Lexus F-Sport LCD Gauge Cluster
The 10 Best And 10 Worst Automotive TechnologiesLexus and Toyota aren’t exactly known for their emotion-invoking cars. But the LFA-inspired LCD gauge cluster available on Lexus' IS F-Sport is one of the few implementations that doesn't leave us missing analog gauges. That is to say it's really well-done.
Unlike other LCD gauge clusters I've used, Lexus customizes its solution with physical overlays. This adds a nice metal ring that conveys depth on the analog-looking tachometer, which itself employs color fades and a bright red needle to indicate engine speed. The speedometer is a simpler digital read-out.
Press a button on the steering wheel and the ring changes position, giving you a choice of driver-oriented display or comfort functions with access to the usual radio, navigation, trip computer, and other gauge cluster information. Both modes look excellent, earning Lexus our admiration for the first mass-produced LCD gauge cluster that's quite effective.
At least BMW disables it automatically when the car is in Sport mode. The Jaguar you have to disable every time. But yes I agree its obnoxious unless its completely transparent, which most of the time it isn't. Seems harsh most of the time which is not something I'd tolerate in a luxury vehicle.
We've yet to spend seat time in a Tesla. The times I've seen them, I wouldn't say its the best. The interior just overwhelms you with touch screen LCDs, and overwhelming you doesn't make it the best. The drivetrain is impressive though.
The big problem is the smoothness. Even when they try to mask it, you can still feel a shudder. The level of refinement on start/stop isn't good enough for a luxury vehicle. For a Ford Fiesta? Sure, but a $40k+ luxury / sports sedan? Not so much.
I know Toyota and Ford use a Microsoft based solution so those probably would, but I don't think it matters too much because if you are buying a Chevy Sonic, you probably don't have the cash to buy their half assed nav system.
Actually my sister's Ford Fiesta supports WAV. Also the Tesla Model S supports FLAC up to 48KHz 24bit or 96KHz 16bit.
I keep a folder of FLAC music on my flash drive for car testing hoping that one day a car will work with FLAC. So far it has not happened yet
Actually my sister's Ford Fiesta supports WAV. Also the Tesla Model S supports FLAC up to 48KHz 24bit or 96KHz 16bit.
Yep. FLACK support.... for the low price of $89,000!
Actually my sister's Ford Fiesta supports WAV. Also the Tesla Model S supports FLAC up to 48KHz 24bit or 96KHz 16bit.
Yep. FLACK support.... for the low price of $89,000!
Don't forget you have to sign your life over and let them monitor your usage too.