Audi presented their new A8 last week at Miami. Like the R8, the new A8 uses full-LED headlamps. The low beams comprise ten individual modules forming an arc situated below the wing-shaped chrome contour called the “wing.” Just below this is another arc of 22 white and 22 yellow LEDs for the DRL and the turn signals.
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Located above the wing are the high beams, generated by two powerful four-chip LEDs and a free-surface reflector system. An assistant switches between the high and low beams, and additional high-power LEDs generate the motorway light and cornering light. A separate fan and heat sink moderate the system’s temperature.
The full LED headlights offer a number of functional advantages in everyday situations. The low beams, for example, consume only 40 watts per unit, a bit less than Xenons.
Another module offered by Audi is the continuous headlight range control, a further development of the high beam assistant. A video camera mounted in front of the inside mirror recognizes other vehicles by their lights. A computer adapts the vehicle’s own light through a sliding range that guarantees the maximum possible illumination.
The tail lights also have a striking 3D appearance, reinforcing Audi’s visual brand signature. They, too, use LED technology with 72 light-emitting diodes per unit which consume only 9W. The emitters form a trapezoidal contour that appears as an even, homogenous strip. Its upper segment is a light guide; the lower section is a reflective, textured free-form surface.
The turn signal is a horizontal line. The five-segment brake light is located inside the trapezoid.
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Ambient light: White LEDs add a few subtle highlights to the interior. Many LEDs here are two-colored or three-colored–the color schemes of ivory, polar and ruby can be selected.
Newly-offered driver assistance technology includes a thermal night vision system with marking of detected pedestrians, a speed limit display, lanekeeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
