Audi A8 super high-tech headlight teased, whole car coming Aug 21

Wed, 14 Aug 2013

We have to wait one more week before we get to see the 2015 Audi A8 and S8, but it doesn't look like Audi is going to stay quiet until then. After releasing a pair of teaser videos over the last week, it has now released a first detailed picture of the new A8 revealing the trick Matrix LED headlight.

Between the high-beam and low-beam lights, the headlights contain 43 LEDs (not including those for the DRL/turn signal), but the innovative part of Matrix LED system is that a camera can control the high-beam lights – by either dimming them or shutting them off – when other vehicles are detected on the road to prevent the lights from distracting other drivers. Of course the big question remaining is if Audi can get these new headlights to pass the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and its Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The taillights also get a cool design with 24 LEDs that use a sequential turn signal

As for the debut of the A8 and S8, we already knew the sedans would be unveiled on August 21 ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show, but Audi finally made it officially official in a press release, which is posted below. Also be sure to check out the pair of teaser videos Audi has released for these cars recently.

Highly effective: new turn signal light in the Audi A8

-Indicator LEDs light up sequentially in the turning direction
-Advanced turn signal light is a component of the Audi Matrix LED headlight

In the new Audi A8, the turn signal light consists of lighting elements that illuminate in a defined sequence; this makes it easier for others to perceive the driver's turning intentions, even under difficult conditions.

In the new Audi A8, the turn signal lights will now indicate the turning direction in an innovative way, which has the potential to significantly enhance traffic safety. That is because the lights provide a visual signal that can be clearly and quickly perceived, even at long distances and in poor visibility.

Each of the enhanced headlights contains18 light-emitting diodes arranged in a strip that is subdivided into seven blocks. Each tail light contains 24 LEDs in eight segments, which are used to dynamically indicate the turning direction. During flashing, the blocks are sequentially activated at 20 millisecond intervals, from the inside outwards in the desired turning direction. After 150 milliseconds, all segments are bright; for another 250 milliseconds they illuminate with full intensity. Afterwards, the turn signals go dark before repeating the lighting sequence.

Considering their capabilities, the Audi Matrix LED headlights can be regarded as a cutting-edge innovation. In each headlight, 25 light-emitting diodes generate a highly variable high-beam light. When the on-board camera detects other vehicles ahead, the Audi Matrix LED headlights mask the relevant sections of the high-beam by dimming or shutting off individual diodes. Very bright illumination is preserved in the remaining zones.

The Audi Matrix LED headlights also feature navigation-based cornering lights and, in cooperation with the night vision assistant, a marker light that warns the driver of pedestrians in the dark and which also alerts the pedestrians.

Audi will be presenting the upgraded A8 in September at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt.

Exclusively on Audi MediaTV:
World premiere of the new A8

Audi is once again introducing a new automobile on the Internet: The online world premiere of the new Audi A8 will be broadcast exclusively on Audi Media TV (www.audimedia.tv) on

Wednesday, August 21, 2013,
at 9.00 a.m. CEST.

Parallel to this, Audi Communications will provide comprehensive background information on Audi MediaServices.

One highlight of the new Audi A8, which will be presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in roughly three weeks, are the new Audi Matrix LED headlights. With this innovative technology, Audi is opening a new chapter in automotive lighting.

Audi MediaTV will broadcast the world premiere of the new Audi A8 in English (www.audimedia.tv) and is offering the option of incorporating the live stream into other websites.

By Jeffrey N. Ross