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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.
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.
Audi R8 instrument 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 behind the seats or - to cater for the American market - two golf bags". (source: by Fabio Galvano of Auto).
2007 Audi Cross Cabriolet concept gauge cluster.
2008 Audi R8 tachometer.
2008 Audi TT Coupe gauge cluster.
2009 Audi TTS gauge cluster.
1991 Alfa Romeo Spider speedometer.
2005 Aston Martin Vanquish S V12 gauge cluster.
2009 BMW X6M gauge cluster.
2008 BMW M3 gauge cluster.
1955 BMW 507 gauge cluster. (source: BMW)
2006 Buick Riviera concept speedometer.
2006 Buick Enclave concept speedometer.
2005 Cadillac XLR gauge cluster.
1957 Chevrolet Corvette tachometer.
2006 Chevrolet Camaro concept gauge cluster.
2007 Chevrolet Camaro convertible concept gauge cluster.
2005 Chevrolet T2X concept gauge cluster.
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 gauge cluster.
2009 Dodge Ram gauge cluster.
2009 Dodge Trazo C1.8 gauge cluster.
2006 Dodge Challenger concept gauge cluster.
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 gauge cluster.
2008 Dodge Zeo concept gauge cluster.
2009 Chrysler 200C EV concept gauge cluster.
1969 Ferves Ranger gauge cluster. (source: Next Autos)
1965 Fiat 600 gauge cluster.
2009 Fisker Karma gauge cluster.
Ford Fusion Hybrid gauge cluster.
2010 Ford Fusion Sport gauge cluster.
2010 Ford Mustang GT gauge cluster.
2009 Ford Flex gauge cluster.
2008 Ford Explorer America concept gauge cluster.
2008 Ford Focus gauge cluster (Europe).
2007 Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500 gauge cluster.
2005 Ford Thunderbird gauge cluster. (source: Ford)
2002 Ford Thunderbird Neiman Marcus Edition gauge cluster. (source: Ford)
1968 Ford Bronco gauge cluster.
2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid Crew Cab gauge cluster.
GMC 100 Pick-Up gauge cluster.
2003 Holden TS Astra SRI Hatch gauge cluster.
2003 Holden VYII Adventra LX8 gauge cluster
2005 Holden AH Astra CDX Wagon gauge cluster
2006 Holden XC Barina SRi gauge cluster.
2006 Holden Barina TK Hatch gauge cluster.
2006 Holden Epica CDXi gauge cluster.
2008 Holden Colorado LT-R gauge cluster. (source: GM)
2005 Honda Accord Hybrid gauge cluster.
2005 Honda Civic Hybrid speedometer.
2006 Honda Civic Si tachometer.
2009 Honda Fit Sport gauge cluster. (source: Honda)
Honda FCX Concept instrument panel display. (source: Honda)
2003 Hummer H2 gauge cluster.
2006 Hummer H3 gauge cluster.
2009 Hyundai Genesis gauge cluster.
2009 Kia Forte Koup gauge cluster.
2009 Kia Soul’ster concept gauge cluster.
2008 Land Rover LRX gauge cluster.
2009 Lexus RX 400h gauge cluster.
2007 Lexus GS 450h gauge cluster.
2007 Lexus IS 350 gauge cluster.
2007 Lexus LF-A concept speedometer.
2010 Lincoln MKZ gauge cluster.
2009 Mazda 6 gauge cluster.
The Lincoln MKT Concept's instrument cluster was inspired by Swarovski crystals.
1966 Mercury Commuter Wagon gauge cluster.
2009 Mini Cooper E gauge cluster.
2007 Nissan Intima concept gauge cluster.
2003 Opel Insignia concept gauge cluster.
2007 Opel Antara GTC gauge cluster.
2007 Opel Astra GTC hybrid gauge cluster.
2007 Opel Flextreme concept gauge cluster.
2007 Opel GTC concept gauge cluster.
2009 Peugeot 308cc gauge cluster.
1957 Peugeot 203 gauge cluster. (source: Peugeot)
1938 Peugeot 402 gauge cluster. (source: Peugeot)
1936 Plymouth P2 Deluxe gauge cluster.
2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP gauge cluster.
2009 Pontaic Wave 5 gauge cluster.
2005 Porsche 911/997 Carrera gauge cluster.
2008 Porsche 911/997 Turbo gauge cluster.
2008 Porsche 911/997 Turbo Sport Chrono.
2007 Porsche 911/997 Targa gauge cluster.
2007 Porsche 911/997 Targa Sport Chrono.
2007 Porsche Carrera Mirage GT gauge cluster.
2008 Porsche Design Edition1 Cayman S gauge cluster.
2006 Porsche Cayman S gauge cluster.
2006 Porsche Cayman S Sport Chrono.
2008 Porsche Boxster S gauge cluster.
1997 Porsche 911/993 Carrera S Coupe gauge cluster.
1994 Porsche 928 GTS gauge cluster.
2008 Renault Z.E. concept gauge cluster.
2008 Renault Nepta concept gauge cluster.
2006 Saab 9-7X gauge cluster.
2005 Saleen S7 speedometer.
2007 Saturn Sky Redline gauge cluster.
2008 Saturn Aura Green line hybrid gage cluster.
2009 Scion iQ gauge cluster.
2002 Skoda Tudor gauge cluster design study. (source: Skoda)
2002 Skoda Fabia Paris gauge cluster design study. (source: Skoda)
2009 Subaru Legacy concept gauge cluster.
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI gauge cluster.
Subaru Stella concept gauge cluster.
1971 New Subaru R-2 SPORTY DX gauge cluster. (source: Subaru).
951 Tempo Matador gauge cluster.
2008 Toyota A-BAT hybrid concept.
2005 Vauxhall Tigra gauge cluster.
2008 Vauxhall Astra VXR gauge cluster.
2008 Vauxhall Meriva VXR gauge cluster.
2005 Volkswagen EcoRacer concept gauge cluster.
1964 Volkswagen Notchback gauge cluster.
2005 Volvo S40 gauge cluster.
1952 Willys gauge cluster.
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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..