Audi's upcoming Q9 will display your turn signals on the road.

      The turn signal projection of the 2027 Audi Q9 in action.

      Audi

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      Following an uncertain beginning, manufacturers selling vehicles in the U.S. are finally starting to design adaptive headlights that comply with the NHTSA’s new regulations, which are notably distinct from those in Europe, where this technology is much more common. Audi is a prime example, as its new Q9 flagship SUV showcases the brand’s Digital Matrix LED technology, enabling it to direct beams around oncoming traffic to avoid blinding other drivers. Audi is taking a step further with the Q9's lighting, introducing a novel system that can project turn signals onto the ground, featuring dynamic arrows that clearly indicate your intended direction—even to those who might not have a direct view of your headlights or taillights.

      Many luxury vehicles today are equipped with built-in projectors that cast graphics onto the ground, typically when unlocking the doors as you prepare to start your journey. However, what Audi offers here provides tangible practical benefits.

      Picture yourself at the back of a line of vehicles waiting at a red light. In front of you is a semi-truck, and at the front of the line is an Audi Q9 equipped with these matrix lights. Usually, from your position, you might not be able to see that the Q9's driver has signaled to turn left. These projections, nonetheless, would alert you. While it may not be a groundbreaking safety feature, any enhancement that improves visibility regarding the actions of other drivers is generally a positive outcome.

      The arrows animate in a recurring pattern, emanating from each corner of the vehicle at a diagonal angle, making them easier to read from a wider variety of positions. In principle, this would assist not only other drivers but also pedestrians and cyclists, who may be more likely to notice graphics on the ground rather than overhead lights.

      This feature will not be limited to the Q9; the (slightly) smaller Q7 will also receive the same matrix technology, and it may eventually be introduced in other models in the lineup. The introduction of adaptive headlights is timely in the United States, where manufacturers continue to produce brighter headlights, yet regulatory stagnation has hindered their ability to manage light intensity in a safe and comfortable manner for everyone on the road.

      Audi’s new turn signal feature may be a less significant development, but it is still an impressive one. And who knows what other functions these projectors might serve in the future?

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