Here’s a few random thoughts on dashboard options.

Steering column mounted gauge cluster. Cluster would be anchored on the column (or appear to be) and separate from the rest of the dash. There are some new cars doing this – I want to say the Nissan 370Z has this sort of a setup, the cluster moves with the tilt/telescoping wheel.

Idiot lights instead of gauges. Seems counterproductive, but has it’s merits especially when it comes time to purchase gauges. While driving, do you really have the time and wherewithal to monitor a whole slew of dials? It’s a lesson learned from racing. Drivers cannot be trusted to accurately read or monitor a gauge. Give ‘em a bright light and they’ll take notice. Naturally you’d keep the essential speedo and fuel level, maybe a tach and oil pressure gauges.

Perhaps in conjunction with the previous idea, how about a symmetrical dashboard? Both sides would have a glovebox door, but only the right side would be for storage. The left side (in front of the driver) would fold down, hinged at the bottom, to reveal a panel of gauges mounted on the backside of the door. Speedo would be in the center flanked by fuel level and oil pressure gauges along with a few idiot lights (a la Mini Cooper –the original one).

-Will
--
854 - 244 - Mini