LED rear lights

Rear lights using LED technology are available either as standard or as an option in all Audi models. They produce a distinctive light pattern that in many cases also produces attractive three-dimensional effects. The LEDs are extremely long-lasting and practically maintenance-free. The most important thing, however, is how extremely quickly they reach their full luminosity: if the driver has to brake suddenly, the driver behind gains valuable fractions of a second.

The rear lights of Audi’s A8 flagship are particularly sophisticated. Apart from the reversing light, they consist entirely of light-emitting diodes; there are 72 LEDs in each unit. Due to the limited amount of space available, in many areas Audi used a complex technology known as chip-on-board LEDs, which can be packed tightly together with high precision. The tail lights, which consume only 9 watts per unit, form a trapezoidal contour that appears as an even, homogenous strip. Its upper segment consists of a light guide, a transparent plastic tube; a pebbled, reflective free-form area makes up the lower section.

The five-segment brake light is located inside the trapezoid. When the A8 decelerates strongly, the brake light flashes quickly to warn the traffic behind it, and the hazard warning lights are activated when the sedan comes to a stop. The brake light responds immediately, two-tenths of a second faster than a conventional incandescent lamp. At a speed of 100 km/h (62.14 mph), this extends the braking distance available to the driver behind by nearly 6 meters (19.69 ft).

Status: 2011