AUDI going after Tesla Touchscreen ergonomics- iPad as central hardware.

[tray loader]

This came out recently, very interesting.

Apple iPad Centers Full UI Integration for Audi R8 F12 e Performance Prototype - INR8.com

instead of developing a whole new screen, they implemented the iPad.
Tho the concept is nice, the concept looks like a fast reaction to the Tesla approach.Pretty ugly, plus the batteries crammed in Fisker style to the middle tunnel...

Opinions

 

[brianman]

I wouldn't read too much into the prototype using an IPad. It's far easier to write an app and plop in a commodity device like the IPad when you're doing prototype work, than to invest up front in that particular component.

Hell, it makes you wonder why they don't use an XBox or Playstation when prototyping other things.

 

[AnOutsider]

I'd agree with Brianman, though it doesn't look HORRIBLE. I don't think Audi will get EVs right for a long time though. I would buy an extended range Audi however.

 

[lgagliardi]

Still seem pretty far behind Tesla. IMHO the only way to catch up to Tesla is to buy them. I personally would not buy any vehicles that was not 100% electric from here on out in my life.

 

[colinb]

Nice to see some effort being put into the UI of in-car info systems. Most that I've seen to date are quite primitive.

 

[Anzir]

Interesting. Ferrari did this (in a very basic manner) back in 2009 with the 16M where they switched the Becker unit with an iPhone to control the radio/nav/phone.
Interesting but it's not beautiful.

 

[Dan5]

My concern would be that the Ipad would get stolen. At least with the Tesla screen it does not have any other uses, except for another Tesla. Ipads are worth more to a thief than a custom screen

 

[colinb]

My concern would be that the Ipad would get stolen. At least with the Tesla screen it does not have any other uses, except for another Tesla. Ipads are worth more to a thief than a custom screen

Very true - I've had two GPS units stolen from my car's glove box and center console storage. I imagine the iPad would be gone in a flash if some low life saw it.

 

[AnOutsider]

One thing, after watching the video... It does look a bit more ergonomic since it has the big hump to rest your arm on as you use it.

 

[Doug_G]

Very true - I've had two GPS units stolen from my car's glove box and center console storage. I imagine the iPad would be gone in a flash if some low life saw it.

Absolutely. A friend of mine lost an iPad within minutes of (briefly) forgetting it in his car.

 

[brianman]

My concern would be that the Ipad would get stolen. At least with the Tesla screen it does not have any other uses, except for another Tesla. Ipads are worth more to a thief than a custom screen

You might recall some of us raised a similar concern when we saw the initial shots of the Model X's "extrovert" screen.