Hands-on reviews: digital gauge cluster, display screens, SYNC 4 -- which media are calling impressive

[Gnatsum21]

I am sure those displays have lots to offer, unfortunately it took away the sports car feel the way they are placed/integrated. Other than that I am all tech and digital but those displays are not in harmony with the rest of the vehicle.

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[Bikeman315]

Proves my point. All these designers go to the same schools, use the same software, have the same associations and connections resulting in the same boring designs.

Well you could make argument about chefs but we know that’s not true. Same goes for automotive designers. The are individuals just like any other group. It’s their bosses that give them direction and their the ones that like to “copy the leader”.

 

[Bikeman315]

I am sure those displays have lots to offer, unfortunately it took away the sports car feel the way they are placed/integrated. Other than that I am all tech and digital but those displays are not in harmony with the rest of the vehicle.

I too would have liked a more harmonious integration. That said, I will also withhold final judgement until after I get behind the wheel.

 

[93-Oct Mayne]

Proves my point. All these designers go to the same schools, use the same software, have the same associations and connections resulting in the same boring designs.

It's what all the manufacturers will eventually get to because screens and enhanced functionality is what this generation has grown up on. I also think after a year of using this, the S550 set-up will look extremely limited and dated

 

[Desmodeous]

Seems like this is being marketed as a $50K game console.

It absolutely is and it is disgusting.

 

[IPOGT]

It's what all the manufacturers will eventually get to because screens and enhanced functionality is what this generation has grown up on. I also think after a year of using this, the S550 set-up will look extremely limited and dated

I think the tacked on screen as an appendage is simply a fad.

 

[Desmodeous]

I see zero resemblance but almost a good one

Skip to 3:15

This. Kills. The. Crab.

 

[Skye]

I also think after a year of using this, the S550 set-up will look extremely limited and dated

I prefer to use the term, "quaint". LOL.

I think every generation of every model goes through a "blue" period where it's just not "in". Things fall out of flavor. People look to the latest. Thinking long, long-term, some models and their characteristics become welcome again, some don't. A lot of us love the older cars because they're soo simple and uncomplicated.

Modern vehicles, IMO, sometimes all the information is too much. I just want to drive the car. Yea, certain gauges or information is welcome, but I don't want to be overwhelmed by it. For any of these cars, having a means of reviewing history, like telemetry after a drive or a race, would be cool though.

 

[zstanny]

My deal on having everything through the screen is the life cycle of tech. Some people buy these cars to keep for 5+ years. Tech updates/upgrades so fast. A 2 year old phone feels like a friggen dinosaur halfway through that second year. By the 4th year, it's nearly unusable and archaic.

I do like the center section of the monitor/screen/ipad. I'd like a few more cluster themes as all but the fox body seem distracting. That should be an easy and likely update.

 

[zstanny]

For all modern vehicles, IMO, sometimes all the information is too much. I just want to drive the car. Yea, some gauges and information is welcome, but I don't want to be overwhelmed by it. For any of these cars, having a means of reviewing history, like telemetry after a drive or a race, would be cool though.

Definitely with you on that. If you go on youtube, some of the most popular car videos are "shutup and smash" style where it's a POV of someone ripping through the gears. Through a backroad, some canyons, etc. The entire migration to the new cluster is a step away from that. Ford does want to sell cars though. And I'd say a majority of the mustang buyers daily their cars, and having new, flashy tech is a major selling point.

 

[llinthicum1]

Odds that these screens will find their way into other Ford models?

 

[nickycohen]

Where the old fogeys at to complain about their lost physical gauge clusters?

And an even older one here (67!)... I have nothing against digital screens (except for mine which periodically fails to light up for some strange reason that Ford here in Australia cannot quite get their heads around). But this giant screen on the new model looks like an afterthought. It doesn't look well integrated into the rest of the dash, or the interior generally. It almost looks like it would be prone to rattle loose and hide dirt in the crevices. It looks out of character with the car. That's my opinion. I have placed an order for one but am prepared to cancel the order if the interior doesn't "gel" with me, and stick with my 2019 GT - which I love.

 

[Bikeman315]

Odds that these screens will find their way into other Ford models?

Considering that the Mustang is the only car that Ford makes (in NA) it’s unlikely. Most other Ford SUV/CUV’s and pickups already have their own dedicated screens.

 

[IPOGT]

Considering that the Mustang is the only car that Ford makes (in NA) it’s unlikely. Most other Ford SUV/CUV’s and pickups already have their own dedicated screens.

A stuck on screen is a stuck on screen. Unless integrated into the dashboard, what difference does it make who uses it? They all look the same. Stuck on.

 

[Cobra Jet]

Yea, still horrible dash design for a production model.

So....

How will anyone be able to upgrade their stereo systems in the S650 if everything is integrated into that video game console? You can't just take the stereo portion out because it's all one unit now....

I can't wait to hear the cries once no one can upgrade anything because Ford will have it all locked in, but if a component is tampered with, it will throw numerous faults....

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