Now That Subaru Is Adopting Tesla's HUGE Screen In The Center Stack, Is The Jig Up For EVERYONE ELSE?

Now That Subaru Is Adopting Tesla's HUGE Screen In The Center Stack, Is The Jig Up For EVERYONE ELSE?
If there's one thing I have absolutely no problem owning, it's the fact I am "an interior guy." That's right, Spies. I care about the kind of space I'll be spending my time in when I am driving.

To me, it's more important than how fast a vehicle is.

Because of this I am sensitive to cabins. To me, there's certain automakers that do the job right and others who simply are phoning it in. And, to be honest, Subaru isn't one of better manufacturers when it comes to interior design. In fact, some of its products are just downright horror shows.

But it seems that's about to change. That's because Subaru will be introducing an all-new Legacy next week at the Chicago Auto Show. And it's not equipped with a center stack that looks straight out of 1999.

Instead it boasts a large screen a la Volvo's Sensus system. Clearly, it's Tesla inspired as it was the automaker that brought about this trend.

This leaves me wondering: If Subaru, of all manufacturers, has gotten onboard with the massive screen in the center stack, does that mean the jig is up for everyone? Should we all just get used to touch screens all over our next-generation vehicles?

What say you, Spies?










TruthyTruthy - 2/2/2019 8:09:29 AM
+6 Boost
So two companies known for cheap looking interiors have large vertical center screens and you think everyone will follow suit?
I noticed it also has air vents, which is certainly Tesla inspired as no auto maker ever thought of this.


PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 2/2/2019 8:54:59 AM
+6 Boost
Commonality breeds boredom, lack of interest. A screen is a screen is a screen.


vdivvdiv - 2/2/2019 9:18:44 AM
+3 Boost
Touch screens don't bother me as much, though their longevity and ability to replace down the road may render the car useless... Voice assistants on the other hand creep me out.


Agent00RAgent00R - 2/2/2019 11:41:31 AM
0 Boost
To me the jury is out on screens.

Personally, I like simple cars that can be fixed simply. Not sure if I'd own a car with a massive screen but I'd definitely lease one.


CANADIANCOMMENTSCANADIANCOMMENTS - 2/2/2019 9:41:23 AM
+1 Boost
The tape deck in my truck works just fine. And always will. A bit less tech may be better in the long run.


Agent00RAgent00R - 2/2/2019 11:41:44 AM
0 Boost
Can't agree with you more...


MDarringerMDarringer - 2/2/2019 9:55:17 AM
+6 Boost
One question: what happens when the screen dies--and it will--and the car is no longer in production? Is it totaled because none of its basic functions work?


Agent00RAgent00R - 2/2/2019 11:42:16 AM
+1 Boost
I assume the screen gets replaced.

May require a tow, haha.


MDarringerMDarringer - 2/2/2019 12:00:54 PM
+2 Boost
Stay with me Cha Cha...these screens are 100% proprietary and vary from model to model. At some point people will not be able to get new old stock parts and the ones in the junk yard will likely be toast as well. So, NO, it's not as simple as replacing the screen.


CANADIANCOMMENTSCANADIANCOMMENTS - 2/2/2019 1:13:00 PM
+4 Boost
@MD Your comment is no joke. This will become in issue in the not too distant future. If a GPS screen goes dark, life goes on. If it also controls the radio, HVAC, your seats, suspension settings, tire inflation warning light etc... the car is a paperweight if the screen ever crashes or is broken.


MDarringerMDarringer - 2/2/2019 1:45:18 PM
+1 Boost
Of course some entitled people will think it's as simple as getting a new screen. But they probably either drive a Tesla or are paid to cheerlead for Tesla.


Agent00RAgent00R - 2/2/2019 5:59:52 PM
+1 Boost
Yeah, I am not as negative as you on this issue.


dumpstydumpsty - 2/5/2019 2:57:51 PM
+1 Boost
definitely a valid question.

I had been salivating over the gigantic Ram center stack screen. But now, I'm really pondering a possible alternative. There are some aftermarket options. Very expensive, but they're out there.


carloslassitercarloslassiter - 2/2/2019 10:44:38 AM
0 Boost
They should rename this site "Car Info for Ludites" and then add an extra comment section for people to complain about power windows using sentences things like "My hand crank works just fine".


