HUD Fan Or Not?

[JohnDoe]

^ditto, I much rather be able to see my speed with my peripheral vision than have to look all the way down at my cluster, RE-FOCUS my eyes, and then again.

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[GOFAST]

^ditto, I much rather be able to see my speed with my peripheral vision than have to look all the way down at my cluster, RE-FOCUS my eyes, and then again.

Yeah, it is a night and day difference having HUD. To be honest, when I downgraded to what I drive now, the HUD is the only thing I really missed. Made driving so much better and safer.

Really hoping the Mustang joins the 21st Century with the 2018 refresh and Ford makes it an option.

 

[Norm Peterson]

That's odd, I couldn't disagree more. Not sure how it's overrated or a gimmick, it does what it's supposed to do. It places pertinent vehicle information (selected by you) right in your line of site.

And that is precisely the problem. Since it's something that continually changes (the readings do), it's going to keep drawing your attention.

Best case, you learn to ignore it or it becomes all but invisible (at least on an individual basis) through polarized sunglasses, in which case it might as well not even be there.

What's gimmicky or overrated about not having to look down or away from the road any more than is absolutely necessary?

Nothing. The concept is well intended, its execution (positioning) is what's flawed.


"Heads up" isn't even a new approach to automotive instrumentation. At least as far back as 1960 there was this attempt with a dash-top translucent panel complete with its own hood, and even the minor gauges weren't buried down below in the darkness. One of my Dad's cars was a lower-trim version of the car whose interior is pictured below. As I recall, the speedometer ended up being at or just below the hood line for most drivers.

Norm

 

[EJS2016]

Maybe it's me, but I desire unrestricted vision without distractions at all times.
Perhaps it's part of being an ever vigilant, defensive driver.
I don't trust anybody on the road.
I'm always looking 1/4-1/2 mile down the road for changing traffic patterns, reckless drivers, police activity, service vehicles and any other potential situations that require quick thinking and reaction maneuvers.

 

[wireeater]

While it isn't "necessary", an option would be nice. I would like to have an RPM indicator HUD or of the sort. There are lots of things a HUD could be useful for now with all the new technology and warning systems on cars such as lane departures, blind spot indicators, etc. Yes, we could do all of this before the technology existed but just because it's here now doesn't make it a bad thing. The fact is, the average drivers suck and it's why we have these sorts of things now so why not take advantage of it. A computer has the ability to react much quicker than we do in today's technology. Having a wealth of information is a good thing and having some of it available at all times is even better.

 

[Hack]

No I'd rather not have a HUD, but I'm one of those that wants all the money invested into the drivetrain and I'd like to get away as cheaply as possible in all other areas.

 

[Norm Peterson]

While it isn't "necessary", an option would be nice. I would like to have an RPM indicator HUD or of the sort. There are lots of things a HUD could be useful for now with all the new technology and warning systems on cars such as lane departures, blind spot indicators, etc. Yes, we could do all of this before the technology existed but just because it's here now doesn't make it a bad thing.

Perhaps arguably it certainly can be a bad thing in the form of it being yet another distraction, and that "wealth of information" can constitute information overload leading you to incorrectly prioritize attention to all the things that are going on around you.

That you're supposed to be able to see it better is not the same thing as being induced to pay it too much attention.

The fact is, the average drivers suck and it's why we have these sorts of things now so why not take advantage of it.

Because you will tend to let your own skill set go slack in the process. Whether or not you'll let them deteriorate all the way down to match the lower levels of driver skill is irrelevant; "use it or lose it" still applies. Trust me on this point.


Norm

 

[Hashbrownn]

not a fan. more distracting than helpful to me.

 

[jasonstang]

Be nice to have a speed and rpm HUD. No needing to look down as the gauges on the Mustang is actually pretty low compare to other cars I have owned.
Most HUD's have optics to actually focus the information about 6 ft in front of the car so no focus and refocus needed.

 

[blk_5.0]

Big HUD fan here but would settle for a digital speedometer in the center cluster :frusty: To me, I would rather have the HUD than the other premium option like light up cup holders, foot-wells, doors and those atrocious pony puddle lights.

 

[LIPony]

The Hud is one of the only things i miss from my Camaro. That and the sunroof.

 

[Brawndo]

I admit I miss the heads up display from my i8 when I drive the Mustang. I only have speed limit, current speed, cruise control speed and GPS (if route enabled) showing and that's all the info I need.

Not sure I would stick some module on my dashboard connected to the OBD to achieve that though looks a bit tacky to me but that's my 2 cents.

 

[DivineStrike]

A HUD is certainly not a distraction. If anything it helps prevent distraction by keeping your eyes on the road. If the next gen comes with one I would like to try to swap the parts into my car. It's just so much easier keeping track of your speed with one.

 

[Chameleon]

HUD should be standard.

 

[Coconut]

I think the HUD on the GT350R is perfect. I only need/want it to show programmable shift points.

Our cars actually have the slot there already for it. Just hoping someone releases an aftermarket kit for it.

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