speedometers/gauges in center of dashboard

trout #2

trout #2

Joined
Jul 22, 2004
Messages
527
What is up with this? I realize that it's not a new thing, but I was just looking at some new cars set up like this and can not understand it. Maybe I need to drive one to be fully enlightened, but it just seems like it would be very very distracting and annoying to have to glance off to the side every time you wanted to check your speed/gas/temp/etc. :confused:
 
I believe it's supposed to be easier to use, so says the designers. It's okay, there are many who'd agree with you.
 
I don't like the gauges off to the side either. I really don't like "idiot lights" in lieu of gauges either but I was also assured that they are "easier to understand".
 
A couple of years ago, my Toyota Tacoma needed to get some repair work done under warrentee. The loner car was a Toyota Echo, with the weird center gauges. After the initial "WTF factor wore off, I found I liked it way better than my own set up in my truck!

It seems to operate on the heads up principle, and it does work. The gauges are in your line of sight on the side, and is far less distracting than to look down at your speedo.
 
I am definitely against this as it would mean the G.F. would be able to just glance up and see how fast the car is actually going.

I like being able to stealthily position my right hand on the wheel to block her view of the speedo in the gauge cluster.

Driving: 2006 VW GTI 2.0T /w/ DSG Tranny.
 
I was under the impression it is an economy measure.

Makes it easier and cheaper to produce left and right hand side steering cars.
 
Hi AngryFish-

Blocking the speedometer on your very fast VW GTI with the slick paddle shifters, you say?

img_preview_gti_1.jpg

~ Blue Jays ~
 
orthogonal1 said:
Makes it easier and cheaper to produce left and right hand side steering cars.
Click to expand...
That's also my understanding. As for why some people actually prefer it, it might have something to do with the fact that most cars are designed and built these days to the new demographics - short drivers. That means that if you're tall, the steering wheel will frequently cover up the upper half of the dashboard. You might as well look to the center then.
 
i just realized everytime i see a cop i gotta lift up my arm to see how many miles over the speed limit i'm going and since most of us drive with the hand at 12 o'clock (i bet you all do too). i guess i could get used to it over in the middle. Hands at 10 and 2 just seems awkward....or nerdy
 
Blue Jays said:
Hi AngryFish-

Blocking the speedometer on your very fast VW GTI with the slick paddle shifters, you say?

img_preview_gti_1.jpg

~ Blue Jays ~
Click to expand...

Very well put. :D
I have been taking many pictures of my FAST doing various mundane things, like posing with a BM 42, Holding my AFCK above the GF's cat, The lil guy even sneaks over to my PC in the middle of the night to read BladeForums. He seems to be a knifenut.
 
Hi AngryFish-

Apparently some of the VW dealerships were giving away little FASTs with the purchase of a GTI earlier this year. I can't wait until they offer the GTI in a four-door hatchback, it will be cool...regardless of where they place the speedometer!

~ Blue Jays ~
 
Actually the fasts come from the VW promotion center and come with 4 different attachable tails and a letter which states that they like plenty of fresh air and excercise.

Mine came via UPS last week. will try to post some pics soon.

Funny little promo item. I'm debating on whether I should sell mine on ebay or not. I hear people are paying crazy prices for them.
 
Hi AngryFish-

Nah, hang onto your Fast as a funny joke...it'll be a kick to have it strapped into your GTI for the next few years. I had the "Fahrvergnugen" stickers in my old 1984 GTI all during college and it always made me laugh for some reason...

~ Blue Jays ~
 
I dont know why more auto manufacturers dont just do the LCD digital speedo that reflects on to the windshield right in front of you like on the early '90s model Nissan Maximas and mid '90s Pontiacs.

Maybe the center mounting allows for less wiring clutter near the steering wheel, but also making a speedo cable replacement much harder. I swear some of todays car designs are part of a major conspiracy to assure the manufacturer of getting a guaranteed portion of vehicle repairs since some special tools are needed (GM Northstar V8 water pump socket for example, and the starter being mounted underneath the upper intake manifold.)

Also the new style of throttle bodies on new Volkswagens with the fly by wire style gas pedal with no cable connecting to the throttle plate-all done by electric moter. A simple part like the Throttle Position Sensor goes out and you need to buy the whole throttle body for around $300, instead of a $20 sensor that can be replaced on other "less advanced" vehicles. Ridiculous, but these engineers are making their employers some money.
 
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