Audi A8 — Matrix LEDs

Audi demonstrates its Matrix LED headlamps, which will debut on the
2015 A8—except in the U.S., where such technology is illegal.

2015 Audi A8 Can Spot Animals; Not Coming Stateside With Matrix LEDs
by Clifford Atiyeh

While Audi’s flagship sedan boasts night-vision cameras and a strong aluminum frame, nothing helped the A8’s safety record more than a big crash with a very handsome man behind the wheel.

In 2010, Tom Brady, the New England Patriots quarterback, was driving through downtown Boston when a minivan ran a red light and nearly tore off the front of his S8. All survived, Brady got out unharmed, and cell phone cameras flashed. Even by Audi marketing standards, this was beyond good.

Deer in headlights

But when the refreshed 2015 A8 arrives on our shores by next fall, Audi won’t be able to tout its latest safety feature, Matrix LED headlamps, because it’s been illegal for nearly 50 years.

Federal laws written in the 1960s prohibit active headlamps like these because their computer control—which can instantly adjust the lighting path to darken spots for oncoming cars and brighten areas for the driver—is considered a distraction. Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo have similar lighting technologies that are also banned under the laws.

When the latest A8 debuts in Europe this fall, likely at the Frankfurt auto show in September, these optional headlamps will relegate high-beam control to GPS sensors and cameras. Audi claims that a significant portion of the car’s 50 LEDs will always stay at maximum brightness without blinding other drivers and will deactivate at low speeds (we witnessed this technology at work in Sweden last year). Of course, you’ll still be able to send bluish death arcs at hogs in the left lane.

While we’re not expecting any big changes to the A8—three new turbocharged engines, including a diesel, were introduced for 2013 and 2014—we’ll see restyled head- and taillamps plus an updated night-vision system that can detect large animals such as deer and moose (also coming on the 2015 A6 and A7). Given the rapid pace of infotainment, the 2015 A8 likely will include updates to Audi’s MMI infotainment system. The standard LED headlamps, fitted with new daytime running lights, will remain.

Maybe Audi can nudge the government by getting Justin Timberlake—one of the company’s many “brand ambassadors,” who like Brady, can drive free Audis all year long—to croon over Matrix LEDs on his next single. In the meantime, Audi of America’s brass can commiserate with their counterparts at Mercedes-Benz U.S.A., whose new S-class also features active LED headlights deemed illegal for use in this country.

Maybe Audi can nudge the government by getting Justin Timberlake—one of the company’s many “brand ambassadors,” who like Brady, can drive free Audis all year long—to croon over Matrix LEDs on his next single. In the meantime, Audi of America’s brass can commiserate with their counterparts at Mercedes-Benz U.S.A., whose new S-class also features active LED headlights deemed illegal for use in this country. – Car And Driver Magazine