ntFord’s MyTouch interface was described as “cluttered” by Consumer Reports.

ntToyota dashboard is full of bells and whistles.

ntDenso makes a dashboard that contains a robotic eye on the dashboard to watch you for indications you might be falling alseep. What if you have to  make a quick turn?

ntDenso’s phone-like screen on the steering wheel. For people who like to be watched.

ntAt CES, GM announced that it would make its OnStar system available for all auto manufacturers. It’s rear-view mirror shows off automatic crash response, turn-by-turn navigation, stolen vehicle location assistance, emergency and roadside services and hands-free calling. Andrew Nusca has more.

ntSo what is Apple doing today in your car? You can plug your iPod into the audio system or your iPhone into a hands free system. Or you can visit the Apple iTunes App store.

n

ntThis app will open your garage door. Although Apple is so secretive you never know.

ntHere’s an app called “Beat the Traffic.”

ntThis iTunes “Dashboard” lets you know how fast your going. But isn’t that what speedometers are for?

ntToyota is making in-car apps with its Entune, a system that will integrate mobile apps and music services with in-vehicle controls.

ntMercedes-Benz’s top-tier instrument cluster looks fairly docile. Look closer and you’ll see that the entire center gauge is actually an image on an LCD. Spec the right options, and that LCD is also where you’ll view the Benz’s night vision display.
nt
ntCredit: Josh P. Miller/CNET

ntPorsche’s Cayenne cleverly hides an LCD amidst a collection of analog gauges. Users can select fuel economy output or view a secondary navigation map.
nt
ntCredit: Josh P. Miller/CNET

ntFord’s Smartgauge display debuted with the Fusion Hybrid and featured an innovative combination of digital and analog readouts. Using its twin LCDs, users can monitor the hybrid drivetrain’s output and economy.

n

ntCredit: Josh P. Miller/CNET

ntThe Honda CR-Z’s instrument cluster combines a traditional analog tachometer with a 3D digital speedometer. Color-keyed illumination lets the driver know how “green” their driving is and LCDs display secondary information.

n

ntCredit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET

ntThe Chevrolet Volt’s instrumentation is displayed on a 7-inch LCD with no physical parts. However, the layout and design of this preproduction model leaves a bit to be desired.
nt
ntCredit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET

ntehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette and BMW 7-Series feature optional head-up displays that project information onto the windshield, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road while monitoring vehicle systems or turn-by-turn directions.
nt
ntCredit: Corinne Schulze/CNET

ntNissan’s electric Leaf features a completely digital instrument cluster with bar graphs and an odd bubble gauge replacing traditional needle gauges.

n

ntCredit: Josh P. Miller/CNET

ntToyota’s Prius eschews the traditional gauge cluster placement in favor of a digital eyebrow display located at the base of the windshield.
nt
ntCredit: Corinne Schulze/CNET

ntFord’s new MyFord Mobile app will let owners of the Focus electric car get a variety of telematics functions, from the basic, such as remote door unlock, to trip planning software that takes the car’s remaining range into account. Here’s a gallery.

ntWith its new A6 model, Audi intends to thoroughly integrate Internet-delivered traffic, courtesy of Inrix, Google maps, and onboard routing and navigation.