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Audi brings new lighting technology to Le Mans WEC, DTM and GT sport in focus again in 2014 Development Board Member Dr. Hackenberg: “Motorsport accelerates our developments” Head of Sport Dr. Ullrich: “A year full of challenges is awaiting us” At the world premiere of the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro, Audi unveiled another technical highlight of its new LMP1 sports car in Ingolstadt on Wednesday night. In 2014, the brand with the four rings will be running with laser light for the first time in the Le Mans 24 Hours and in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). “By using this new lighting technology Audi is setting yet another milestone at Le Mans,” said Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board for Technical Development of AUDI AG, at the official presentation of the new R18 e-tron quattro that took place as part of the ‘Audi Sport Finale.’ Laser light will also open up completely new possibilities for our production models in the future. Once more, motorsport at Audi accelerates a new technical development for our customers.” The innovative laser light, which about 500 guests in attendance at the ‘Audi Sport Finale’ had the chance to experience live for the first time, complements the main LED headlights of the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro. A blue laser beam backlights a yellow phosphorus crystal lens through which the light beam is then emitted. This new light source provides even more homogenous lighting of the road. Laser light just one of numerous innovations of the new R18 “The new laser light is just one of numerous technical innovations featured by our new R18,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, who was recognized by Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg on Wednesday night on the occasion of his 20th anniversary at the helm of Audi Sport. “We’re not going to reveal any more than that at this early stage, as in 2014 we’re facing an extremely tough competition and a year full of challenges for Audi Sport.”

Audi Q7 / Audi SQ7 (until 2023) The Audi Q7 is getting an all-round update – both visually and technically. The large SUV features the new design of the Q family and offers superb dynamics and excellent comfort, in addition to its superior spaciousness. Mild hybrid technology, the digital operating concept and the optional HD Matrix LED headlights including laser light are just some of its highlights. Pictures Videos

For the first time, Audi is equipping the Q8 with HD Matrix LED headlights with a laser as an additional high beam. The headlights also feature digital daytime running lights with selectable light signatures. Digital OLED rear lights with four selectable rear light designs complete the expanded light offering. New wheels, colors, decorative inlays, and seats with contrast stitching highlight the car’s top position among the Q models. Exclusive new dynamic driving scenes are available for the enhanced Audi Q8. This extensive content and footage material can be found here.

Engine developing 419 kW (570 hp), from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds Laser high beam increases range and safety Limited-edition supercar can now be ordered 419 kW (570 hp), from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.4 seconds: The Audi R8 LMX (12.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers [18.2 US mpg]; 299 grams CO₂ per kilometer [481.2 g/mile]) offers breathtaking performance and groundbreaking technology. The limited-edition car is the first production car in the world to come equipped with laser high beams. The R8 LMX can now be ordered and will debut on the streets this summer. Audi is the leader in developing automotive lighting technology. In 2008, the Audi R8 became the first production car in the world to boast all‑LED headlights; this was followed in 2012 by dynamic turn signals. Audi launched a new chapter in automotive lighting with the Matrix LED headlights, which debuted in the updated A8 in 2013. Now the brand with the four rings is igniting the next stage in the R8 LMX: the laser spot for the high beams. It increases the range substantially, which is ideal for a supercar like the R8 LMX. The Audi engineers work very closely with their racing colleagues on the development of lighting technologies. The combination of LED and laser high beams, for example, will be used for the first time on the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 14 and 15. The premium brand is thus continuing its tradition of using racing to test new technologies destined for production. “Audi has long dominated the most important 24-hour race. In addition to the outstanding TDI drive technology, a maximum light yield gives our pilots a major advantage, and with night racing in particular is a key factor to our success,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg. “The transfer of the laser headlight to the Audi R8 LMX underscores our leading position in lighting technology.

The Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 6 Avant performance come to the customer with LED headlights as standard. The daytime running light signature has a digital character: Twelve light segments are positioned vertically next to each other here, separated by narrow spaces – like the 0 and 1 of the digital world. The turn signals and the two-line Matrix high beam, which is made up of 32 individually controllable LEDs, are located in the lower section of the lighting unit. They illuminate the road dynamically and precisely while hiding other road users from the cone of light automatically. The LEDs also act as cornering lights. The taillights of the high-performance Avant also conjure up associations with the digital world. Each unit comprises nine vertical segments that alternate with the brake lights, which are also segmented. Both the optional Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and darkened bezels and the LED rear lights are equipped with dynamic turn signal lights and run through RS-specific sequences when the vehicle is locked and unlocked. The Audi laser light, recognizable by the blue marker in the reflector, doubles the range of the high beams. In each headlight, a small laser module generates a light cone that acts as a spotlight extending several hundred meters. The monochromatic and coherent blue laser beam has a wavelength of 450 nanometers.

