Cars, Security and a Peek into my Life
I find the text and icons are too small on many instrument clusters, and poorly placed off to the side.
This cluster’s is large and clear, and placed directly in the centre. Proper.
(the above appears when Lane Departure is switched on/off)
Found on the fully-redesigned 2016 Honda Civic.
Blog tag = instrument cluster
I love its simplicity. I love how it’s analog.
I love that what little digital exists is the olden-times, green 8-bit type.
Clusters like this won’t exist for much longer, with everything moving towards all-digital.
It belongs to a 2016 Jeep Wrangler.
I know I said this instrument cluster was my favourite, but that was before I had this Jeep for a week.
Its whole interior is refreshingly functional and ergonomic.
Blog tag = Jeep
Audi virtual cockpit is a 12.3″ high-res digital instrument cluster that completely replaces the dash screen.
It debuted on the 2016 Audi TT, and is coming next to the 2017 Q7, A4 and R8.
Doesn’t an interior look so much better without a black hole in the dash?
The system is controlled using either the steering wheel controls, or the completely redesigned MMI interface selector wheel.
Instead of 4 function buttons there’s now 2, and the rotary dial acts like a joystick – nudge left, right, like that.
Plus its top is touch-enabled. Use your finger to zoom in or out, or if scrolling a list, write a “K” to narrow in on all results that start with K.
First was on the active display at the Canadian International Auto Show back in February 2015. I was filming a segment for MotoringTV.
I arrived 10 minutes early before the crew, and in that time, learned the entire system.
That’s not to say I’m a wizard with electronic interfaces, but that the system is intuitive.
It encompasses my favourite type of design – functional and fashionable.
Because dipping your eyes from the road, to the instrument cluster, is a much shorter distance than to a dash screen.
How good does navigation look eh.
The second test was while driving the all-new 2017 Audi R8 at Mosport.
It wasn’t the best test though.
My saucer-eyes were glued to the track, can only confirm the speedometer is bright and visible.
I predict this setup will be copied by other automakers.
It’s logical, safer, and makes for a more aesthetically-pleasing interior. Plus there’s probably production cost savings by installing just one screen instead of two.
Blog tag = 2017 Audi R8
Won’t be for much longer you can look through the steering wheel to a plain, simple instrument cluster… real physical dials, a low-resolution screen glowing in that familiar blue/green hue displaying those square letters and numbers.
Here come the high-definiton screens… no physical gauges, information rich and highly customizable.
Above is a 2016 Chevy Trax.
Below is a 2016 Cadillac Escalade.
3.0 litre V6 Supercharged
8-spd automatic
340 hp
332 lb.ft
0 – 100 km/h in 6.4 sec
Starting at $89,490
I use Jaguar’s instrument cluster as a barometer, so many are so cluttered.
It’s minimal, and uses appropriately-sized numbers, text and symbols (especially the cruise control.)
How the rear window cascades over the side though.
And how the taillights do the same thing.
It’s also available in a V8, but this standard supercharged V6 launches quickly, especially in sport mode. Despite it’s size the XJ is very nimble. Steering is well balanced and direct, its handling is refined, and of course that great Jag growl.
Those are the controls for the rear seats. Leather everything, carbon fibre touches, it’s all elegance that will wear well over time. It’s the same thing I always say…
Which means my grimey outfits become chic.
Even their marketing campaign rocks #GoodToBeBad – why Jaguar is the perfect car to drive when committing crime.
Remember when I spent a Saturday night hanging out in my driveway with This Week’s Car? It was this one.
Thought I was a beautiful park, till the man came over and asked why I was photoing a car on his lawn, “wait, I’m not on public property am I…”
He was kind and let me stay.
Blog tag = Jaguar
