Audi Matrix Text Face
LED Headlights

The new Audi A4, mounted with innovative technology from top to bottom, now boasts a new option: the driver's condition signaled in the headlights ? with text faces.
This innovative technology lets you communicate with surrounding vehicles using expressive lighting symbols.

Let other drivers know how you're feeling with text faces

The new Audi A4 comes equipped with optional Audi Matrix LED Headlights which automatically adjust light distribution to suit every situation. This future generation, cutting-edge lighting technology not only provides crystalline, even light distribution for superb visibility, but takes it one step further. Introducing Audi Matrix Text Face LED Headlights ? technology that displays the physical condition of the driver as text faces on headlights, functioning as a new safety measure: any unusual driver symptom is promptly signaled to outside observers, alerting them of potential danger. Development of the Text Face Headlights has been made possible by Audi's sophisticated technology.

Active driver condition indicator (optional at 500,000 yen)

The headlights can display two different text faces. If the driver's condition is normal, the indicator is in <normal mode> and ＼(^o^)／ is displayed. If, however, any anomalies are detected in the driver's physical condition, the display goes into <dull mode>, indicating (; ´ Д `). Nearly as evocative as language, text faces are a quick and efficient way of letting others know about the driver's condition even in the dark.
˝We have opted for text faces which are popular among Japanese netizens. As these are highly expressive, we've found them suitable for the purpose of communicating the driver's state of mind is instantly to the surrounding vehicles. Our aim has been to encourage communication among drivers in order to promote better driving safety.˝(Head of Development)

Monitoring physical condition in real time

The driver's condition, including their physical shape and even fatigue level, is monitored in real time by a heart rate meter, a thermometer, and other devices integrated in the new Audi A4's steering wheel and driver's seat. Sensors installed in the seat can even measure aortic pulse wave velocity in your back to determine whether you're attentive or distracted. If the system determines that it would be dangerous for you to continue driving it sends a warning signal to the MMI display, displaying the <dull mode> text face (; ´ Д `) in the headlights. This encourages fellow drivers to be extra careful. Additionally, with one touch of the MMI, you can change the displayed text face according to how you're feeling at any given moment. “For the safety of all driver's on the road” is Audi's lighting development directive.
*<dull mode>is displayed until the driver turns it off manually.

Active gratitude assist rear (optional at 250,000 yen)

When somebody gives way so you can merge onto a motorway or yields for you when there's barely enough space to change lanes, you may want to express your gratitude by flashing the hazard lights or lightly honking the horn. Although common in Japan the custom of switching on your hazards should be reserved for emergencies, and can lead to misunderstandings if the other driver is unaware of the custom. Active gratitude assist rear is a special feature installed in the LED rear combination lamps ? the <thanks mode> , will be displayed as (人´ ∀ `). You can now thank those who have given way safely, while winning smiles from surrounding vehicles that are able to view the <thanks mode> symbol. Building a culture of gentle driving ? one of our ideals ? should become an asset to every road user.