	rybo
	View My AgentPage

Audi first with full-LED headlights

rybo submitted on 06/01/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 5:13 AM
from: www.motorauthority.com

[41] user comments | category: Misc News

Print this Page |

Digg It |

del.icio.us

Audi first with full-LED headlights

Audi is now offering full-LED headlamps for its R8 super-sports car as a €3,590 option.

While currently the R8 gets LED daytime running lights, which use 54 LEDs per headlamp, the new option will get you LEDs for the turn signals, low-beam, and high-beam headlights.

While the option may be expensive, Audi argues that the prominent advantages are lower energy consumption and a color that more closely resembles daylight, providing greater contrast and is easier on the human eye. Read Article

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

DiamondJim - 6/1/2008 11:23:28 AM

-3 Boost

as long as it's not as blinding to other drivers as Xenon headlights are...

reply to this comment

LexSucks - 6/1/2008 12:54:53 PM

+11 Boost

Xenons aren't blinding. They draw attention and people tend to stare directly into them. I'm Not sure why. I have no problem with Xenons. The next time you see a Xenon equipped vehicle on the road, try not to stare at the headlights.

budfrogS4 - 6/2/2008 10:05:37 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Ya xenons should actually be less blinding b/c the light is more directed down at the pavement, away from oncoming traffic. They are a lot brighter though, so if there's rough or uneven terrain, causing the lights to get directed eye-level, you better look away!

Threepoint1415926 - 6/2/2008 2:39:45 PM

+4 Boost

Bull sh*% they're not blinding! Every time a stupid Escalade gets behind me with Xenon lights, I cant see anything because the lights in the rear view mirror are so blinding. I dont mind Xenons on sports cars or small cars where they're low to the ground and pointing downward but once the headlight is dead level with my rear view mirror, it doesnt matter which direction the light is pointing.

LexSucks - 6/3/2008 3:28:48 PM

0 Boost

I get that problem with tall vehicles with Halogen bulbs as well. It isn't only xenons.

BJS470 - 6/1/2008 12:23:31 PM

+6 Boost

Should look sick

reply to this comment

Peyton18 - 6/1/2008 12:33:49 PM

+1 Boost

yay....

reply to this comment

lakerfan213 - 6/1/2008 5:20:35 PM

+1 Boost

Wow, gonna be bright as hell. I wonder if you turn on the high beams, the low beams stay on.

reply to this comment

DieselRules - 6/1/2008 7:04:33 PM

+4 Boost

We did some development work for a company building advanced LED back-lighting for LCD panels, and you could permanently damage your eyes if you looked at the LEDs at high-brightness.
(we were working on panels with > 1 kilowatt of LEDs per circuit-board, adhered to "cold-plates" with liquid cooling)

You shouldn't look directly at any headlights, but I hope they aren't the most powerful LEDs out, as those can cause damage.

reply to this comment

truckmen - 6/2/2008 4:43:17 AM

+1 Boost

That was a concern of mine, Aside from that very serious safety question they are great. Just because the goverment allows it doesn't mean the LEDs are safe.Are they safer since you worked on them Dieselrules?

85bmw745i - 6/2/2008 7:47:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I agree on the gov't, becaue there are alot of cars that i can't see the fron turn signal unless I am directly in front of it. from an angle, I can't see them on alot of new Domestic cars, like the F150. The turn indicators need to be on the fron corner so they can be seen by people that aren't facing the vehicle head on. Also I think all cars should have side indicators. How many times have you been in the left lane and the other car is in the right lane and you both want to get into the middle lane or get over to get into the right lane and you can't see his turn signal and he can't see yours so you both move into the venter lane at the same time and nearly cause a pile up. Had one or both of the cars had a side indicator the drivers would know the other driver is trying to get into that lane and one couls yield to the other, provided at least one of the drivers had their turn signal on. Howz that for safety overlooked?

