Virtual customizable instrument displays are nothing new. Audi and Lexus are just some of the car brands that employ these in their models. Then there are digital displays that make readouts a lot easier to perceive. Ford, however, wants to take things a step further with its hot new GT supercar and its Digital Customizable instrument cluster.
Developed together with the help of Le Mans winner Scott Maxwell, as well as Pektron and Conjure for electronics and graphics, respectively, the GT cockpit thrives on using different ways of presenting information that’s dependent on the various driving modes. It will highlight a certain type of data to suit a particular driving style setting.
In Normal mode, for instance, all information such as vehicle speed, engine revs, gear selection, and fuel and temperature are laid out in a business-like fashion. In Wet mode, the info remains the same, save for a wet asphalt look and a wet floor graphic to remind drivers to take extra caution due to slippery conditions.
Once Sport mode is engaged, the gear selector is front and center, with speed being moved to the side. The color likewise changes to a racy orange. The Track mode, meanwhile, switches things to a bright red, with engine speed and gear selection being the main highlight. Other data such as oil pressure, engine temp, and fuel level are shown in percentages at the bottom right.
Finally, V-Max mode is there for those that dare to reach for the Ford GT’s terminal velocity. To help achieve this more easily, the instrument panel prominently shows the speedometer in large, digital font with other data relegated to the left and right. It’s essentially meant to keep things set towards one goal—to safely and easily hit top speed.
Folks who won’t be fortunate enough to own a Ford GT need not fret. The Blue Oval brand says that this cockpit will make its way to other Ford models in the near future. Truth be told, it looks like an exciting way to be informed of what’s going on with your vehicle.