Digital stage: panoramic display includes 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit, 12.8-inch MMI touch display, and head-up display Immersive audio experience: with twelve high-performance speakers and 420 watts of amplifier power, the SONOS premium sound system delivers an immersive, virtually generated surround-sound experience Customized color scheme: illuminated inner door panels with 30 selectable colors create an emotionally engaging ambiance The interior of the new Audi Q3 demonstrates how form and function become one. Premium materials, intelligent technologies, and a customizable lighting and sound concept come together to create a driving experience that engages the senses. Clean lines, intuitive operation, and smart technology are combined into a harmonious entity inside the new Audi Q3. A generously sized application area extends from the doors across the entire width of the dashboard, highlighting the horizontal layout for a maximum sense of space. The calm, clear design of the dashboard continues into the clean, uncluttered console layout. Simple design and a user-focused layout of the cup holders and covered charging tray reflect Audi’s philosophy of “visual clarity.” At the heart of it all is the digital stage: the panoramic display – with the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus and a 12.8-inch MMI touch display – features a driver-oriented, curved design. It is complemented by an optional head-up display that projects important information directly into the driver’s field of vision. Flush door handles, carefully coordinated materials with soft-touch surfaces, and chrome details on the switches underscore the vehicle’s visual appeal, tactile quality, and overall comfort. More space thanks to clever controls A new steering wheel control unit with two stalks on the steering column has resulted in more storage space in the center console, a new user experience, and a more spacious feel.

The RS 7 Sportback and the RS 7 Sportback performance roll off the assembly line with LED headlights as standard. The daytime running light signature consists of twelve light segments that are positioned vertically next to each other, separated by narrow spaces – conjuring up an association with the ones and zeroes of the digital world. In the lower zone are the turn signals and the two-line Matrix high beam, which is made up of 32 individually controllable LEDs. They illuminate the road dynamically and precisely while leaving other road users out of the cone of their light. The LEDs also act as cornering lights. The tinted HD matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and the LED rear lights are equipped with dynamic turn signal lights and run through RS-specific sequences when the vehicle is locked and unlocked. The Audi laser light, recognizable by the blue marker in the reflector, doubles the range of the high-beams. In each headlight, a small laser module generates a light cone that acts as a spotlight extending several hundred meters. The monochromatic and coherent blue laser beam has a wavelength of 450 nanometers. A phosphor converter converts it into soft light suitable for roadway use with a color temperature of 5,500 kelvin, ideal for the human eye. This enables the driver to recognize contrasts more effectively and helps to prevent fatigue.

In keeping with its current special exhibition “The Speed of Light”, Audi Tradition would like to invite you to an evening of lectures at the Audi museum mobile. On Monday, March 13, Dr. Michael Hamm and Dr. Michael Kruppa will trace the evolution of vehicle lighting from its earliest days up to present times, and then offer a preview of where lighting is heading. Admission is free, but registration by March 9 is essential. After the lectures, you will have an opportunity to look around the special exhibition and talk to both speakers. Dr. Michael Hamm and Dr. Michael Kruppa are both renowned experts in the field of lighting. In addition to their name, they also share a passion for light: Dr. Hamm was head of headlight development at Audi from 2012 to 2022. During that time, he introduced numerous innovations, including LED and Matrix LED headlights, and laser as an additional high beam. He is currently a visiting lecturer in traffic light technology at TU Darmstadt and also works as a journalist. Dr. Michael Kruppa has been with Audi since 2013 and dedicated to lighting development since 2016: as head of lighting development, he developed the digital OLED taillights, which are an indispensable part of the Audi-portfolio, together with his team. Now he works as head of front lighting development. The special exhibition “The Speed of Light” at the Audi museum mobile in Ingolstadt is, for the first time, telling the full story of lighting development through the rich product history of the brand with the four rings. The special exhibition looks back to the beginnings of vehicle lighting – when early automobiles still used actual fire for illumination. Ten vehicles trace the various epochs in lighting technology, while other exhibits illustrate the functionality and the fascination of constantly evolving headlight and rear light technologies. “The Speed of Light” will be on display in the Audi museum mobile until June 4.