VISO - 6/1/2008 9:37:10 PM

+7 Boost

If an R8 is crap car, I hate to think what the M5, M6, and M3 are in relation to it? Diarrhea I guess.

reply to this comment

Matthew1 - 6/1/2008 11:00:19 PM

+3 Boost

Don't feed the trolls

reply to this comment

85bmw745i - 6/2/2008 7:50:03 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Man I am a BMW fan, and you make us look bad, and the R8 is not FWD based. You are almost acting as bad as Michael Taylor, but I won't be that cruel and say you are acting the same him, just that that comment is close to his level of ignorance.

reply to this comment

LexSucks - 6/3/2008 3:30:55 PM

0 Boost

Amazinbimmer has a point. There isn't an Audi under $45k that is competitive with the cars in which it competes against.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 6/4/2008 1:45:28 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Actually, the ONLY Audi for under $45K that's not competitive is the A4 3.2. The 2.0T, both A3s and the TT lineup are all very competitive.

reply to this comment

DasAuto - 6/1/2008 8:17:16 PM

+5 Boost

Your such a twat amazinBimmer, geez u sound like what a 5 year old? I'd actually hate to know how old your are because if your are a respectful age, i feel for you cause your soo retarded.

Becuase FWD is silly, and LED are random lights, oh Audi making crap cars??? Please....get over your BMW fanboism. At least have a properly structured argument with some fact and maybe people won't think your such a tool

reply to this comment

Matthew1 - 6/1/2008 11:36:20 PM

+5 Boost

What are you going to use as a reference?

A BMW advertisment feature?

You couldn't give a structured argument if your pathetic excuse for a life depended on it.

How's the country club?

reply to this comment

Bored - 6/2/2008 1:39:28 AM

+4 Boost

@ amazinBimmer,

I'll engage you in that argument.

But first you must do me a favor, please?

Since this all got started over LED headlights on an Audi (or as you prefer, VW), let's do a little role-play, no?

I'll play the part of the "headlights".

You'll play the "deer"!

Ready?
(...Ah, who am I kidding? You won't see it coming!)

reply to this comment

85bmw745i - 6/2/2008 7:52:29 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Well, fwd cars are not as inferior when there is snow and ice on the ground. Although I hate fwd, they do have some positive aspects. Not many, but they still don't outweigh the negative aspects of fwd. still they have much better traction in the snow.

reply to this comment

MunichRob - 6/2/2008 12:50:41 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

"amazinBimmer" No one is that far ahead of anyone in the car biz when talking about technology. This is evident because of the fact that all car companies steal technological advancements from each other.

Yes even BMW! Their newest piece of borrowed technology is the M-DCT gearbox modeled after Audi's market leading DSG.

reply to this comment

chewy - 6/2/2008 10:01:22 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

The V8 and the V10 that Audi uses have similar bore and stroke to the four and five cylinder engine that the Jetta uses. Lamborghini uses the same exact engine with a few modifications. So you are saying that the Gallardo uses a Jetta derived engine. It really doesn't, but the bore and stroke are similar.

DO YOU KNOW THAT BMW USES CHEVY TRANSMISSIONS IN ITS CARS?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_6L50_transmission

Anyways, moving on. Lets compare the "Jetta derived, so it must be crap" Lamborghini Gallardo engine to the BMW V10.

Gallardo: 560 horsepower (ps) and 398 lb-ft of torque from 5.2 liters.

BMW M5/M6 V10: 507 horsepower (ps) and 383 lb-ft of torque from 5 liters of displacement.

So please tell me exactly how the M5/M6 V10 is better than the one that Audi and Lamborghini use???

reply to this comment

gsh23 - 6/2/2008 12:35:49 PM

-1 Boost

haha keep up the good work amainbimmer. im tired of these audi guys thinking fwd or awd is better for the snow or something equally obnoxious. if a japanese automaker ever slapped on LEDs and called it a day, everyone would cry bloody ricer.

reply to this comment

GermanNut - 6/2/2008 12:57:25 PM

-1 Boost

LOL M6 engine more advanced than Audi's R8?

Too bad BMW's engine in the M5 and M6 is placed in the front of the car and not in the middle the way the R8 has its engine....clearly a flawed placement of the engine for BMW.

No wonder the Audi R8 spanks the BMW M5 and M6 routinely.

Look at BMW rushing to copy Audi's DSG gearbox which first appeared in the Audi A3 more than 3 years ago.

Looks like BMW has to rip its technology from Audi in order to achieve a nice transmission because the BMW SMG is the biggest piece of junk known to man.

NO wonder the Audi S6 defeated the BMW M5 twice. The RS6 has also defeated the M5 and I can't wait for the Audi R8 to lay the smack down on BMW's M6 harder than the M6 has been kicked before.

reply to this comment

85bmw745i - 6/2/2008 7:55:42 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

BMW desn't make anything to compete with the r8. the 6 is a large coupe, the R8 is more of an exotic, lightweight speed machine, more comparable to the carerra gt. The M1 concept would be more of a competitor to the R8.

