Audi’s 2014 R18 e-tron to feature laser lights

Yesterday, at the official launch of the all-new 2014 Audi R18 e-tron in Ingolstadt, Germany, Audi revealed a number of changes to the new LMP1 contender with the highlight being the introduction of new laser lights.

Head of Audi Motorsport, Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich said, "A blue laser beam backlights a yellow phosphorus crystal lens through which the light beam is then emitted. The laser lights will provide even more homogenous lighting of the road."When asked about production cars getting such enhancements, hehinted that these lights "open up completely new possibilities for our production models in the future."

Audi’s Matrix LED system is a new feature which can ‘see’ vehicles in front of it and adjust its high-beam light accordingly without blinding other drivers. This feature is expected to be offered with Audi’s e-tron family of electric cars. Also, with the BMW already offering the i8 with the option of laser lights, we can soon expect Audi to provide its high-end cars with this latest technology too.

The 2014 LMP1 contender not only shares the name of the previous generation cars, but at first glance, looks very similar too. Though a lot has been changed, Audi has claimed to have created a complete new car to meet the new stringent 2014 World Endurance Championship regulations. 

The 2014 LMP1 regulations have focused more on efficiency. As a result there is a gain of 30 per cent fuel efficiency and a weight loss of 45kgs. In the new car, differences appear in the rear wing section and in the air scoop above the cockpit. The cockpit is also larger, according to the regulations, and downforce is reduced as a result of some of the mandatory underbody changes. A front wing with a flap is used for the first time, replacing a diffuser. Also, exhaust gas can no longer be used in the area of the rear diffuser.

An altered V6 TDI mid-engine powers the rear wheels. The car also features an e-tron Quattro hybrid system and an optimised flywheel energy storage system. The hybrid system comprises an electric turbocharger with Heat Energy Recovery System (ERS-H) that generates energy from heat developed in the system along with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (ERS-K).

Amidst tough competition from Porsche and Toyota, Audi hopes to score a hat-trick in the FIA WEC along with another Le Mans 24 Hours victory with its new R18.