Audi has revealed the first design sketches of the new A8, which will be revealedat the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Among the innovations are the new Matrix LED headlights.
While the exterior design will not undergo major changes, for the 2015 facelifted A8 flagship Audi will introduce new front and rear lighting units, which feature the new Matrix LED technology and are equipped with sequential turn signals.Below we report the official details on this distinctive feature, which is unlikely to be included on models sold on certain markets, including the US, due to local law restrictions.
The turn signal lights of the new A8 will 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.
Source: http://audiusanews.com
