Not long ago, the luxury auto market was in awe of LED headlamps, taken by their cost savings, reduced power consumption, piercing light and distinctive glow. Now, many cars in all different classes feature LEDs, making them less of a stand-out feature and more status quo. Effectively, they're losing some of their effulgence - at least in the eyes of luxury consumers who take pride in exclusivity.

If you're among the many who think the situation is dim, rest assured BMW is working steadfast on the next evolution of headlamp technology. Specifically, they've started to explore bringing laser technology to car headlights.

As far-out and Star-Wars-inspired as the projects sounds, it also makes a lot of sense. Sure, LED headlamps are tremendously effective at shining through pitch black and fog.  And, their energy efficiency easily triumphs that of halogen headlamps. But, those gains pale in comparison to BMW's new laser-cut design. Advancing headlight capabilities by light years (pun intended), they  are 1,000 times stronger than conventional LED headlamps - and consume roughly half the energy.

Light from the lasers employed in BMW's laser-cut headlamps, will, of course, be made benign, via a strategically placed conversion filter. Oncoming drivers will see it as bright and white in color.

While BMW has not yet offered an ETA of when their new laser-cut headlamps might be market ready, the Bavarian automaker is planning to offer enthusiasts their first sneak peak of the technology at this week's Frankfurt Motor Show, where they will be incorporated into the design of the new i8 concept.

Interested in more BMW news? Stay tuned. Bert Smith BMW, located at 3800 34th Street North Saint Petersburg, FL is dedicated to keeping you informed.