We often take headlights for granted, but in addition to contributing to the development of a car’s fascia and character, and imparting a vital look and personality to any vehicle’s styling, they are also responsible for our safety by illuminating our way. In a way, the car’s “eyes” help us see as well.
To help chart the evolution of the headlight, here are ten of the greatest and most gorgeous headlights featured on supercars of the 2000s, each one marking a crucial milestone in the development of vehicle forward lighting, with an innovative and engaging blend of technology and style.
10 Spyker C8
The headlights on the Spyker C8 Aileron are particularly striking since they blend in with the body design.
In the finely sculpted headlight units, LEDs are incorporated for the front and rear turn indicators, as well as the sidelights. Elongated and sharp, the C8’s headlights serve to accentuate the car’s aggression and slope towards the massive gaping grille resembling a hungry wild animal. We love it!
9 Lamborghini Murcielago
The Lamborghini features Bi-Xenon headlight underneath quadrilateral covers. This significant and unique break from typical circular headlights ushered in a new era of freedom and flexibility for vehicle designers, allowing them to experiment with new styles and shapes for the frontal styling of cars.
Note that the small black portion directly ahead of them contains the special washers used to clean the headlights.
8 2001 Aston Martin Vanquish
Much has been said about Aston Martin’s dependably gorgeous looks and obsession with the magical ratio of height to length, but Aston also understands detail. Take the Vanquish’s headlights, for example.
They are simplistic yet exude elegance like the rest of the car. More ornate headlights would only serve to detract from the rest of the car’s excellent design and its overall appearance.
7 BMW 5 Series (E60)
Audi made LED running lights its characteristic style in the mid-to-late 2000s, but BMW had its own signature style a few years earlier—angel eyes, commonly known as “halos.” These are accessory lights that are attached or integrated into the headlight assembly and encircle a vehicle’s low or high beam headlamp.
The halo headlight initially emerged in 2001, as an option on the BMW 5-Series. Halo headlights are made up of rings that light up whenever a vehicle is in use, day or night. Though initially a BMW trademark, the halo headlight has been adapted by various automakers in the years after its introduction.
6 Chevrolet Corvette C5
The C4 and C5 Corvette models have pop-up headlights, which have a distinctly retro feel and bring to mind vehicles from the ’80s and ’90s. However, in 2005, Chevrolet made the difficult decision to discontinue the use of pop-up headlights.
It was the end of an era, but Chevy made up for it by adding more interior space and installing a 6.0-liter V8 engine that helped the C6 reach speeds of 190 mph.
5 Porsche 911 Carrera 4
In 2002, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 got a facelift, along with the rest of the Porsche 911 Carrera lineup. It came with a few additional features, including a new set of headlights.
Following the 996’s flawed appearance, with its ‘fried egg’ headlights and bar of soap bodywork, Porsche restored the 911’s position as one of the most stylish and purposeful car designs of the twentieth century.
4 2005 Ford GT
The original GT (GT40) was a Ferrari-killer at Le Mans in the 1960s, so when Ford’s centennial was approaching in 2003, the company decided to design a new version that would recall memories of its glory days.
The result was the Ford GT, a near-exact replica of the original race car, which was famously only 40 inches tall. If you look closely, you may see a “100” formed by the headlights, commemorating Ford’s 100th anniversary.
3 2006 Audi R8
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The Audi R8 was not the first Audi to be equipped with LED running lights, but it was unquestionably the most recognizable. It appears like every CUV and family sedan these days is decked up with LED glitter, but let’s not forget which car set the trend in motion.
The R8 is Audi’s halo car, and it made Audi the first manufacturer to introduce laser headlights to the market. It has a unique headlamp profile that could only belong to an R8. It’s modern and aggressive yet evocative of a bygone era.
2 Lamborghini Reventon
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Front-facing LEDs and Bi-Xenon headlights combine to create an incisive design that is brought to life by the mix of lights.
In addition to the seven LEDs that provide continuous daylight, there are nine diodes for the indicators.
1 Alfa Romeo 8C Competitizone
The Alfa Romeo 8C concept made its debut at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. After 3 years of development, the production version was unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. The 8C was designed by Wolfgang Egger of the Alfa Romeo Style Center, and it offered a glimpse into the design language of future Alfas while keeping the DNA of the great Alfa Romeos of the past.
The inspiration came from postwar classics such as the 33 Stradale and the Giulia TZ. The distinctive grille and insignia, highlighted by a cluster of bi-xenon headlights, made this one of the most beautiful Alfa Romeos ever made.
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