SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 15, 2025 – Audi has long been recognized for its innovative approach to automotive lighting design. With the A6 e-tron, the brand takes another leap forward, introducing illuminated four rings at the rear of the vehicle. This groundbreaking feature is the result of a close collaboration between Audi's design and development teams, who worked tirelessly to balance aesthetic appeal with technical functionality.
A Vision Brought to Light
The idea of illuminating the iconic four rings emblem was born from a desire to enhance the A6 e-tron's visual presence at night. "We thought long and hard about the right way to present the rings," says Christoph Häußinger, Lighting Designer at Audi. "After all, we’re talking about our logo – one of the most important symbols of the Audi brand and a key identifying feature of our vehicles. We wanted to showcase this trademark at night too."
Bridging the Gap Between Design and Development
Translating this vision into reality proved to be a complex undertaking. Stefan Staudacher, Head of Rear Lighting Development at Audi, explains, "Illuminating the rings was actually more complicated than we originally thought."
The team faced numerous challenges, including meeting stringent legal requirements for illuminated elements on vehicles. "Together, we had to react very flexibly and swiftly to developments in the draft legislation right up until the final regulations were in place," Staudacher adds.
The Pursuit of Perfection
Achieving the desired visual effect also required meticulous attention to detail. Häußinger emphasizes the importance of color accuracy: "Our brand logo has to look precise and high-quality when the lights are off. However, when the lights are on, we need the perfect shade of red to ensure a harmonious overall appearance with the other rear lights."
This pursuit of perfection extended to the A6 e-tron's black styling package, which features dark front and rear rings. "It was a challenge to create the same coherent image to ensure not only the sporty styling but also the high-quality look of the dark rings," Staudacher notes.
Lighting the Way to the Future
The illuminated rings on the A6 e-tron are more than just a striking design element. They represent Audi's commitment to innovation and its ongoing exploration of the possibilities of automotive lighting.
"Audi lights are highly technical components," says Häußinger. "I find it inspiring to bring these components to life in a way that touches people emotionally. On the one hand, customers can choose different digital light signatures based on their preferences and tastes. On the other hand, personalizing their Audi fits perfectly into their everyday digital life."
Staudacher adds, "From a technical point of view, I am fascinated by the complete networking of our vehicles, including of course the headlights and rear lights. Digitalization facilitates individualization, but it also supports safety." He highlights the communication light feature, which uses the second-generation digital rear lights to warn other road users of potential hazards.
A Collaborative Approach
The success of the A6 e-tron's lighting design is a testament to the effective collaboration between Audi's design and development teams. "With hard work, good communication, and a clear understanding of the different requirements our colleagues have, anything is possible!" Häußinger states.
Staudacher echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving optimal results. "Our close collaboration shows that teamwork makes the dream work," he says.
Conclusion
The Audi A6 e-tron marks a significant milestone in automotive lighting design. By seamlessly integrating technology and aesthetics, Audi has created a vehicle that is both visually stunning and functionally advanced. The illuminated four rings serve as a symbol of Audi's dedication to innovation and its unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional driving experience.
About Stefan Staudacher
Stefan Staudacher has served as Head of the Rear, Side and Ambient Lighting Development team at Audi AG since 2021. With a passion for automotive design and technology, Staudacher has spent over two decades in the industry, holding various specialist and management roles. He views lighting development as a unique blend of design, innovation, and safety, and he is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in automotive lighting.
About Christoph Häußinger
Christoph Häußinger has been a Lighting Designer at Audi AG since 2009. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Friedrich-Alexander University and specialized in technical design at the Technical University of Dresden. Häußinger has played a key role in designing the lights for several Audi models, including the TT, R8, A8, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron.