Lighting and Horns: Description and Operation
Lighting System
Halogen headlights
All Cayenne models apart from the Cayenne Turbo are equipped with H7 projector-type headlights with automatic static headlight levelling as standard and also feature automatic headlight activation and automatic switch-off with Welcome Home function. With the projector-type technology, the light emanating from the light source is projected onto the road via a reflector and a lens, therefore enabling homogeneous illumination with less glare directed at the oncoming traffic.
Bi-Xenon headlights
The Xenon headlights (standard in the Cayenne Turbo) have a new Bi-Xenon headlight design (dipped/high beam) with halogen auxiliary high beam. They feature automatic dynamic headlight levelling as well as a headlight cleaning system and are equipped with the adaptive light system Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS).
The PDLS offers the functions of dynamic and static cornering light, speed-dependent headlight range control, country road light and fog light function.
PDLS (Porsche Dynamic Light System)
NOTE: The PDLS (Porsche Dynamic Light System) is active when the light switch is in the "Auto" position.
The PDLS (Porsche Dynamic Light System) consists of a swivelling PDLS module for the dynamic cornering light and headlight levelling and works like the halogen headlights with a projection system. The projection system includes a rotating drum with various contours for modifying the light/dark border of the light, as well as a lens. The Bi-Xenon headlight can be set to different light modes, e.g. country road light and highway light, by way of the drum and changes in the light intensity. The PDLS is supplemented by the light from the static cornering light. Together with the normal Xenon high beam light, which already illuminates the area in front of the vehicle particularly effectively due to the drum position with the cover open fully and higher light intensity, a halogen auxiliary high beam light is also installed in the PDLS.
Dynamic cornering light
The dynamic cornering light is activated from a speed of > 1.2 mph (2 km/h). The light control swivels the headlights to the side by up to 15° (15° for outside light unit, 7.5° for inside light unit), depending on the steering angle and vehicle speed in the bend. The light beam is projected onto the road to a maximum range without dazzling oncoming traffic. Consequently, when driving in the dark on twisting roads, the driver can see which way the road is going and can detect any obstacles much earlier and adapt his driving style accordingly. This feature also provides a significant increase in safety when driving on country roads and in protracted highway curves by optimally illuminating those curves. The dipped beam in the Bi- Xenon headlights follows the driver's steering movements and continuously adjusts to the current driving speed. Sensors continuously record the driving speed, lateral acceleration and steering angle, and use this information to 'calculate' the corner. A control unit uses the data it receives to determine the best angle for controlling the dynamic cornering light. The cornering light also remains active when the high beam is switched on, improving the driver's visibility.
Static cornering light
The static cornering light activates an additional halogen light source (H11) with a beam angle of approx. 30° with respect to the direction of travel. The static cornering light is activated by turning the steering wheel when the vehicle is stationary and while driving at speeds of up to 80 mph (130 km/h). As a result, the edge of the roadway is illuminated over a greater distance, e.g. when turning into a side street.
Country road light
Compared with the dipped beam of a conventional Bi-Xenon headlight, the country road light of the PDLS provides improved illumination of the surrounding area and a better range. The light beam is adapted by way of a special cover contour so that glare is minimized for oncoming traffic.
Fog light function
The fog light function improves visibility for the driver while at the same time reducing glare for oncoming traffic on wet roads or in low-visibility conditions, e.g. in fog or when driving on snow. It is linked to activation of the fog lights. The dipped beam spreads out wider and the left headlight adapts the light/dark border horizontally, thereby reducing the range of the light beam. The left headlight also swivels to the left, causing the focal point of the light to move outwards accordingly. This reduces glare for the driver. The fog light function is available at speeds of up to 45 mph (70 km/h). The lighting system switches back to country road light at higher speeds.
Front light modules
All models also feature front light modules with LED direction indicator lights and LED position light (LED light guides).
With the exception of the Cayenne Turbo, the front light modules also house the LED daytime running lights. On the Cayenne Turbo, the daytime running lights - with four LED spotlights each - are located in the headlights. The position light (LED light guide) is designed to surround the direction indicator lights. Daytime running lights increase driving safety during the day by making the vehicle more visible for other road users.
LED tail lights
The LED tail light modules comprise adaptive brake lights, a rear fog light and a back-up light as well as the tail light, direction indicator light and position light. The third LED brake light is integrated in the roof spoiler. In addition to the visual impact and the long service life, the main advantage of LED technology is its short response time. Compared to around 100 ms for conventional incandescent lamps, the response time for LEDs is only around 0.1 ms. This difference corresponds to a distance of almost 3 m at a speed of 62 mph (100 km/h) due to the faster perception time, which means that the vehicle travelling behind can stop much faster in an emergency. Earlier signalling of braking therefore means that traffic driving behind the vehicle is warned more quickly and therefore also contributes to active safety.
Adaptive brake lights
The adaptive brake lights of the Cayenne models produce a pulsating luminous intensity during emergency ABS braking or in the event of extreme deceleration from a speed of more than 45 mph (70 km/h) in order to more effectively alert vehicles travelling behind. If this extreme deceleration brings the vehicle to a standstill, the hazard warning lights come on automatically.
Fog lights/rear fog light
The fog lights and rear fog light are activated using the light switch.
Fog lights: In the dipped beam or parking light switch position, pull the switch until it engages in the first position. The indicator light lights up.
Rear fog light: In the dipped beam or parking light switch position, pull the switch until it engages in the second position. The indicator light lights up.
Sensors
A level sensor at the front and rear of the vehicle respectively determine the tilt of the vehicle. The sensor information is required for the headlight levelling function. The headlight control unit communicates with the stepper motors in the headlights via the LIN interface. The headlight control units communicate with the other control units via CAN crash risks.