Ingolstadt, Germany - Audi has announced that it will become the first car maker to install all-LED headlights as an optional extra in the super sports car R8. A special permit from the European Union paved the way for incorporating front-lighting LED technology into series production ahead of schedule because a corresponding EU regulation is not expected to come into force before 2008, the manufacturer said.
An Audi R8 with LED headlights was first presented at the Paris Motor Show last year and many experts had not expected LED lights in production cars until about 2009.
LEDs have been in use since 1992 for high-level brake lights, tail lights and regular brake lights.
Audi says it is the world's first manufacturer to deploy LEDs for all of the front lighting functions including daytime running lights, turn signals, dipped beam and main beam headlights.
LEDs or light-emitting diodes, offer more energy-efficiency and lights up about ten times faster than the bulb. They need no replacement lasting the lifespan of the vehicle.
