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Gauge clusters
Some time ago I had to get a new prescription for my glasses. When I received the new one, I noticed that it had changed so much that I could no longer see the gauge cluster as quickly as I could before. This, in addition to my usual interest in typography and "user interfaces" made me think it would be interesting to round up a few tachs, speedos and gauge clusters and compare how they have changed thru the years.
Here are just a few, in order of manufacturer.
2010 Acura RL gauge cluster.
2009 Acura TL gauge cluster. (source: Honda)
2009 Acura MDX gauge cluster. (source: Honda)
2005 Acura TL Aspec gauge cluster.
2004 Acura NSX Targa gauge cluster.
2003 Acura NSX-T gauge cluster.
2009 Artega GT gauge gauge cluster.
2011 Audi A1 gauge cluster.
Judged to be among the finest novelties at the Paris Show, the Audi R8 is spectacular for the sheer simplicity of its lines and the balance of its volumes which reiterates the superiority of the German marque's recent design language in the supersports segment as well. The first mid-engined Audi, the R8 derives from the Le Mans prototype of three years ago "but without betraying that concept", stresses Walter de'Silva, the Audi Group design chief.
Mid-engined cars are generally inspired by motor sports. "This is the first my team and I have ever designed", remarks De'Silva, "so we also had to make a conscious effort to steer clear of these conventions. The performance lies in the engine, the exterior had to express elegance and class".
Mechanicals are an integral part of the design, especially in cars like this. But around the showcased 4.2 litre V8 engine producing 420 bhp (0-100 km/h in 4,6 seconds, top speed 301 km/h), the permanent four-wheel drive, the large 18" rubber-shod wheels that seem to have been lifted directly from a race car and the Audi space frame, there lies an aluminium skin of rare beauty.
As for the interior, form follows function with a linearity and simplicity that go hand in hand with the styling of the externals. "We could not leave out an element of comfort", explains De'Silva, "as we believe that the R8 is a car to be driven every day. Two suitcases can fit in the front luggage compartment, along with a suit-bag and a shoe case. Two more suitcases can fit beh
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The Honda FCX Clarity's Energy Gauge is gorgeous and great information design:
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/573/Honda_FCX_Clarity_-_FCD.jpg
and, in situ (use the little slideshow widget to sidescroll to the dashbd photo):
http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/los_angeles/112_2007_los_angeles_auto_show_part_1/photo_45.html
What, no BMW iDrive shots? :-)
Thanks so much, great collection.
I am a big fan of VW's gauges. Ever since the MK4 generation I've always been really attracted to the lighting design.
I'm not sold on the idea comming to us fast a furious that the RPM gauge is the centre of attention on these clusters. We all know that when we drive over the speed limit we constantly and, with a clear mind look at the speedometer more often. These new gauge clusters will mislead that and lead to speeding more than ever. Something to think about..
The 2007 Porsche Carrera Mirage GT gauge cluster is ugly and hard to read. I like the 2003 Opel Insignia concept gauge cluster - booster rockets set to maximum!!
Really it is a nice collection.....
If you'd like, I can send you some of my collection... Just ask!
João,
please send them, and thanks very much.
does anybody know what's font is in saleen s7 dash? those square numbers...
nice collection of pictures
Man... they just didn't make much better than they did on the 1930's. During a huge economic depression and beginnings of world war... even the gauges were simply masterpieces on many vehicles... cars, motorcycle, planes, boats....... fantastic.
Thanks for posting these up, Carlos.
Stephen Pate
p.s. I assume you probably have the dashboard's book produced some years ago... Taschen, I think, published it. I have one around here somewhere if you have not seen it.
I thought the Saturn Sky was a Ferrari... Bravo, Saturn! I hate to say this, but I think the Civic Si has the most readable tach. Thanks CT!
I love the Honda FCX Concept instrument panel display. Very simple yet very elegant and futuristic..i love to have it installed in my honda..
I definitely love that of 2008 Toyota A-BAT hybrid concept. it's really sleek and the mixture of curves and edges in its design is really new.
Great post. Thanks. I think I like the "2003 Holden TS Astra SRI Hatch gauge cluster" best. High contrast, and a quick glance tells you what you need to know. I hate digital gauges!
That's a great collection! Good to see all of them together.
I can even take credit for two of them - While working for Opel for 15 years, I was in charge of the interior design for the Insignia and Antara (concept version) and did those clusters. Glad to see them included in the line-up. ;-)
The best on this page are the NSX, the Vette, and the Dodge Ram believe it or not. Each gauge should have its own circle motif, instead of being lumped together in some horrid, hard to read, pseudo-modern "multi-gauge"
ok
Toooooo good. Real hard work.
thats an epic list of gauges mate :)
ive spent time looking through each one.
its the porche ones that do it for me.
the honda ones are like something out of a manga film,
great work