Automotive

Audi turns to sequential lighting indicators

Audi turns to sequential lighting indicators
Audi is introducing dynamic turn signals on its new A8
Audi is introducing dynamic turn signals on its new A8
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Audi is introducing dynamic turn signals on its new A8
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Audi is introducing dynamic turn signals on its new A8
Audi's new turn signals that light up in sequence to indicate the intended turn direction
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Audi's new turn signals that light up in sequence to indicate the intended turn direction

An obvious improvement on the retractable semaphore devices used on some cars in the first half of last century, turn signals have remained largely unchanged since being patented in 1938 and subsequently adopted by automotive manufacturers. But Audi is claiming to have improved the humble turn signal by using a sequence of lights to indicate the intended turn direction.

Set to be introduced into the Matrix LED headlights in the new A8, Audi’s new dynamic indicators consist of an array of LEDs that could make turning a corner a slightly disco affair. Positioned under each front headlight there are 18 LEDs split into seven segments, while the taillights each contain 24 LEDs split into eight segments.

Audi's new turn signals that light up in sequence to indicate the intended turn direction
Audi's new turn signals that light up in sequence to indicate the intended turn direction

When the driver flicks the indicator on, the segments light up sequentially at 20 millisecond intervals in the direction of the turn – that is, from the inside out. After they are all lit, they remain at full intensity for 250 milliseconds, before going dark and repeating the sequence.

Audi believes its new turn signal lights will make it easier for other road users to identify a driver’s turning intention, even at long distances and in poor visibility conditions.

Source: Audi

32 comments
32 comments
JweenyPwee
Cool! Maybe drivers will finally figure out what that stick on the left side of the wheel is for.
Slowburn
I like it.
bergamot69
Looks like another distraction for other drivers- wish the German makers would do more work on quality control and less in adding pointless complexity that is yet another thing to go wrong.
1173JDP
Not a new idea. Look at the 1967 Mercury Cougar as a less sophisticated example.
Grumpyrelic
Humph! Might be new to Audi but Ford had 'em on American Mustangs and Cougars nearly 50 years ago. Granted they weren't LEDs because they had not been invented yet but they were eye catching - and that is the whole point.
Glen Aldridge
Sequential turn signals are not so new. I think Mercury Cougars had them starting 1967. I also think their was a high end manufacturer like Cadillac or Lincoln that had them earlier too.
Gary Greer
I believe Ford did this on the Cougar about 50 years ago.
Bill Wilson
It's nothing new. Ford did it years ago on the Mercury Cougar.
Joseph Boe
Sequential Turn Signals:
1965 - factory fitted on Ford Thunderbirds; Mercury Cougars (1968-1970), Shelby Mustangs (1968-1970), and 1969 Chrysler Imperials.
Jay Finke
Yellow rear turn signals, should be illegal. they blind the driver behind them, do you see yellow dashes in airplanes ? no, there red ! there is a reason.
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