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Dashboards of tomorrow, available today (photos)

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.
Antuan Goodwin
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1 of 10 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Honda CR-Z

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.

Check out the full Honda CR-Z review.
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2 of 10 Josh P. Miller/CNET

Ford Smartgauge

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.

Check out the full Ford Fusion Hybrid review.
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3 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch

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.

Check out the full Lincoln MKX review.
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4 of 10 Josh P. Miller/CNET

Nissan Leaf

Nissan's electric Leaf features a completely digital instrument cluster with bar graphs and an odd bubble gauge replacing traditional needle gauges.

Check out the full Nissan Leaf review.
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5 of 10 Josh P. Miller/CNET

Mercedes-Benz CL550

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.

Check out the full Mercedes-Benz CL550 review.
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6 of 10 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Chevrolet Volt

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.

Check out our first drive in the Chevrolet Volt.
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7 of 10 Josh P. Miller/CNET

Porsche Cayenne S

Porsche's Cayenne cleverly hides an LCD amidst a collection of analog gauges. Users can select fuel economy output or view a secondary navigation map.

Check out the full review of the Porsche Cayenne S
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8 of 10 Corinne Schulze/CNET

Toyota Prius

Toyota's Prius eschews the traditional gauge cluster placement in favor of a digital eyebrow display located at the base of the windshield.

Check out the full Toyota Prius review.
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9 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Audi A8

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.

Check out the full review of the 2011 Audi A8.
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10 of 10 Corinne Schulze/CNET

BMW 750Li

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.

Check out the full BMW 750Li review.

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