LED Headlights Find Their Way to High-End Automobiles

LED Headlights Find Their Way to High-End Automobiles
While LED taillight technology has found its way into a wide range of sedans, wagons, sports cars and SUVs/crossovers, LED headlights are just now starting to find their way into the automotive sector. When used in taillights, LEDs provide better packaging efficiency, faster response times and longer life than traditional bulbs. More efficient packaging with LED technology also allows designers greater liberty in creating unique headlight designs for vehicles.

Toyota was the first to enter the LED headlight fray with the announcement that its Lexus LS 600h L luxury sedan would feature LED headlights. This is an addition to the vehicle's hybrid powertrain, 30GB HDD navigation system, radar-based cruise control, Intuitive Park Assist and countless other features.

Toyota was the first to enter the LED headlight fray with the announcement that its Lexus LS 600h L luxury sedan would feature LED headlights. This is an addition to the vehicle's hybrid powertrain, 30GB HDD navigation system, radar-based cruise control, Intuitive Park Assist and countless other features.



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EL34EL34 - 10/30/2006 12:59:12 PM
-12 Boost
Standard on the Ford Focus one of these days.


lewissalemlewissalem - 10/30/2006 1:27:27 PM
-9 Boost
I believe that the first production vehicle with LED "headlights" was the A8 W12. The car has a pair of LED running lights up front arranged in a star pattern. But I guess thats just nitpicking. :)


SilverGS430SilverGS430 - 10/30/2006 1:33:17 PM
+8 Boost
Hi 'lewissalem' - Actually, the A8 W12 has LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), which do not function as nightime driving headlights. Therefore, the LS600hL is the first to have LED low-beam headlights.

EL34 - HAHAHA ON THE FORD FOCUS HAHAHAHA... well, maybe, in like 20years, if the Focus name makes it that far...


IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 1:33:22 PM
-7 Boost
No the Audi A8 W12 has LED daytime running lights like my S6 has (i need to find a way to get my 10 led's to work at night and not turn off they look so good)

but in Germany it is still illegal to use LED headlights so there is no German car yet but the laws are to change soon


CornerCarverCornerCarver - 10/30/2006 1:32:59 PM
+5 Boost
EL34: Ford Focus doesn't have LED headlamps.. what are yout talking about. They use shitty old halogens, while you can get the aftermarket Hella projectors with HIDs (which are not same thing as LEDs).

lewissalem: Day-Time Running lights is absolutely nothing compared to the actual headlamps. It requires exactly the same technology from nearly 20 years ago when LED brake lights came out, but just in white or orange then place them in the front. To make them bright enough for actual useage as headlamps takes some achivement, and Lexus did it first.



IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 1:36:20 PM
-7 Boost
Corner by daytime running lights are brighter then my headlights/ The birghtness has nothing to do with it/ Lesus makes the car for the US market and LEDs are leagle here (for oever a year) and sill illegal in Germany so that is why cars like my S6 has daytime lights and not headlights in LEDs



IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 1:37:00 PM
-6 Boost
by = my in the last post


IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 1:44:26 PM
-3 Boost
there is no problem with development. Look at the headlights on these links

http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/gallery2.php?mode=album&album=/Audi/Studies/Roadjet


http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/gallery2.php?mode=album&album=/Audi/Studies/Nuvolari%20quattro/Photos



IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 1:38:11 PM
-5 Boost
will read my above post

yes LED headlights are cool looking
i wish i could find a way to override the "turn off feature" on my S6 at night


mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 10/31/2006 11:26:19 AM
+2 Boost
Will,

You are not mistaken.


IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 1:38:44 PM
-5 Boost
how fast was this one?


Agent009Agent009 - 10/30/2006 1:40:04 PM
+2 Boost
Great use of technology but the only problem is they are not legal in Europe until 2008 and not legal in the US until leter in 2007.

Audi introduced the first concept with LED technology in 2005 at Tokyo Auto Show. Lexus will be the first to market it as soon as legislation allows it.


IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 1:42:01 PM
-1 Boost
yes the concept R8 in 2005 right ? or was that the Coupe with the new Audi grill?


chewychewy - 10/30/2006 2:19:06 PM
-1 Boost
I have never heard of that.


Agent009Agent009 - 10/30/2006 4:22:15 PM
0 Boost
Shooting brake concept 2005 first shown at the Tokyo Auto Show had LED headlamps. If Lexus was working on this prior to the debut doesn't matter, they beat them to market and really that is all that counts.

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




AUDBMLEXMRCAUDBMLEXMRC - 10/30/2006 5:42:09 PM
+3 Boost
They are legal in some countries in Europe. I know that we will have it in Switzerland. The automobile reviw is already admire it.


iown1iown1 - 10/30/2006 1:46:36 PM
+1 Boost
Wait until you see the lights on the R8 in person. They're unbelievable. Who would think headlights would shift from being utilitarian to high-tech design feature.


IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 2:00:14 PM
+1 Boost
no they are daytime running lights below the headlights


IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 2:09:22 PM
+1 Boost
my understanding is the lights are xenon and the LEDs are below for daytime but I will let you know more when I see it IRL in November at the LA auto show


iown1iown1 - 10/30/2006 2:11:25 PM
0 Boost
The R8 at the Audi Forum in NY had all the lights in LED.



IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 2:12:22 PM
+1 Boost
will read the bottom of this article it looks like the R8 will have a LED headlight
that is great news

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061030/FREE/61030004/1024


iown1iown1 - 10/30/2006 2:17:19 PM
+1 Boost
IamEvilHomer- I saw the R8 at the Audi Forum, NY. The LED headlights have a crystal R8 badge which floats in front of them. When they are turned on the light refracts through the crystal. It is a work of art. I also got to sit in it. I'm 6'1" and there was plenty of room for me.


IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 2:55:24 PM
+1 Boost
iown1 WOW that sounds hot


iown1iown1 - 10/30/2006 2:08:41 PM
+1 Boost
I think I read somewhere that they will be an option in the second half of the production year.


chewychewy - 10/30/2006 2:18:16 PM
0 Boost
The Audi R8 is the first production vehicle with all LED lighting. The tail lights feature a new generation LED technology. And in the front both regular and high beams are LEDs.


JUGNUJUGNU - 10/30/2006 2:39:03 PM
+4 Boost
U Audi guys don't apprecite anything(except Audi),whether it's technology,or sales or beautiful designs whatever and brings your Audi everywhere.

I remember many of u even didn't like the Mark Levinson sound system of the LS.
And now u r on LEDs.
Stop this ignorance.

LS is the first one,and that's from the AUTOWORLD not from u or me.
SO ACCEPT IT.

BTW,i haven't seen more beautiful and well designed headlights than the one on LS 600HL.


JUGNU----->THE CARMAN


IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 2:54:25 PM
-5 Boost
just stating facts jugnu


IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 2:58:21 PM
-5 Boost
Jugnu - read this blog and be informed

http://www.autozine.org/blog/


iown1iown1 - 10/30/2006 6:21:25 PM
0 Boost
jugnu- I think the R8 is a beautiful car and I currently on an A8 but just so you know, I'm no badge whore. I'm seriously considering th Merc CL. I couldn't give a rat's ass who came up with something first.


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/30/2006 9:59:40 PM
-2 Boost
It's not like we're making this up- the A8L actually had them first! Wow, you are harsh!

The LS's design is the most beautiful design you've ever seen? You need glasses! It's sleek, sure, but far from beautiful.


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/31/2006 10:56:37 PM
0 Boost
Now, when did I say that?

It's a stunner, no doubt, but "boldness" and "beauty" are different matters. As for beauty, my top ten list for this week is as follows:

1. AM DB9
2. AM V8 Vantage
3. Maserati Quattroporte
4. Porsche 911
5. Mercedes-Benz SL
6. Jaguar XJ
7. Jaguar XK
8. Audi A8
9. BMW 335i coupe
10. Mercedes-Benz CLS


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/30/2006 2:41:34 PM
-3 Boost
I COULD BE WRONG

I think the Infinity Q45 from 2002 featured LED Headlamps

(Not 100% Sure but I thought i saw that Feature in a Brochure)


IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/30/2006 2:53:55 PM
0 Boost
you are wrong


mstangpny07mstangpny07 - 10/30/2006 5:20:55 PM
-2 Boost
The correct reason that LED's didn't make it to the market in headlight form ten years ago is because they have extraordinary heat give off. So, automakers where challenged by that, and also LED's don't do so great when always lit. That is why they are mostly used in brake/turn signals.
The only vehicles on the market with front LED turning signals are the Kia Amanti and the BMW Z8.


RupertRupert - 10/30/2006 5:47:58 PM
+1 Boost
led on the z8? i read that they were neons. the backlights definitely were.


SlalomSlalom - 11/3/2006 9:56:29 AM
+2 Boost
Rupert is right... Z8 had neon signal lights front and rear... not LED


LexusLexus - 10/30/2006 5:33:27 PM
+2 Boost

It would be awesome if Lexus put those "LED" light on the new and coming IS500. So that you can differenciate (not sure if I spell it right) between the IS250/350 with the IS500. The LED light on the LS 600h L is definite one of the most beautiul headlamp out there.

Lexus


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/31/2006 10:58:43 PM
-1 Boost
Kind of like the Audi S6 being differentiated from the A6 with its cool LED strips.


