BlueOx

I know there are some who are not happy about the idea of Audi-style beady lighting on the C7. Here is what I think we will see which is more of a light bar. 2013 XTS on left...C7 on right.

CaryKen

Are all those light bars surrounding headlights these days supposed to serve any practical purpose? Or are they merely visual bling to make the front look more "interesting"?

If the latter, I can't wait for this fad to go the way of giant chrome fins on the tail.

BlueOx

I suspect the latter. I fail to see what other purpose they could serve. But lighting as part of styling is old news. I actually like some of the examples out there. I like the XTS, for example. Is it necessary? No.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cxyJFrUqms

John T

Great stuff Oxman. Audi got everybody's attention with their futuristic light program and the Cadillac program is very tasteful. The latest trend is the light tube and I like it a lot.

I heard the C7 will have some interesting interior lighting too.

CaryKen

Thanks, Ox. That stuff bugs me from the perspective of long term reliability and integrity. More moving parts, more plastic to get broken or water damaged or filmed over on the interior. More pieces that cost extra to replace. More internal wiring relays and fuses to go wrong electrically. More bulbs to get broken or burn out. Sigh.

BlueOx

I hear ya. I'm sure not feeling the need for it but it can look pretty cool.

lake_bueller

They are a modern (and better) version of the daytime running lights. The LED bulbs have a longer (much, much longer) life and don't have "vibration" issues of standard bulbs.

Personally, I like the look and the visibility they provide during the daytime. Especially when its rainy/snowy. Most idiots around here don't turn on their headlights is ****** weather.

CRABBYJ

Which brings me to reflect back to my youthful exuberance and awe. It was fun while it lasted and even today it still does to many. Nice read.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/au...ef=automobiles

MikeyTX

I will take anything that replaces a filament bulb. Even Harley-Davidson has made the jump into the 21st century with LED lighting. Brighter, longer lasting light that uses less amperage and thus creates less heat inside the housing. This is the reason the that law enforcement has embraced the new LED light bars. More aerodynamic, much smaller yet with greater light output.

User 2623

I for one like all the additional reflective and luminous components. It simply adds a bit of panache to what could otherwise be a boring and uninspired design. Not unlike thoose 50's [rocket man] chrome fins, making the car look high tech for it's day. So today it's all about the lightning contributing to the aire of high tech.

Audi's string bead lighting adds a bit style and interest -works well so why not for the vette.

SCM_Crash

Actually they do serve a purpose. It's far easier to see cars with those light bars in the rear view mirror. Especially if they're silver colored cars and a cloudy day. They actually make sense from a safety stand point. They're not overly bright, but you can definitely see them from far away.

JJPonzini

Given we are driving a smaller and lower car, additional lighting that might help others see us (and not pull out in front of us) is appreciated. If its not just a boring bulb, all the better.

BlueOx

I don't get to see a lot of cars with those lights. We have way brighter car lights already from what they used to be but I could see where the 'light bars' might make a real difference in other drivers noticing the cars they are in.

Daekwan06

I love the LED bars. They look futuristic and they are much more visible during daytime driving. I'm guessing they also draw alot less power than standard DRL, due to their LED composition.

Audi started this trend. And everybody else is jumping on!

prinzSD455

Even Kia has them, at least they look like it to me when they are driving down the road.

tuxnharley

If Kia has them it's time to do something else............. I hope the C7 won't look like it's "late to the party"................. maybe Blue Ox's idea of a light bar will be better than just another LED clone.........?

Flex182

Everyone form the New KIA to the New Lamborghini has these, so you can mbet the C7 will also.

John T

Flex, I am assuming the second pic is a Lambo of some sort.....The headlights are just incredible.

Badluck33

I agree 100%. No way they are going to make a GM car look like an AUDI. It'll look very similar to the XTS. No doubt in my mind..

01vetteC5

First- blue ox I want to say thanks for keeping the C7 forum interesting.

Second- I think the C7 will have some kinda Light bar and knowing GM it is going to be very similar to the Caddy ones. I don't think they will look that bad at all. Plus all the newer nice cars have them. They just replace the DRL's.