The C4 Corvette had/has fixed digital readouts, not entirely unlike a pocket calculator. Digital numeric readouts and LED tachometer to name the obvious ones.

Today, that wold be done with a single screen that could be altered to meet need or preference. Digital readouts replaced with simulated gauges, if desired. I know. but the analog gauges in cars these days are simulated anyway. They aren’t hard connected to anything anymore, so swapping gauges for something not unlike Star Trek is not that hard.

What is old is new again I guess. Welcome to the 1980’s, VW.

JGUTS… 99.9% of the population wont pull over to change the temp in their car (at least here in NJ/NY anyway). Also, technology for technology’s sake is ridiculous when something works (and has) for years. I understand the want to eliminate the possibility of mechanical failure, but the mechanics of the controls makes it easy to use.

Put 80% on the screen and 20% in buttons.

But about that VW quality……big ugly repair bills.

And don’t you worry about pushing the touchscreen too much. You won’t have the chance as the car will probably sit in the shop more than you sitting in the driver’s seat.

But the concept is sound. Screens that can be adjusted to taste or function. But the touch screens need to react as quickly as firmly pushing a button. sitting with your finger on the icon for half a second to change the radio channel is a dangerous and a pain in the butt.

But repairing them could be fairly easy. Just swap modules. This assumes that the VW or any maker uses the same screens in more than one model line and for more than few years. It sucks when you have to get a new part for that exact year, and model, AND trim level. Tis could cut back on parts but could be a bigger pain in the butt.

My first car was a 1986 Olds Tornado. The instrument cluster was digital and it went dead. It cost about $650. While I love Digital dashes for their clarity and just looking futuristic, I would want some thought put into the repair or replacement of these things. Like someone said it is something else that will break outside of warranty and will likely cost an arm, a leg, and a few fingers to fix or replace.

As far as longevity, I imagine that the touchscreen should hold up much longer than the life of the car, and probably even in the used car markets. As long as there are secondary controls for HVAC and radio, the touchscreens don’t get that much abuse–it’s not like you’re punching them all day long, everyday you’re driving.

Thanks VW for making my insurance rates go up to pay for this crap, you teutonic idiots.