I love the look of the ZL1 Speedo and Tach but would perfer the numbers to read level rather than follow the clock until some are upside down.


So what are your thoughts? A style like the ZL1, or 2011 Camaro where the numbers follow the clock,

or would you perfer an instrament cluster with the numbers level.



I would perfer the look of the ZL1 Speedo and Tach but numbers level like in the LS7 Concept.

2012 ZL1 Preproduction




LS7 Concept




EDIT: JakeRobb's post made me realize both options suggest you would have to like the ZL1 instrament cluster style to vote. Although I do like the style, that was not my intention. I was trying to focus the poll on layout which could also apply to the 2011 Camaro SS.

 

I like the numbers level. Readability is paramount on the instrument cluster.

Interesting that your poll has no option for people who don't like either.

 

Well I intentionally wanted to limit it to the number orientation to seperate it from style. Like I said the style part of the ZL1 gauges I do like.

Your post piqued my interest tho.

How else could the numbers be laid out as in level or follow the flow of the clock like the 2011 and 2012? I suppose I could have included digital.

EDIT:

Oh I think I see what you're saying. I was so worried about the wording of the poll that I didnt realize both options suggested whoever participated in the polling liked the look of the ZL1 instrament cluster. Not my intention at all...

 

IMO, assuming we're talking about fixed gauges as opposed to something displayed on an LCD screen, this is the perfect instrument cluster:


If I had the moment-to-moment flexibility of an LCD screen that was simply rendering an image of analog gauges, I'd want it to look like that most of the time, but I'd have optimized modes for different types of driving/racing.

 

I've had vehicles with both. Following the arc of the clock sweep is "old school" and follows the retro theme more closely. (My 1951 Chevrolet Pickup was similar, as were most of the pre-1960 vehicles.) That said, I think level numerals is both modern and more user friendly.

But then, if and when I do purchase a 5th gen Camaro, it will be one with HUD, so I really don't care, which way the numbers go.

 

HUD is really cool, and I'd definitely get one, but I totally disagree with anyone who thinks that poor readability on the gauge cluster is excusable if you have HUD. It's the same with poor rear visibility + backup camera. I'd much rather see the problem solved at the root.

 

imo your not looking at the numbers when your trying to shift quickly. Your watching the redline or watching for the shift light if there is one. Also, at the speeds at which the numbers will be upside down theres no need for you to be looking at the speedo. I dont think it matters that much...

 

Oh I agree. I also don't buy the "retro" argument. After all, this car is supposed to be inspired by the 67-69 Camaros. Even back then, GM got it correctly. Case in point, 1969 Camaro speedo:





In their defense, the 67-68 speedo/tach did match the sweep of the arc, just like the 2010-11's... although the numbers were less retro.

 

If I were buying this car I would want all the numerals level. I hate how in both the mustang(Boss and GT500 excluded as they are level) and the camaro they are not . The retro looking cluster is all fine, but the numerals in both cars are just terrible. The ZL1 has better fonts though at least . It looks kinda stupid not level though. In that font the ZL1 uses, the numerals looks scattered at the begining of the sweep, then get all bunched up with the 3 digit numerals . Anything could change with this car, especially the interior, so maybe something different is already planned.

 

To me the level numbers look cleaner.
Remember for the most part you are not looking at the numbers but for a point on the gauge.
That is why analog is superior to digital (in a clock as well).
I'd prefer a "spek type" option where the color of the whole cluster changes as you get closer to the red-line.

 

Level and in 10mph increments, I can't stand how most cars these days jump 20 mph, it's hard to get a quick reading with just a glance when they are that spaced apart. The Corvette gauges are ideal to me with the tach almost centered.