OSRAM Opto Semiconductors LEDs Enhance Headlights in New Audi A8 Sedan

Among the most striking features of Audi’s current vehicles are the LED daytime running lights installed in the headlamps. In the new top-of-the-line A8, OSRAM OSTAR LEDs have now advanced headlamp lighting beyond simple low and high beams. Special lighting functions such as motorway beams, cornering lights and all-weather lights are now handled by LEDs. The technological progress is readily identifiable – the individual light sources are visible in the headlamps, noticeably distinguishing the Audi from other automobiles at night.

The OSTAR headlamp is available as a new product platform with up to five LED chips. An innovative conversion process provides a seamless white color impression at maximum brightness levels. Typical light values achieved for each LED chip are 160 lm at 700 mA. Depending on the variant and operating current, values between 125 lm and 1100 lm are achievable. With its scalable brightness, the OSTAR headlamp is perfectly suited to all headlamp functions such as low and high beams, cornering lights, fog-lamps and even for use in daytime running lights.

“LEDs have left the niche market of limited edition and luxury vehicles and have arrived successfully in volume production,” says Peter Knittl, LED automotive director at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors. “As they already meet all the requirements of modern automobile lighting and are setting new standards in many respects, LEDs are perfectly suited to mass market use.”