Audi provides a peek at the laser headlights on the 2017 R8

By Stephen Edelstein Published February 16, 2015

Audi R8 Laser High-Beam Headlights — Image used with permission by copyright holder

There’s been plenty of speculation surrounding the 2017 Audi R8, but this the first official peek at the second-generation supercar.

Audi lifted the veil (slightly) to show off the new R8’s optional laser headlights. They’re based on technology that appeared on the limited-edition R8 LMX, and on Audi’s R18 e-tron quattro Le Mans racer before that.

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Besides being incredibly cool, the advantage of lasers is their brighter, more precisely controlled light. It’s unclear whether Audi will offer the feature in the U.S., but all R8 models will get standard LED headlights.

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The tiny bit of exposed bodywork in the above teaser image seems to match previous speculative renderings, and a leaked photo released last week.

It all points to a design that maintains the current R8’s proportions, but with more sharp angles and creases.

Underneath the sharper skin, the 2017 R8 is expected to continue with V8 and V10 engine options with standard quattro all-wheel drive. It may lose its manual transmission option, though, as interest has reportedly dwindled.

Audi may also finally put all-electric R8 e-tron on sale, after years of playing with prototypes based on the current-generation model. There may be a plug-in hybrid version too.

The 2017 Audi R8 is expected to debut at a major auto show before the end of the year, and go on sale next year. If nothing else, it will have some of the most impressive headlights in the business.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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