Perhaps the most distracting are the telemetry screens, which gauge myriad facets of the car\u2019s all-consuming performance. I say all-consuming because, when you are in the process of driving a GT-R beyond a 60km\/h zone you really need to be concentrating on the road ahead.<\/p>\n
Called the \u2018Multi-Function Meter\u2019 and operated via a combination of rotary switch and touchscreen interface, you can dial up information on the car\u2019s coolant, oil and transmission temperatures, turbocharger boost and front to rear engine torque split. This is all quite useful stuff, for this information can enable the driver to pick up if there are any engine or transmission issues before they become serious. There\u2019s also a \u2018gearshift map\u2019 available which offers optimal gearshift points to maximise fuel economy- useful when your 404kW GT-R averages 11.7 litres per 100 kilometres!<\/p>\n
From here on- in my opinion at least- things become a little unsafe. The display is capable of showing throttle position, braking force and both longitudinal and transverse g-forces. There\u2019s also functionality to store driving routes and times taken to complete them.<\/p>\n
There is an argument these functions are useful on the track, but the GT-R is essentially a road car\u2026and I\u2019m not so sure you will be looking to the screen to check your dynamic throttle position percentage whilst entering the Southern Loop at Phillip Island, let alone on the drive out to visit the folks. It\u2019s a recipe for flying off the road, and unlike in a PlayStation game, you can\u2019t just hit restart.<\/p>\n
There is an argument that suggests GT-Rs will only be bought by responsible adults who can afford the price tag, but what about in the second-hand market? And what about the flow-through effect of this technology appearing in cheaper new cars?<\/p>\n
I was recently surprised by the display in the muscular new Chrysler 300 SRT8. It stores peak g-forces through its performance metering, and displays it alongside dynamic data should the driver ask for it. It\u2019s an invitation to match or better your previous peak, and it has no place in a road car.<\/p>\n
Are these gauges a distraction and potential safety issue, or a key technological selling point for such cars? Let us know in the comments.<\/em><\/p>\n
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