align="justify">There'll be some bright lights in the big city once the new 2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum edition hits town, over the summer. The newest and most lavishly-equipped version of the popular SUV will be the first mainstream automotive product to feature high-tech LED headlamps.

Light-emitting diode technology has a number of advantages over conventional automotive lighting. For one thing, LED bulbs are expected to last a lot longer, often for the life of a vehicle, so owners will be less likely to face the hassle of changing burned-out bulbs. The latest LEDs also are brighter and cleaner looking, with an intense but natural daylight color. Some other new technologies, such as xenon bulbs, often emit unnaturally tinted light that can be difficult on the eyes.

LEDs are becoming quite commonplace, though until recently, they were limited to taillamps, CHMSL brake lamps and interior lighting.