New Lexus NAVI controller (non-touchscreen) system?
08-24-08, 12:33 AM
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
New Lexus NAVI controller (non-touchscreen) system?
There are rumors, and some photographic indication, that forthcoming Lexus models will be appearing without a touchscreen, and instead use some sort of controller. Yes, this brings up scary visions of iDrive/MMI/COMAND...but how about hypothesizing on what the end result be like? First, some possible indicators:
According to industry insider James Fabin:
http://community.myride.com/kickapps...1282/3898.html
Originally Posted by James Fabin
The interior of the RX will be all new – the dash pushed much farther forward to open up the cabin. The LCD screen is also being super sized to a whopping 9 inches! Now that caused a problem – the LCD was too far away to reach. So Lexus did a lot of research and came up with a very Apple like answer. The next RX WILL (yes WILL, not might or should) have a touch-pad located between the front two seats (near todays cup holders) that navigates a pointer on the larger 9 inch main screen. It's like reaching down to grab your mouse on your computer – easy to do without looking at where your fingers are.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=357202
It is not a touchpad or virtual touch screen. You could however call it a joystick, or mouse. It is in the location of where a BMW idrive controller would be. It does not look ugly or interfere with the gear selector either. It is a slick system, and works really well.
[...]
We are going to be building our own test models in the coming weeks on the factory lines. The production of the 2010 model starts in January '09.
[...]
We are going to be building our own test models in the coming weeks on the factory lines. The production of the 2010 model starts in January '09.
There is no doubt, there is no touch screen. The screen is pushed so far up and away into the dashboard it is not reachable anymore. I am not basing this on my opinion, or speculation. I have been working in and around the new model, and can tell you 100% it is gone.I find the touchscreen on the current generation good, but it is much more comfortable for smaller drivers to operate via a console control than reaching towards the screen. Many Lexus RX drivers are women and Toyota listens to them(thats what the engineers tell us any way.)
The control on the new S class Mercedes is the closest thing I can find on the internet that resembles the new RX navigation system. I dont know how this Mercedes system works, but looks to have the same sort of joystick-mouse control. The New RX navigation screen also has a large hood over it.
And, look at the progression of the LF-A interior, from a more button-laden layout with an upright hidden possible touchscreen to one pushed far forward with perhaps a controller.
One thing, Lexus interiors have been known for their ergonomics, a controller could reduce the plethora of buttons on new models.
2005
2008
The LF-Xh recent concept hints at a more dash-forward design.
Any thoughts? Perhaps a poll on how much touchscreens are wanted...
08-24-08, 12:52 AM
#3
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MIchigan
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Toyota made a calculated mistake by not offering the dial on the Lexus Ls460 when introduced and I believe now of their products offer it.
But for Toyota not to offer it on their new Lexus models would be a disaster.
Last edited by pagemaster; 08-24-08 at 01:17 AM.
08-24-08, 05:20 AM
#4
Lead Lap
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 553
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just because the competition offers a dial of some sort does not mean it is better. I have only had my Audi A8L for 3 weeks now but I can tell you some things would be so much easier if the screen were a touchscreen. I have gotten used to the MMI system and it is very good, but I wish the car had MMI AS WELL AS a touchscreen setup. That would be a perfect combination in my mind.
08-24-08, 06:51 AM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
why do car makers have to go backwards? buttons are so 20th century
provide a touchscreen, laptop mousepad close to armrest, and some buttons. problem solved.
imagine using an ATM without a touch screen, and just the keypad.
how slow would that be......
stupid car designers. always adding form over function.
provide a touchscreen, laptop mousepad close to armrest, and some buttons. problem solved.
imagine using an ATM without a touch screen, and just the keypad.
how slow would that be......
stupid car designers. always adding form over function.
08-24-08, 08:51 AM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
08-24-08, 08:52 AM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
Hmm... maybe BMW, Audi, MB were right after all, even if their initial implementations were weak. 
I think the touch screen is what hurts the LS interior - that screen has to be kept close enough to the driver to reach which makes it seem less spacious.
I think the touch screen is what hurts the LS interior - that screen has to be kept close enough to the driver to reach which makes it seem less spacious.
Trending Topics
08-24-08, 09:25 AM
#9
Rookie
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: nj
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
when i look at it, the lexus interface works great, as long as your not moving, and its loved by every car mag out there it seems. however, i must say i love my idrive in the 6 more (just the fact i can use it whenever i want is a plus) and i am able to use it a lot easier than the rx touchscreen. i think it may be time for lexus to try a new system (hopefully they will listen and make it useable 100% of the time) and im interested to see how this turns out.
08-24-08, 11:44 AM
#10
Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 12,044
Likes: 0
Received 69 Likes
on
42 Posts
when i hear "mouse" like, that really scares me. i hope they dont make it hideous.
a **** is the best bet, but if they make it with a ****, haters would think its a copy of the idrive/command/mmi
a **** is the best bet, but if they make it with a ****, haters would think its a copy of the idrive/command/mmi
08-24-08, 11:56 AM
#11
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
Funny thing is, VW, owner of Audi, has implemented touchscreens in its lineup and gotten praise for the design, for instance in the current Passat. They are reportedly working on 'tactile' touchscreens which simulate feel.
08-24-08, 01:15 PM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
forget the ****.
make a spinwheel like the ipod.
and i would like a touch screen that i don't have to push so hard on.
I think the lexus touch screen requires a little too much force.
i want the new ATM style light feather touch/tap screens.
make a spinwheel like the ipod.
and i would like a touch screen that i don't have to push so hard on.
I think the lexus touch screen requires a little too much force.
i want the new ATM style light feather touch/tap screens.
08-24-08, 02:06 PM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hmmm, a mouse but not a ****. Lexus engineers have stated in the past they will not use any kind of **** b/c its counter-intuitive to the driver. It just complicates things.
I want to say everyone BUT Lexus and maybe Caddy has some sort of "****" in at least one vehicle in the lineup.
Lexus interiors and ergonomics are pretty much class leading and/or share the top spot with Audi. Audi cannot match the ergonomics. Lexus MAJOR issue with some owners is you cannot use the NAV while driving, thus people have to override it.
I want to say everyone BUT Lexus and maybe Caddy has some sort of "****" in at least one vehicle in the lineup.
Lexus interiors and ergonomics are pretty much class leading and/or share the top spot with Audi. Audi cannot match the ergonomics. Lexus MAJOR issue with some owners is you cannot use the NAV while driving, thus people have to override it.
08-24-08, 02:32 PM
#14
would be interesting to see if (and how) they implement the mouse setup
been there tried with with the idrive type setup on the 7 and s class. it's not as bad as just a pure silly joystick or 4 arrow buttons, but i still very much prefer the touch screen on lexus
been there tried with with the idrive type setup on the 7 and s class. it's not as bad as just a pure silly joystick or 4 arrow buttons, but i still very much prefer the touch screen on lexus
08-24-08, 02:45 PM
#15
Rookie
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: California
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Which raises an important aspect of dial/mouse controllers that is rarely mentioned - they make much more sense when operating within the context of the various radar and other warning sensors now appearing on more expensive vehicles. On our S-Class, even if distracted using the dial interface, the cars distronics radar will sound an alarm if I am closing on a vehicle too quickly and prep the brakes. Blind spot assist warns against side collisions helps also. (Not sure of there is a similar radar warning on the LS460?) These features change the usability equation radically because of the greater confidence you have from a situational awareness POV. The first generation **** (I-Drive) controllers did not have any of these supporting safety aids, but I think that **** controllers are quite viable control interfaces within the context of a total system of drivers aids - passive and active.
Chris