MDarringerMDarringer - 2/2/2019 11:18:19 AM
+1 Boost
You're a bigot.

Bigotry: "intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from oneself."

If you want to be a Tesla kiss ass then have at being one of Elon's pleasure trolls. BUT just because someone disagrees with your skewed, opinionated mindset does not make them wrong, nor you right for that matter.

I don't think you are cognizant of just how ridiculous you and your alter egos are.

#SeekTherapy


MDarringerMDarringer - 2/2/2019 1:45:52 PM
+1 Boost
@runbuh #hardly #notevenclose


CANADIANCOMMENTSCANADIANCOMMENTS - 2/2/2019 5:34:41 PM
+1 Boost
@carloslassiter - Are you actually taking a shot at me? Of all people on this site? Really? BTW my truck has as CD player too :)


jeffgalljeffgall - 2/2/2019 11:26:28 AM
+7 Boost
My issue with moving all function to screens is OEMs are doing it for the purpose of moving all function to screens. Initial impression by the consumer is it looks cool and high tech. Not for the purpose of making the the function they provide easier and better for the user.


Agent00RAgent00R - 2/2/2019 11:44:30 AM
0 Boost
You're onto something.

Some vehicles, like Range Rovers, I've found the screens useful. In more performance oriented vehicles though I prefer buttons and switches.


dlindlin - 2/2/2019 11:40:09 AM
+2 Boost
Its scale is more appropriate


TruthyTruthy - 2/2/2019 1:32:03 PM
+3 Boost
VW had a microbus concept years ago where the center screen was literally an iPad. It could be removed and be portable. It woulso adapt to a new iPad. May be a better solution than OEM screens.


Agent00RAgent00R - 2/2/2019 6:00:37 PM
+1 Boost
We've been saying this for years...


cidflekkencidflekken - 2/2/2019 3:58:18 PM
+8 Boost
I loathe touch screens in cars. My current car has one and I cannot wait to get out of it. It’s not easy to use while driving. The fingerprints....oh, the fingerprints. I actually really like Acura’s touchpad in the RDX if the industry is moving away from knobs.

And I really don’t like the oversized screens in Teslas or Volvos, and now Subaru. Way too much information away from the driver’s line of sight. And they’re ugly though the ones in Volvo’s look the best.


Section_31_JTKSection_31_JTK - 2/2/2019 4:42:28 PM
+11 Boost
Knobs & Buttons > touchscreens


Agent00RAgent00R - 2/2/2019 6:01:04 PM
+1 Boost
Yawn


skytopskytop - 2/2/2019 4:53:10 PM
+6 Boost
Larger screen means more dangerous distractions. More accidents, higher insurance premiums.


mre30mre30 - 2/2/2019 5:30:07 PM
+5 Boost
The truth of the matter is - screens and software to work them are cheaper and simpler to manufacture than buttons, wires, and relays.

For the manufacturer - the screen just has to last about 5 to 8 years by the time the original buyer will have returned the lease.


MrEEMrEE - 2/2/2019 9:13:56 PM
-3 Boost
LCD/LED panels will have no problem lasting 20k hrs or 500k miles. If a 20+ old vehicle needs replacement, there will be ready access to salvage stock.

With voice control and automatic functions there will be little need for buttons other than start/stop, emergency lights and locks.


mre30mre30 - 2/2/2019 10:02:39 PM
+3 Boost
The LCD center speedo screen on my 36,000 mile 2012 S550 just blinked out (turned blue actually) - cost $1,400 to fix.


MDarringerMDarringer - 2/2/2019 10:09:24 PM
+1 Boost
#TOTALED


MrEEMrEE - 2/3/2019 10:48:08 AM
-3 Boost
German reliability, and why most don't keep German vehicles after warranty.


MDarringerMDarringer - 2/3/2019 11:42:47 AM
+1 Boost
#bingo I sometimes think German cars cost so much so the manufacturers get enough income to cover the incessant warranty issues.


TruthyTruthy - 2/4/2019 5:17:03 PM
+1 Boost
$1,400 for a new screen sounds like a bargain for MB. My inside door handle broke on my C300 and they tried to charge me $1,000 to fix it. I challenged the service manager and he cut it in half. WTF!


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