But at the same time, the company said the tiny diodes are claimed to be able to light the road ahead for an incredible 500 metres.

That gives the technology about double the reach of today’s best LED headlights, with around three times as much overall light output.

This new main beam system will go on show as part of the latest evolutionary stage of the Sport quattro concept during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, starting today (January 6).

For now it is linked to a dipped beam courtesy of Audi’s already advanced MatrixBeam LED system, but the firm is rumoured to be working on ways to adapt the laser diodes to perform both high and low beam functions.

Professor Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Audi AG on the side of Technical Development, said: “The new show car demonstrates technical ‘Vorsprung’ on many levels.

“On-board this car we have e-tron technology with 700 PS of power and 113mpg fuel economy; laser headlights that leave all previous systems in the dark with its higher performance as well as new display and operating systems with cutting-edge electronic performance.

“We are showing the future of Audi here.”