Valeo has announced that Volkswagen Group has selected Valeo to supply a powerful new headlamp system called ‘Double Xenon’ for the new Volkswagen Phaeton luxury saloon launched at the recent Geneva Motor Show.
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Valeo claims that its new Double Xenon system is a major advancement in headlamp technology when compared to less powerful Halogen lights or current Xenon designs that provide only low beam illumination. In each of the two Double Xenon headlamp units, one Xenon projector module provides low beam illumination while the second module delivers a powerful high beam. Each projector module is only 60mm in diameter, and uses a ballast to convert DC to AC to generate high voltage start up and significantly more power for maximum lighting efficiency.
Commenting on the premiere, Thierry Morin, Chairman of Valeo’s Management Board said, “Valeo is delighted to be associated with the launch of the Phaeton. The W12 model is the first application for our innovative Double Xenon headlamp technology. With its leading edge design philosophy and the adoption of a host of new vehicle features, the Phaeton is a tremendous showcase for Valeo’s latest lighting systems. I wish to applaud the great teamwork of all Valeo employees who have worked so successfully with Volkswagen to deliver the Double Xenon lighting programme for the Phaeton.”
“The Double Xenon is the most powerful automotive lighting system in the world. Not only is the high beam function delivered by Xenon but the Xenon low beam is itself extremely powerful, which is a feature appreciated by most drivers. This is achieved by the perfect width, homogeneity and above all great reach of the Xenon low beam,” said Dr. Falk Beil, Head of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Volkswagen Phaeton.
A feature of the Double Xenon headlamps specified by Volkswagen for the W12 Phaeton is a dynamic self-levelling system to avoid dazzling on-coming road users when in low beam mode. This system employs sensors positioned on the front and rear axles to communicate suspension compression rate information. The information is electronically “filtered” before being fed to a motor in each Xenon projector module. The motor reacts in milliseconds to actuate the position of the projector module so that the light beam always stays at the optimum angle to avoid dazzle while providing the best light on the road ahead.
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