Cybertruck dashboard, wasted space?

happy intruder

Well-known member
First Name
O. K.
Joined
Mar 5, 2020
Threads
8
Messages
1,122
Reaction score
905
Location
Irvine
Vehicles
Model 3 Jun 2019..... Model S Jan 2020
Occupation
Retired
Country flag
Before we bought our first Model 3 I was a little concerned about the lack of an instrument cluster. But after spending the first day in it I realized that not only was having the instrument cluster on the center screen not a problem, it was actually preferable. I discovered the dumbest place for critical information is behind the steering wheel. Because now I could adjust the height of the steering wheel to where it was most comfortable for long drives instead of to the only position that gave me a clear view of the instruments. It was actually a revelation!

The center screen is always visible and is even closer to my view of the road than a traditional instrument cluster buried behind the steering wheel because the center screen rises above dash-level. I know intuitively this might not seem to make sense because people tend to believe the way they have done things for many years is always the best way. But trust me when I say it ain't so. I didn't even realize that whenever I got in a different car and adjusted the steering wheel to my liking, I was actually adjusting it, not for comfort and optimum control, but to the only place that gave me a good view of the speedometer!

If Tesla wants to put non-critical info that I don't need to look at while the car is in motion behind the steering wheel, I'm fine with that. But I'll be very disappointed if they put the speedo, gear indicator or navigation info there.

Cars in the day of the Model T had huge skinny steering wheels that were non-adjustable and I imagine it made sense to put the instrument cluster on the dash in front of the driver because the steering wheel was too skinny and large to block them enough to matter. But in a modern car, safety, driver comfort and control has dictated smaller steering wheels with much thicker rims and centrally mounted driver airbags. The net result is they leave only small view windows and block the traditional instrument cluster whenever the wheel is turned. Also, the drivers arm can block the instruments depending on where they grip the wheel.

I know it seems like it would be sub-optimal to look just to the right of the steering wheel to see the indicated speed but, trust me, not only is not a problem, it's an even better location.

This is not an example of Tesla doing something to be different but because it makes more sense. I actually have to look less downward, away from the road, to see my speed than if it were behind the wheel because Tesla puts the speed in the upper-left corner of the center display and the center display rises above the dash level. It's the ideal spot. This would not have been the case with the original Model S due to the center screen being set lower into the dash and in portrait orientation (instead of landscape).
my model s has a terrible throw on the steering wheel adjustment....it does not come out far enough....up and down are ok, but I need it to come out further
Sponsored

 

Bill906

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 21, 2020
Threads
4
Messages
1,386
Reaction score
3,229
Location
Wisconsin
Vehicles
Jeep
Country flag
But after spending the first day in it I realized that not only was having the instrument cluster on the center screen not a problem, it was actually preferable
Thank you for this detailed explanation of having all the driving info on the screen to the right instead of in front of you. Iā€™ve never driven a M3 or MY yet and, like many, thought the removal of the screen behind the wheel was a bad idea. Of all the ā€œoptionsā€™ or ā€œchangesā€ that have been discussed on this site for the CT the one I wished for the most is a screen behind the wheel/yoke. After reading your post I feel much better about it. Thanks.
 

egandalf

Well-known member
First Name
James
Joined
May 18, 2020
Threads
3
Messages
250
Reaction score
700
Location
41144
Vehicles
2010 Toyota Tacoma
Country flag
Traveling. Lockable secure, waterproof storage out of slipstream!

Sailplane sides are a mental encumbrance, legacy from leaning over sides of US pickup beds to reach toolbox. Tonneau will change what you can carry, can leave onboard and changes how a pickup can work. In my circumstance, different, better, more secure and convenient.

So done with racks, tarps, tiedowns and clamoring over the top to load out. Storm Beta wetted up and under tarps, into gear and destroyed stuff even in waterproof protected enclosures. Tonneau electric cover solves a number of traditional friction points, eliminates exposures and adds the convenience electrically operated. It may be remote on the Keyfob.

Diehards can still load atop tonneau and bridge load across sailplanes so a racking ability is built-in. But Its a rare situation in my use case. I wouldnā€™t hesitate to use it, either, to haul haybales and watertanks.
My comment was an in-thread joke, but you nailed the benefits of the cover. One of the best features IMO.

Aftermarket tonneau covers have never had any appeal. Expensive and always in the way for 80% of my bed use. But it would be so handy for those 20% cases. The CT cover is best of both worlds.
 

Jhodgesatmb

Well-known member
First Name
Jack
Joined
Dec 1, 2019
Threads
63
Messages
4,901
Reaction score
7,088
Location
San Francisco Bay area
Website
www.arbor-studios.com
Vehicles
Tesla Model Y LR, Tesla Model 3 LR
Occupation
Retired AI researcher
Country flag
I would complain. I don't want one. It is much safer (for me) not to draw my eyes down. And because the center console screen is far out of my peripheral, I don't find myself using it while driving much at all. But when I do, I have Autopilot, etc. engaged and I feel completely comfortable taking my eyes off the street and hands off the wheel in order to change my tunes, flick through my mileage/efficiency/charge data, or check tire pressure. I prefer using my hands to do that vice stalks or scroll wheels. Huge fan of the center console screen and don't want instrument clusters or gauges or even maps behind the wheel/yoke. I'd welcome screens/controls/something for the passenger (ala the Taycan) more readily than something else for me and I still don't want that.

