BMW Laser Light goes into series production. The BMW i8 is the first production vehicle to feature the innovative light technology.

München/Rijswijk. Eind 2014 is BMW de eerste autoproducent die een productiemodel uitrust met de nieuwe laserlichttechnologie. Deze vooruitstrevende techniek werd voor het eerst gepresenteerd op de Frankfurt International Motor Show in 2011. Dankzij deze innovatie is de BMW i8 niet alleen ’s werelds eerste plug-in hybride sportauto, maar ook de eerste productieauto die laserlichttechniek biedt. Terwijl de standaard versie van de BMW i8 al is uitgerust met zeer krachtige, energiezuinige full LED verlichting,  geeft de optionele laserlichttechnologie een lichtbereik van maximaal 600 meter. Een verdubbeling van de lichtsterkte en een energiebesparing van meer dan 30% ten opzichte van de LED verlichting.
Bijgaand het volledige, Engelstalige persbericht.

Munich. From the autumn of 2014, BMW will be the first manufacturer worldwide to offer a production vehicle equipped with headlamps featuring a completely new laser light concept. With this laser light technology, which was first presented at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show, the BMW i8 (fuel consumption combined: 2.1-0.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 49–0 g/km) is not only making automotive history as a plug-in hybrid sports car, but also as the first production vehicle to incorporate the totally new laser light technology. Whilst the basic version of the BMW i8 is equipped with high-intensity, energy-efficient full LED headlamps, the optional laser boost feature additionally ensures a high beam range of up to 600 metres. This means that the already high illumination range of the modern LED high beam is doubled. Thanks to the new laser technology, it is possible to increase energy efficiency by a further 30 percent compared to already highly power-saving LED light. 

A highly intensive and efficient form of light.

In addition to lowering power requirement, BMW Laser Light illuminates the road ahead with a significantly higher light intensity without heating up the surrounding area. Laser diodes are ten times smaller than conventional light diodes. They help to save not only available installation space inside the headlamp, but also weight. The size of the reflector surface can be reduced by a factor of up to ten vs. LED light. The height of the reflector has now been reduced from the previous 9 cm to less than 3 cm. The light of a laser headlamp is extremely bright, similar to daylight, which is perceived by the human eye as pleasant. Several high-performance diodes emit a strongly bundled beam via special lenses onto a fluorescent phosphorus substance inside the headlamp. This substance transforms the beam into an exceptionally bright white light that is ten times more intensive than conventional light sources. Due to their highly intensive and virtually ideal beam properties, laser diodes render the overall system even more efficient. In conjunction with the camera-aided digital high-beam assistant, dazzling of oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead is reliably eliminated.

Better visibility and enhanced safety when driving at night.

With the sum of its properties, BMW Laser Light is the ideal light source for the main beam of a vehicle. It combines unparalleled performance and safety with a high level of efficiency and exceptional compactness. Its outstanding range facilitates improved illumination and even better visibility when driving in the dark. As a result, it ensures a more relaxed and comfortable driving experience and enhanced road safety.

The BMW i8 is the world’s first production vehicle to feature this innovative light technology. During the years ahead, further BMW models will be equipped with this future-oriented laser light system.

Conclusion.

The BMW i8 is the future of the sports car, laser light the future of automotive light technology. And the same applies to both: High performance coupled with a high level of efficiency.