EL34EL34 - 10/30/2006 6:32:05 PM
-4 Boost
Light-emitting diodes make me hot!


hybridfarcehybridfarce - 10/30/2006 9:34:01 PM
0 Boost
The technical difficulty with LED headlights is that, even though they are much more efficient, they must dissipate a lot of heat in a very small area. Take apart the first Caddy LED taillights from a few years ago -- all the LED's are placed on metal "carriers" to dissipate heat. Now compare a single LED 30W "element" of a headlight and its small area to your computer's microprocessor dissipating 100+W in an area 10 times the size. Without specialized heat-dissipating packaging, these LEDs would burn up instantly, not unlike a computer microprocessor without a heatsink. Check out the lumileds.com site (the automotive section shows the A8 and R8) and look at the packaging of these LEDs.


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/30/2006 9:55:45 PM
-5 Boost
The Audi A8L W12 actually had these before the LS600hL.

Sorry to burst your bubbles.


Homer008Homer008 - 10/31/2006 1:26:16 AM
+3 Boost
Toyota was first to enter LED headlight fray with the announcement that its Lexus LS 600h L luxury sedan would feature LED headlights.

Sorry, you can't read, dumbass! Next time read first, then post.


IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/31/2006 4:31:58 AM
+1 Boost
Nicehomer - that is not very nice :)
The LS600 will be out later next year but the R8 will come out in early 2007 and the LS will have low beam not high beam but the R8 will have both


answeranswer - 10/31/2006 12:47:24 AM
+1 Boost
Come on now.

Mercedes invented LED headlights in 1936, BMW's LED headlights have that "magic" feeling, and Audi's LEDs have the nicest interiors ever in their diodes.

Lexus is late again I'm afraid.


Homer008Homer008 - 10/31/2006 1:27:56 AM
+2 Boost
ha ha ha...pretty damn cute!


mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 10/31/2006 11:30:21 AM
+3 Boost
that is actually quite funny. Good on ya mate.


chewychewy - 10/31/2006 2:10:56 AM
-1 Boost
Presenting the world's first ALL LED headlights.

http://www.seriouswheels.com/2007/2007-Audi-R8-Front-And-Side-1920x1440.htm


Homer008Homer008 - 10/31/2006 2:30:41 AM
+1 Boost
Chewy, yes most of us already know this, okay! This article doesn't claim to be the first of all LED headlights, okay. It does claim to be first to market this technology to the "people", something others still haven't or couldn't do, as in upcoming LS600 hybrid (not just in a showroom but sold in the market soon!!!)


IamEvilHomerIamEvilHomer - 10/31/2006 4:33:33 AM
-2 Boost
You Lex guys love to hide comments

The truth will set you free


mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 10/31/2006 11:32:29 AM
+1 Boost
who the hell cares who comes out with it first? Is that all that matters? Don't get your panties in a bunch.


EL34EL34 - 10/31/2006 11:12:43 AM
0 Boost
What is the benefit of having LED headlights?

Could it be that you still have a headlight if 1 or 2 of the LED's goes out?


RupertRupert - 10/31/2006 12:23:25 PM
+3 Boost
brighter, quicker to react and last longer, i think.
i'm confused, can someone explain?
what will be the FIRST car on sale with LED HEADLIGHTS?

Not daytime runners, not "invented first". first on sale.


EL34EL34 - 10/31/2006 6:17:56 PM
+1 Boost
Do the LED's turn with the car?


chewychewy - 11/1/2006 1:57:00 AM
+2 Boost
LEDs basically Never fail.


skoobyflskoobyfl - 10/31/2006 12:31:41 PM
+3 Boost
Hopefully it will help older people see better at night, they sure need it.


answeranswer - 10/31/2006 12:42:12 PM
+4 Boost
LED lighting has a longer life span than conventional filament bulbs, and contrary to what some here are saying, they generate less heat.

If you would like to know more about LEDs, go to your local Target, pick up a box of LED Christmas lights and spend about 40 seconds reading it. That will pretty much make you more informed than most.


RupertRupert - 10/31/2006 3:25:25 PM
+3 Boost
answer always has an answer.


2JZSoarer2JZSoarer - 10/31/2006 3:58:13 PM
0 Boost
Lexus has put some R&D into this for awhile now,just look at the LF-Concepts,and you will see that all of them have L.E.D headlights,I think that the LF-X had them in late 2003 or 2004...


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/31/2006 11:01:35 PM
+3 Boost
That's not uncommon for a show car.


EL34EL34 - 10/31/2006 6:16:21 PM
0 Boost
I have an artificial Christmas tree that has LED's on it and I wuv it.


EL34iEL34i - 10/31/2006 6:47:39 PM
0 Boost
It's the classiest item in my tract home, by the way; I purchased it with my first commission check.


answeranswer - 10/31/2006 6:42:28 PM
+3 Boost
Be sure to plug it in and take it in the bathtub with you EL. Happy Holidays!
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