Photo: Audi
Audi is not the first car company to promise "OLED tech is the way of the future". So we were naturally hesitant when we saw yet another press release. However, a mystery concept car will sport this new type of lighting system at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, and we think it could be the Q6.
The media was filled with talk of an A9 model in 2014. But all the rumors eventually boiled down to the Prologue coupe concept and its subsequent derivatives. The Q6 is likely thus going to fizzle out and turn into a concept that previews the design of the next Q5 and Q3. However, that doesn't mean we're not excited about the car, especially since it's said to borrow some components from the R8 e-tron.
But enough about our obsession with the Q6. Let's talk about the OLED system. Audi says it's almost ready to use this technology on turn signal indicators and taillights. But what are the advantages over conventional LEDs?
Each organic light emitting diode unit features two electrodes and several thin layers of organic semiconductor materials. These are activated by low-voltage DC current that changes their specific properties.
The OLED system doesn't require any reflectors or light guides. They also don't need cooling units, are more compact and produce uniform light without casting shadows.
It all sounds like a huge marketing gimmick, like Gorilla Glass. But we still remember how bi-xenon headlights on the A8 made every other car Audi made feel obsolete. Rich folks want the very best tech and if Audi doesn't deliver, its rivals will. Already, BMW has shown OLED taillights and laser headlights on an M4 concept revealed at the CES.
But enough about our obsession with the Q6. Let's talk about the OLED system. Audi says it's almost ready to use this technology on turn signal indicators and taillights. But what are the advantages over conventional LEDs?
Each organic light emitting diode unit features two electrodes and several thin layers of organic semiconductor materials. These are activated by low-voltage DC current that changes their specific properties.
The OLED system doesn't require any reflectors or light guides. They also don't need cooling units, are more compact and produce uniform light without casting shadows.
It all sounds like a huge marketing gimmick, like Gorilla Glass. But we still remember how bi-xenon headlights on the A8 made every other car Audi made feel obsolete. Rich folks want the very best tech and if Audi doesn't deliver, its rivals will. Already, BMW has shown OLED taillights and laser headlights on an M4 concept revealed at the CES.
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