Top Ten Tech-Heavy Car Dashboards

By  Matt Hardigree

Car dashboards are beginning to mimic the latest in consumer electronics as automakers try to suck in the iPod-generation as new car buyers. Here's the ten most high-tech dashboards on production cars you can buy this year or next.

We're not just talking about touch-screen NAV systems. The latest generation of vehicles feature everything from night vision systems, 12-inch high-res LCD screens, inverted track-ball controls, 3D fuel consumption graphs, full iPod head integration and more. Click "next" to see what automakers have to offer.

10.) 2010 Acura ZDX

Features

  • Three-level infodeck

  • Sirius Real-Time TravelLink w/ Weather Alerts

  • Surround-Sound ELS System

  • Voice/Knob-based MMI

9.) 2010 Audi R8

Features

  • Sports car design with integrated tech

  • Next generation Audi MMI

  • Topographical Nav

  • Voice/Knob MMI

  • Phone mics integrated into the seatbelts

8.) 2009 BMW 7-Series

Features

  • 10.2-inch Black Panel LCD Screen

  • Night Vision with HUD

  • iDrive Knob-based Control

  • World's First Side-View Camera

7.) 2010 Mercedes S-Class

Features

  • Drowsiness detection

  • Next Generation COMAND interface

  • Capability for split-view screen displaying different images to driver and passengers

  • Oversized display integrated into cluster

  • Linguatronic voice control

6.) 2010 Nissan GT-R

Features

  • Uniform Multi-Function Display

  • Vehicle Performance Display Center designed by Polyphony Digital/li>

  • Full vehicle data integrated into the gauge cluster

5.) 2010 Honda Insight

Features

  • Two-tier instrument panel

  • Large 3D Meters

  • Environmental IMA display shows lifetime and current fuel consumption

  • Battery-charging display

  • XM/Sat/Nav

4.) 2010 Lexus HS

Features

  • World's first Inverted-track ball mouse control

  • High-angle info screen

  • XM Weather/Travel Control

3.) 2010 Range Rover

Features

  • 12-inch high-def LCD screen, biggest in a car ever

  • GPS/Nav Infotainment system in center console with surround-cameras

  • No Moving Parts

  • Surround Sound System

2.) 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Features

  • Full LCD Panel with customizable readout

  • SmartGauge eco meter grows leaves as driving becomes greener

  • Real-time traffic with Sirius TravelLink

  • Ford's SYNC system with voice-controlled Infotainment

1.) 2011 Chevy Volt

Features

  • iPod Style Design

  • Dual LCD Control Screens

  • Charging Menu Controls

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