85bmw745i - 6/2/2008 9:01:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Everyone copies. forst it was the 5 spd auto then the smg, even toyota put an smg in the mr spider. then the 6 spd so on and so fourth. you can't have one car maker make a leap in technology and expect everyone not to follow suite because they don't want to copy, otherwise no-one else would have fuel injection, power steering, ABS, Airbags, variable valve timing, seatbelts, run flat tires, the list goes on and on. ETC.

GermanNut - 6/2/2008 1:06:29 PM

0 Boost

Audi's LEDs are a lot more striking than BMW's corny corona rings. Don't worry amazinIdiot, you will start to see A4s all over the place in a few more months.

reply to this comment

theoptimisticpessimist - 6/2/2008 4:23:46 PM

+3 Boost

Oh please, I'm and Audi fan, but BMW's corona lights are a tie in to the company long history of four headlamps, Audi LEDs are just trendy eyebrows.

SilentNightR34 - 6/2/2008 9:03:31 PM

-1 Boost

Why does it matter if Audi is the first with full-LED headlights? Lexus was the first ever with led highlights and came out more than a year ago on the LS600h. Kia used led front turn signals years ago... All Audi is doing is putting past technology together in one package.. There is no innovation for that.. Why didn't Lexus get as much news for being the first production car actually on the streets with LED headlights? Thats a true accomplishment.

I'm not sure many people here understand the challenge in getting LEDs bright enough to use as headlights. I bet even less know what the LEDs look like. There might only be a few people who even know the company that made the actually LEDs and headlights that are going to be used.. When dealing with LEDs in headlights, there are numerous problems with heat, optics, protection, etc.. You can't just drop these high powered LEDs in like regular bulbs or 5mm and 3mm LEDs. Lexus was the first to implement LED headlights and should be getting the attention for innovation. Audi is a couple years late to the game and wants to make a statement by saying that they use an all LEDs like they really developed something new... It pisses me off how ignorant and hard headed some people on here are..

reply to this comment

SilentNightR34 - 6/2/2008 9:13:09 PM

0 Boost

Ha and lower energy consumption?The most efficient LED dies are at about 100lm/W at full power which recently came out from Cree. The dies used in this headlight are probably running at 70 lm/W maximum. You would need at least 45 watts to run at 3000lm which is about equal to HIDs. They probably run more LED's to get the same light output on low beams and prevent overdriving the LEDs when the high beams are turned on.

reply to this comment

chewy - 6/2/2008 10:00:19 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I think Audi said that the power comsumption might be a little higher/about the same as HID, but you get much more usable/whiter light.

Lexus had low beam LEDs, Audi has 100% LED lighting. You can say both are milestones in lighting techonology.

The V8 and the V10 that Audi uses have similar bore and stroke to the four and five cylinder engine that the Jetta uses. Lamborghini uses the same exact engine with a few modifications. So you are saying that the Gallardo uses a Jetta derived engine. It really doesn't, but the bore and stroke are similar.

DO YOU KNOW THAT BMW USES CHEVY TRANSMISSIONS IN ITS CARS?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_6L50_transmission

Anyways, moving on. Lets compare the "Jetta derived, so it must be crap" Lamborghini Gallardo engine to the BMW V10.

Gallardo: 560 horsepower (ps) and 398 lb-ft of torque from 5.2 liters.

BMW M5/M6 V10: 507 horsepower (ps) and 383 lb-ft of torque from 5 liters of displacement.

So please tell me exactly how the M5/M6 V10 is better than the one that Audi and Lamborghini use???

SilentNightR34 - 6/2/2008 11:28:02 PM

+1 Boost

High beams is only a matter on either turning on or passing more current through the LEDs that are already there... More current only shortens the lifespan. Heat is added when additional LEDs are turned on which also reduces life and maximum light output... I'm sure Lexus could have done the same but wanted to maintain the lifetime by reducing any added stress onto the LEDs.. They probably isolated each of the LEDs so there is less heat transfered between them....

chewy - 6/3/2008 12:29:41 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

If Audi was able to do this, and Lexus couldn't = advantage Audi.

