Audi promises next A8 on sale by year's end, LED Matrix lamps to be available
06-30-13 | 11:31 PM
#1
Audi promises next A8 on sale by year's end, LED Matrix lamps to be available
Audi promises next A8 on sale by year's end, LED Matrix lamps to be available
Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/audi-...photo-5903303/
Audi has just released details about its new Matrix LED headlamps, but just as illuminating as the new lighting technology is confirmation that the next A8 will appear "on the market at the end of 2013." While Audi is calling the model new, expectations – and the spy shots above – suggest more of a traditional mid-cycle refresh.
Audi says that its new A8 Matrix lights are comprised of 25 high-beam LEDs, clustered in groups of five paired with reflectors. Unlike traditional automatic high-beam setups, the Matrix array is so precise that it "blanks out light that would shine directly onto oncoming and preceding vehicles" while continuing to use full high-beam power on other sections of the road and shoulder not occupied by other vehicles. Further, the camera- and electronic brain-governed system can dim or extinguish LEDs as necessary to deal with traffic. The active system also differs from today's adaptive headlamps by not requiring servo motors to direct light, yet they can still function as cornering headlamps – ones that can predict a road's trajectory because they are linked with the car's GPS system. Interestingly, the system also works with Audi's optional night vision system. When the latter detects a pedestrian in the dark, it automatically flashes a batch of LEDs to put both the driver and pedestrian on notice about each others' presence.
Only one problem in all of this trick lighting business: they aren't legal here in the US, at least not yet. Audi and other automakers are currently petitioning the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, trying to sell the government agency on the technology's safety benefits. For the moment, Matrix headlamps are likely to remain forbidden fruit.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/30/a...trix-lamps-to/
07-01-13 | 05:55 AM
#4
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 6
From: Ohio
Very interesting concept. And yes, the regulations here in US are very outdated compared to the UK/Euro market 
I technically see how these could work, would love to see it do it's thing behind the wheel.
Sounds like an awful lot of things that can go wrong just for some headlights though!
I technically see how these could work, would love to see it do it's thing behind the wheel.
Sounds like an awful lot of things that can go wrong just for some headlights though!
07-01-13 | 06:52 AM
#5
BMW has a similar system as well, and I'm sure other automakers are working on similar designs as well.
The problem with LEDs is that they lose a lot of their brightness rather quickly. They can lose 50% of their brightness in just a couple of years.
The problem with LEDs is that they lose a lot of their brightness rather quickly. They can lose 50% of their brightness in just a couple of years.
07-01-13 | 07:52 AM
#7
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 24
From: Washington
As far as LED's losing 50% of their brightness in a couple of years...somehow I think these OEMs have found a solution to that. I refuse to believe Audi/BMW/MB would produce a lighting solution that would be crap before the lease is even over.
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07-01-13 | 01:28 PM
#8
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Man, this may be an unpopular opinion, but I think Audi just has the most boring shapes and exterior styling of any of the luxury brands. Their designs are always so safe. Fancy headlights aside, this company takes no risks in exterior design. So boring in my opinion. 
07-01-13 | 01:35 PM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 43
From: NV
.........
r8?
man, this may be an unpopular opinion, but i think audi just has the most boring shapes and exterior styling of any of the luxury brands. Their designs are always so safe. Fancy headlights aside, this company takes no risks in exterior design. So boring in my opinion.
07-01-13 | 01:41 PM
#10
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Not my style, but I'm mostly referring to the A4, A6, & A8. Same car, three different sizes - small, medium, & large. It seems they are so desperately trying to emulate BMW in having evolutionary designs, except that BMW's styling is actually exciting and always seems fresh, yet Audi's are the same old boring 4-door box on wheels. They need to take more risks in exterior design in my opinion. Their interiors are nice though.
07-01-13 | 05:31 PM
#11
Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,200
Likes: 439
From: MA
Agree, except for the A7 design which they stole right off the MB CLS drafting board!
07-01-13 | 06:13 PM
#12
Man, this may be an unpopular opinion, but I think Audi just has the most boring shapes and exterior styling of any of the luxury brands. Their designs are always so safe. Fancy headlights aside, this company takes no risks in exterior design. So boring in my opinion.
07-01-13 | 11:54 PM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,755
Likes: 171
From: California
I'd say Audi's sedan designs are modern and conservative, but not boring. For the market of people out there who don't care to stand out everywhere they go, these fit the bill well. Introverted vs. extroverted.
07-02-13 | 12:36 AM
#14
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,927
Likes: 15
From: CALIFORNIA
Audi is boring, and japanese cars are too swoopy and wavy.
Take your pick.
All that money poured into two jewels in the front. My HID lights work just fine. I don't need your fancy LED, unless you're offering it at the same price as xenons.
Take your pick.
All that money poured into two jewels in the front. My HID lights work just fine. I don't need your fancy LED, unless you're offering it at the same price as xenons.
08-05-13 | 04:58 PM
#15
2015 Audi A8 Getting Upgrades to Compete with S-Class
Audi has already teased us with its 2015 A8 refresh, that’s set to debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, and now the automaker has revealed that the flagship sedan will see a good amount of upgrades to better compete with the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Unfortunately, Audi is keeping those upgrades under wraps until the show, but one thing we know for sure is that the sedan will be getting a set of new LED headlights that won’t be making it to America. That means the German automaker probably has a ton more luxury upgrades and new technology in the sedan to appeal to American consumers that are also interested in the S-Class.
Currently, Audi is ranked number two in global premium car sales and hopes to pass BMW for the top spot by the end of the decade. For the first time in its history, Audi plans to sell more than 1.5-million vehicles this year, two years earlier than its initial target.
The A8 however, has struggled in the large-luxury sedan segment, selling 38,600 units last year as opposed to the 80,300 S-Class vehicles that Mercedes moved and the 59,200 BMW 7 Series that were sold.
“We’re investing heavily in new products, developing leading-edge technology and expanding our global production network,” CFO Axel Strotbek said in the statement. “Despite challenging economic conditions, we’re sticking to our goals.”
Unfortunately, Audi is keeping those upgrades under wraps until the show, but one thing we know for sure is that the sedan will be getting a set of new LED headlights that won’t be making it to America. That means the German automaker probably has a ton more luxury upgrades and new technology in the sedan to appeal to American consumers that are also interested in the S-Class.
Currently, Audi is ranked number two in global premium car sales and hopes to pass BMW for the top spot by the end of the decade. For the first time in its history, Audi plans to sell more than 1.5-million vehicles this year, two years earlier than its initial target.
The A8 however, has struggled in the large-luxury sedan segment, selling 38,600 units last year as opposed to the 80,300 S-Class vehicles that Mercedes moved and the 59,200 BMW 7 Series that were sold.
“We’re investing heavily in new products, developing leading-edge technology and expanding our global production network,” CFO Axel Strotbek said in the statement. “Despite challenging economic conditions, we’re sticking to our goals.”