CNET Car Tech takes a look at a collection of futuristic dashboards and instrument clusters available in cars that you can buy today.
Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
The Honda CR-Z's instrument cluster combines a traditional analog tachometer with a 3D digital speedometer. Color-keyed illumination lets the driver know how "green" their driving is and LCDs display secondary information.
Ford's Smartgauge display debuted with the Fusion Hybrid and featured an innovative combination of digital and analog readouts. Using its twin LCDs, users can monitor the hybrid drivetrain's output and economy.
The MyFord and MyLincoln Touch displays represent the next generation of Ford's instrument cluster design. This configuration adds infotainment readouts into the mix. Yet a third generation of this technology will debut with the Ford Focus Electric.
Mercedes-Benz's top-tier instrument cluster looks fairly docile. Look closer and you'll see that the entire center gauge is actually an image on an LCD. Spec the right options, and that LCD is also where you'll view the Benz's night vision display.
The Chevrolet Volt's instrumentation is displayed on a 7-inch LCD with no physical parts. However, the layout and design of this preproduction model leaves a bit to be desired.
When Audi gives us a bit of techy eye-candy, it's usually executed tastefully. This integrated LCD brings secondary navigation info to the instrument cluster.
Vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette and BMW 7-Series feature optional head-up displays that project information onto the windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road while monitoring vehicle systems or turn-by-turn directions.