SilentNightR34 - 6/3/2008 2:08:22 PM

+1 Boost

What? Lexus could have done it but probably wanted to maintain the lifetime.. Its not like the lifetime will reduce to a few hours but instead of a 30% light output decrease in 50,000 hours, there would be a 50% decrease in light output or more. The R8 would probably be out of use by the time the headlights degrade to that amount unless the driver drives only at night for years and years. Lexus probably doesn't want the owner to deal with the hassle and expense of changing the headlight assembly or replacing the LEDs. Lexus made that call because of reliability, not because they couldn't.

NoFHoes - 6/3/2008 10:03:51 PM

+1 Boost

BFD. They will get stolen just like my HIDS.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 6/4/2008 1:47:11 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

COULD WE PLEASE BAN THE TROLLS???

reply to this comment

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories

LA AUTO SHOW EXCLUSIVE STUD OR DUD? Did Infiniti One Up BMW's 3 Series Cabrio With The G37 Convertible?2010 Nissan Cube Revealed: Coming to U.S. in spring 2009 2010 Mercury Milan & Mercury Milan Hybrid Launched in L.A.2010 Ford Fusion Facelift Breaks Cover 2010 Toyota Prius US production in danger?Ford Fiesta Sedan makes debut, coming to U.S.2009 Toyota Venza LA AUTO SHOW: Spies Add More Photos And A Close Up Look At The Next E-Class Coupe Interior And Nav LA AUTO SHOW: Spies Get You Inside Show ONE DAY EARLY With EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS!!!LA AUTO SHOW: BMW Releases Mini E Electric Vehicle Chrysler Blames Financial Meltdown For Woes, But It Needs $22 Billion For Health Care And Retirees Hyundai's Genesis Ranks In NADA Top 5 Luxury Cars BMWNA acknowledges N54 engine turbo lag issue Chrysler Woes Bankrupt Getrag Dual Clutch Transmission Plant SOUND OFF: Has Detroit Just Become Another Dirty Word?Cutaway Shows The True Nuts And Bolts Of Acura's New NSX UAW Says It Will Rather Tax Payers Foot The Bill Than Accept Cuts To Keep Detroit Afloat Rumor Mill: Are The Chinese Carmakers Quietly Planning To Buy GM and Chrysler?2009 Nissan GT-R Series II: New details leaked GM Delays Dealer Payments To Conserve Cash Next-gen Audi S5 getting V6 engine LA AUTO SHOW: Pontiac Releases 2009.5 G6 Details Nissan GT-R named 2009 Motor Trend Car of the Year Senator Wants Difficult 2020 Mileage Standards Doubled Ford Follows GM's Lead And Sells Off Mazda Shares For Needed Cash LA AUTO SHOW: Ford Takes the Wraps Off Of The 2010 Mustang NEW 2010 Ford Mustang LEAKED-63 PICTURES LA AUTO SHOW: Is The Infiniti G37 Coupe BETTER Looking AND Worth More Than The New 370z?2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS by JE Design 2009 Audi S3 and S3 Sportback receive new S Tronic transmission 2010 Ford Mustang revealed LA AUTO SHOW: Going Green Will Mean A Whole Different Thing At The Show On Nov. 23rd Production Volt Interior Further Refined: Center Screen, Center Stack Buttons, and Vents F1: New Aero Era Begins in Spain Daimler employees sabotaged own cars Nissan's 370Z Details Spring A Leak Report: Chrysler and Chery small cars may never happen Diesel Mercedes-Benz AMG model coming by 2012 Refreshed S-Class Delayed Until April 2009?Toyota Demands Payment For Fan Created Wallpapers Is This Video From The Auto Industry Painting An Accurate Picture Or Just Spreading Fear?Washington Says US Automakers Should Not Dip Into $700B Bailout Funds 2010 Ford Mustang: Prices and details leaked Is The House Of Cards Falling? 100 Auto Suppliers Now Want Access To $700B Bailout GM Dumps Suzuki Shares In Effort To Conserve Cash Audi A4L: A long-wheelbase A4 for China Comparison Test: 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD vs. 2009 Infiniti G37 Journey Senators bash Big 3 CEOs, calls them dinosaurs M3 eligibility for Le Mans a possibility Eye Candy: BMW 7 Series Tries on Hamann wheels sets

More Recently Added News

Join AutoSpies

Photo Galleries

AutoSpies presents the best Auto Show Photos, Automotive Videos, Car Reviews and Hot Rides.

Latest Galleries

Cars

Auto Shows

More Galleries