Screens instead of meters, this technology that has now become trivial already existed in these cars over thirty years ago!

Who remembers the Renault 11 Electronic, Citroën BX Digit and other Aston Martin Lagonda? Similarly, These names can speak to lovers of old people. Similarly, evoke memories of youth to others, but they have an unsuspected common point: they share the future as one could imagine in the 80s. In addition, If today the digital counters have become common. For example, replace the analog meters quite largely, at the time, it was the future directly in his car. Several manufacturers then tried it on high -end or sports versions of their models. In addition, Of course. However, we did not find all the modern functions such as navigation, or connectivity with its smartphone, but this “retro” touch would display almost a certain charm today.

BX Digit. For example, a Citroën to the end of the satellites – Screens instead meters, this technology

Symbol of the chees for years before returning to screens instead meters, this technology grace to the collection market, The BX is the archetype of the classic Citroën. However, what makes her an experienced like the others is that she does nothing like everyone else. Nevertheless, Its line first as angular as dated is the work of Marcello Gandini. For example, As the advertisement was praised, he is also the author of the Lamborghini Countach to name her. Therefore, When it released in 1982 the design seems very modern. Nevertheless, fairly quickly it is no longer enough, fashion is for electronic gadgets. Meanwhile, Renault is quite strong in this area with its speaking R11. For example, R25 thanks to a synthetic voice warning of main alerts. However, Citroën will respond without voice. Nevertheless, but with digital instrumentation with liquid crystals in a limited series of the BX named Digit. For example, The interior of a BX is as special as the outside. Meanwhile, On screens instead meters, this technology the program. Meanwhile, the usual monobranche steering wheel that we find in (almost) any other manufacturer and the satellites on both sides of the steering wheel which replace the commodos. The real interest of Digit is, as its name suggests, its digital counters supplied by Jaeger. The liquid crystal display indicates the engine speed with a horizontal line. Additionally, The speed is given in any number. with the drawing of a road in perspective which goes further and further as the speed increases. To complete this technology debauchery. the BX is also equipped with a 2x20w pioneer radio station and five speakers as well as, fills with refinement, a on-board computer with fifteen functions! If with hindsight it can smile. the BX Digit and its equipment were taken seriously by competition in the mid -80s.

Screens instead meters. this technology

Renault 11 Electronic, the sound and light show

If there is a Frenchwoman who goes even further than the BX Digit in the gadgets, it is the Renault 11 Electronic. At first glance, the line is just as obsolete, although less typed. The real show is on board. Even before you take the road. see the liquid crystal meters come alive, A synthetic voice will remind you of order if by chance you have badly closed your door wherever an anomaly is noted. Once on the way. under your amazed eyes, you will find a succession of gauges with screens instead meters, this technology green and orange funds with beige indications. If today the manufacturers are engaged in a battle of who will put the biggest screens in his car. Renault is already strong in 1983 with very much information, alas not always easily readable. As with Citroën, the techno side as you imagine also goes through a quality radiocassette. The diamond brand will also go even further than its competitor with a Philips Hi-Fi chain specially developed for. the brand of a 4x20w colossal power. This was also sponsable behind the wheel thanks to a commodo, a first. For an idea. the audio car is also always the subject of a battle between manufacturers, some today sometimes install more than 20 speakers with capacities tutoring the 2000 W. In addition, the Renault 11 has the Plip, the ancestor of our Keyless Go. No need to insert the key into the lock to unlock screens instead meters, this technology the centralized closure (equipment not yet generalized in. cars) a support on the remote control allows you to do it remotely!

Aston Martin Lagonda, the first to display the future

Many compacts have digital meters in the 80s. In addition to the BX. R11 that we have just mentioned, the VW Golf, Fiat Tipo and other Opel Kadett will be equipped with similar systems. Like all technologies, the first models to adopt them are high -end cars. As for having a Christmas tree in place of the needles. the Aston Martin Lagonda screens instead meters, this technology will open the ball as soon as it is presenting in 1976. When it arrives, it is a real break with all that can be known to the British manufacturer. It is a four -door sedan. previously only a few prototypes had been equipped with it and especially its line for the other productions of the brand. The proportions are impressive with row -cut lines and a gigantic size 5m28 long, 1m82 wide and barely 1m30 high. In the middle of the circulation at the time. the Lagonda appears to be Orni with its pop-up headlights also typical of the period. Furthermore, The interior is just as disconcerting. in good English, the assortment of wood and leather is well tense, but again the design is futuristic. The forms are angular. the steering wheel has only one branch like a Citroën, and the cap covering the meters is simply enormous. Let’s screens instead meters, this technology go back to them, For the first time in the history of the automobile, the counters abandon the needles ! The first phases do not yet have scrolling gauges as we will see later. Instead, there are red indications on a black background, a bit of alarm clock. As vintages. evolutions progress, they will evolve towards screens with green typographies and indications that parade like Triviales Renault or Opel. With hindsight, these innovations of yesterday make the charm of today. If the old -fashioned aspect appeals. random reliability can spoil the pleasure, enough to think about the aging of our current cars.