Acura Takes “Absolute” Position on Next-Gen Interiors

Honda Motor Co.’s upscale Acura unit is developing a next-generation interior that promises to improve the human-to-machine interface and optimize emerging connectivity, automated driving and electrification features.

Acura showcased the technologies in the Precision Cockpit concept it unveiled yesterday at the Los Angeles auto show. The carmaker describes the interior styling and technology concept as a near-production system that will be gradually implemented in future models.

The design includes a pair of 12.3-inch digital display screens—one for the instrument panel and an updated infotainment unit mounted high on the dashboard. The infotainment system uses an Android-based operating system controlled by a separate curved touchpad within easy reach on the center console.

Acura claims the touchscreen is the first in the industry to employ what it calls “absolute position mapping,” combining the benefits of a traditional touchscreen and toggle-based controllers found in other luxury cars.

Current touchscreens are intuitive and direct, Acura says, but typically must be placed out of the driver's natural line-of-sight. And the interaction between a toggle controller and the display can be indirect and clumsy, the carmaker notes.

Acura says its system combines the flexibility and usability of a touchscreen with the comfort and reduced driver distraction of a toggle dial. Each spot on the touchscreen is mapped to a specific function and location on the center display, so tapping the top left corner of the touchpad corresponds to the same place on the display.

Users can scroll through control functions at the outer edges of the the touchscreen. Favorites are located along the bottom.

The center display features two zones, which Acura says allows users to quickly switch between navigation, phone, audio and other settings. The colors and animations on the screens are tailored to one of four driver-selected driving modes.

When automated driving features are activated, the instrument cluster display uses a real-time 3D imaging system works with exterior sensors to display the relative positions of other cars and road objects—even those obscured from the driver’s vision. Artificial intelligence is used to show predicted pathways for each object. Vehicle-to-vehicle communications indicates the presence of other cars operating autonomously.

The concept's seats, steering wheel and drive mode dial were inspired by Honda's sporty NSX supercar. Brushed metal, natural wood, leather and alcantara finishes help create a premium look and feel.