Pop up headlights, also known as a retractable headlight or simply "pop-ups", are a mechanism pulls down the headlight assembly so it is hidden and flush with the lines of the car. This aids in aerodynamics and asethics. When the headlights are turned on, they
flip up or "pop up" out the hood/bumper, allowing the bulbs to illuminate the road.
This was a common feature on many import cars such as the Miata and
Mk3 Supra and even
exotics like 80s Ferraris. However, they were banned from new car designs in the early 2000s for pedestrian safety issues, such as like lack of
DRL and also to meet newer fuel economy standards (poor aerodynamics). These could also break, causing more safety issues.