BMW Video Explains Advantages Of Laser Headlights On The i8

BMW has released a new promotional video on YouTube that highlights the advantages of the new laser headlight technology over conventional LED units. The company will use the new technology in BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, thus making it world’s first production car to feature laser headlight technology. According to BMW, laser headlamps will give monochromatic light that is five times brighter than conventional light. It also provides twice the visibility range, while using less than half the energy. BMW claims the new laser headlamps will have an estimated reach off 600 meters, double that of LEDs, reaching 600 meters. The new technology also reduces strain caused to oncoming cars. Unlike conventional headlights, monochromatic light from lasers mean only one wavelength is discharged rather than a spectrum, making it extremely efficient and require less lighting diodes. In fact, the length of laser diodes are just ten microns, one hundred times smaller than square-shaped cells used in LED lights. The BMW i8 will be on sale at a starting price of $135,925 when it enters the market in spring 2014. It will be the world’s first production car to feature laser headlight technology. The BMW i8 is slated to compete against the likes of the Audi R8 and Porsche 911. However, the i8 will stand apart as the only sports car in the category to achieve a combined 50 mpg combined. The BMW i8 drivetrain features a turbocharged and direct-injected 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that is mated to an electric motor. (imotortimes)