I want FSD to become a reality, and am a fan. But if it never does, I like the features that we have now in the safety, navigation, autosteer areas. With them, these vehicles are safer, more efficient, and fun to use in my opinion.

SS
I didnā€™t say ā€˜whyā€™ I wouldnā€™t complain, but those reasons aside I would agree with you for the same reasons. My reasons are that I am hoping for features relating to towing and suspension, and even more on HVAC, and they will take up valuable screen real estate. If there were a second display then maybe the main screen would be easier to navigate and control.
 


Smoberkey

New member
First Name
Ben
Joined
Apr 18, 2020
Threads
0
Messages
2
Reaction score
3
Location
San Antonio
Vehicles
Cybertruck
Occupation
Pilot
Country flag
How about a heads up projection of the same dash display thatā€™s in my X? Put in on the bottom of the windshield. Minimal equipment should be required.
 

Cyber_Dav

Well-known member
First Name
David
Joined
Nov 21, 2019
Threads
10
Messages
329
Reaction score
469
Location
So Calif
Vehicles
Toyota Siennas (2)
Country flag
How about a heads up projection of the same dash display thatā€™s in my X? Put in on the bottom of the windshield. Minimal equipment should be required.
When doing the search for Tesla displays (post #33 above) I found just shy of a gazillion after market HUD displays. From cheap speed only, to full color everything displays. Just search for Tesla HUD display.
 

BillyGee

Well-known member
First Name
Bill
Joined
Jan 22, 2020
Threads
8
Messages
708
Reaction score
1,534
Location
Northern California
Vehicles
Model Y P, Model 3 LR, Founders CT (Ordered)
Occupation
Technician
Country flag
How about a heads up projection of the same dash display thatā€™s in my X? Put in on the bottom of the windshield. Minimal equipment should be required.
We had threads about this back when the CT first unveiled. It's really cool conceptually and there are a ton of aftermarket set ups. The CT having a flat windshield actually will help with this, but it will likely be aftermarket and not a standard or optional feature.
 

braddibbnd

Well-known member
First Name
Brad
Joined
May 1, 2020
Threads
0
Messages
52
Reaction score
96
Location
North Dakota
Vehicles
13 Ram, 23 Tesla MY
Occupation
Retired
Country flag
How about a heads up projection of the same dash display thatā€™s in my X? Put in on the bottom of the windshield. Minimal equipment should be required.
There is an aftermarket HUD that is available for the M3 and MY. Was really hoping that Tesla would have that as an option. Did find out the Elon does not like or want them. Guessing he is in full "FSD is almost here" mode and any distractions are just that.
 

Tinker71

Well-known member
First Name
Ray
Joined
Aug 8, 2020
Threads
82
Messages
1,484
Reaction score
1,967
Location
Utah
Vehicles
1976 electric conversion bus
Occupation
Project Manager
Country flag
I was looking over the blueprint below and something struck me that I had not noticed before.

Look at how much space is between the steering yoke and the frunk.....that's a HUGE dashboard and a lot wasted space. Do you think the final design will remove some of this?

1616176367254.png


1616176588393.png
I hope they use a cutting board material on the dash. That looks like a great place to assemble a mean sandwich.
 


rr6013

Well-known member
First Name
Rex
Joined
Apr 22, 2020
Threads
54
Messages
1,680
Reaction score
1,620
Location
Coronado Bay Panama
Website
shorttakes.substack.com
Vehicles
1997 Tahoe 2 door 4x4
Occupation
Retired software developer and heavy commercial design builder
Country flag
I hope they use a cutting board material on the dash. That looks like a great place to assemble a mean sandwich.
Nahā€¦good dashtop real estate prime location for some insanely efficient, unobtanium expensive solar panel technology. Its a Cybertruck afterall! LOL
 

alan auerbach

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 15, 2020
Threads
16
Messages
554
Reaction score
446
Location
Waterloo, Ontario (West of Toronto)
Vehicles
'90 Isuzu PU (has to last until my CT arrives), '91 Grand Marquis, '02 Grand Cherokee (I'm so grand I can't stand it), e-bike.
Occupation
Retired prof.
Country flag
Yep, Elon dislikes HUDs.

https://mashable.com/article/heads-up-display-tesla-driver-tech/

At least he lets us have our aftermarket add-ons.

-Crissa
I dealt with this in more detail some time back here, so just a brief reprise.

There should be a traditional and intuitively-obvious control for two functions that might be needed on an emergency basis by a driver who's never driven a Tesla or any EV. They are lights and wipers. Embedding those two controls in an electronic display that you have to be taught how to use is an invitation to tragedy.
 

Bill906

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 21, 2020
Threads
4
Messages
1,386
Reaction score
3,229
Location
Wisconsin
Vehicles
Jeep
Country flag
There should be a traditional and intuitively-obvious control for two functions that might be needed on an emergency basis by a driver who's never driven a Tesla or any EV. They are lights and wipers. Embedding those two controls in an electronic display that you have to be taught how to use is an invitation to tragedy.
When I was a small child most cars had the high/low beam switch as a button on the floor that you would hit with your left foot. My mom got a 1983 Ford Escort. It was the first car we owned with the high/low beam selector on the turn signal lever. Grandma borrowed moms car. She saw the label on the lever that said high beam "Pull". Instead of pulling toward her, she pulled the lever out of the steering column. Effectively disabling turn signals, high/low beam selection and the horn.

Yes, when a standard changes there will be some issues with people learning the new way.
 
 




Top