In a world where automotive innovation is constantly pushing the boundaries of power and efficiency, Audi has taken a bold step into uncharted territory with its latest prototype, the 2024 Audi Q6 e-tron prototype. While most car manufacturers focus on performance and sustainability, Audi has shifted its attention to the often-overlooked aspect of automotive design – lighting. The Audi Q6 e-tron prototype brings a revolution in lighting technology, setting new standards for road safety and personalization.
Next-Level Lighting Design
Audi has always been admired for its elegant lighting designs, but the e-tron version of the Q6 takes things to a whole new level. The vehicle features a second-generation digital OLED display for the taillights and Matrix LED for the headlights, elevating both style and road safety. The front headlights are designed to reduce glare on objects, enhancing visibility and safety. At the rear, the six 60-segment OLED panels allow the lights to communicate specific messages to surrounding vehicles – a groundbreaking industry first. For instance, the car can warn approaching vehicles and cyclists when the driver is about to open the door, promoting safer interactions on the road.
Unprecedented Personalization
One of the most exciting aspects of the Audi Q6 e-tron prototype is the ability to customize the lighting design. With eight digital light signatures for both front and rear lights, the Q6 e-tron becomes the first vehicle to offer such a feature. Drivers can choose from a range of digital light signatures using the multimedia interface or the Audi app, with additional signature options available for purchase. This level of personalization allows owners to give their Audi Q6 e-tron prototype a unique and distinctive look, setting it apart from the crowd.
The Active Digital Light Signature
The Audi Q6 e-tron prototype introduces another world-first innovation – the active digital light signature. This cutting-edge feature allows the shape and movement of the lights to be fully customizable, creating a vibrant and dynamic appearance. Audi designers have achieved a perfect balance between lighting design and technology, giving the lights a personality of their own. The active digital light signature is a result of a specially developed algorithm, which generates a new image every ten milliseconds. The interaction between the algorithm and the dimmable segments creates a captivating and lively display on both the front and rear lights.
Advancing OLED Technology
Audi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive lighting is evident in the evolution of digital OLED technology. Since its introduction in the Audi TT RS in 2016, OLED technology has continuously improved, offering higher contrast, greater homogeneity, and increased segmentation. The Q6 e-tron’s second-generation digital OLED rear lights use 360 segments per panel, up from six in the first generation, and the number of segments is expected to increase in the future, turning the rear of the car into a display for improved communication and road safety.
Enhanced Road Safety
The Audi Q6 e-tron prototype goes beyond mere aesthetics, prioritizing road safety through its advanced lighting features. The communication light, integrated with the digital OLED rear lights, warns other road users of potential accidents and breakdowns by displaying specific static rear light signatures with warning symbols. The proximity indication function has been expanded to include cyclists and approaching vehicles, enhancing safety for everyone on the road.
The Audi Q6 e-tron prototype is not just an electric car; it represents a significant leap in automotive lighting technology and road safety. With its second-generation digital OLED rear lights, active digital light signature, and unprecedented personalization options, the Q6 e-tron prototype showcases Audi‘s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design. While currently a prototype, the Q6 e-tron gives us a glimpse of the exciting future of Audi‘s lighting technology. Click here for more details.
