Information on Apparent Haze/Shadow Appearance of Headlamp Assembly

The 2005 Chevrolet Corvette headlamp assembly features an HID (high-intensity-discharge) Xenon low-beam with a projector lens and a tungsten-halogen high-beam with a projector lens. As its name implies, HID provides a high intensity light produced from an electric arc inside a capsule filled with xenon gas. The arc produces significantly more light than a glowing filament found in halogen lighting.

Additionally, the HID projector system produces less glare than HID reflector systems because of a mechanical shield that provides a sharp cut-off of light above the horizon. Oncoming drivers will admire the vehicle’s unique sleek and narrow headlamp design without experiencing the glare common to some lighting systems. The system’s high beam system also simultaneously uses the low beam to shine more light on the road.

On the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette, the headlamps’ projectors are housed within a polycarbonate enclosure, which also contains the parking lights, side-turn markers, and daytime running lights (DRL) for an integrated appearance. Despite its improved appearance and performance, consumers have commented that the headlamp appears to have both "shadows" and an "apparent haze" on the lens when lit.

Shadows

These "shadows" that have been reported on the headlamp lens are inherent to all HID projector systems and are caused by the projection of bulb features onto the surface of the headlamp lens and may only be more noticeable on the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette due to the large size of the headlamp’s lens. From a performance perspective, these "shadows" have no affect on lamp operation and the lamps’ designed light output.

Apparent Haze

The lens angle of the 2005 Chevrolet Corvette’s headlamp spans between 55 and 65 degrees. This extreme angle causes a very small portion of light to be reflected back inside the lamp because more light is being reflected off the inner surface of the headlamp lens than in less-sloped designs. These qualities account for increases in the "apparent haze" that is being reported by consumers. It is important to recognize that this apparent haze is expected with this headlamp design and does not adversely affect the lamp function.

The Corvette’s high performing and stylish headlamps are fully compliant to all applicable regulations. Their performance is NOT impacted by either shadows on the lens or any "apparent haze" that appears on the lens. When the Corvette is driven at night, customers will notice the headlights high performance and the low glare to oncoming drivers.