homogenous lighting of the road.
 
“The new laser light is just one of numerous technical innovations featured by our new R18.  We’re not going to reveal any more than that at this early stage, as in 2014 we’re facing an extremely tough competition and a year full of challenges for Audi Sport,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, who was recognized by Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg

Le Mans prototypes (LMP1), DTM and GT sport will continue to have Audi AG’s motorsport commitment.  Audi Sport is also preparing to move into the new Motorsport Competence Center in Neuburg in the summer of 2014. “This is a very important step to ensure that Audi will retain its ability to be successfully active in motorsport at the highest level but, obviously, it also puts an additional strain on our squad,” said Dr. Ullrich.