GR Yaris (Gen 2) GR Yaris Mk2 (MY2024->)

I might be in the minority, but I’ve always preferred a rougher, louder, and more analog experience in a rally-inspired car - and I always will. One of the biggest perks of owning the MK1, for me, is the ability to easily delete the infotainment screen (RC-style) using an OEM part, which I still plan on doing once it arrives. In my experience, digital dashboards age quickly, and there’s no way to eliminate that obnoxiously useless space if you remove the nav screen on the MK2. It might not be a problem for most, but it's a big deal to me lol
In my opinion, the analog dash is already aged. The rally car themselves have digital. On the digital dash you have much more information, and maybe custom interface down the line via some software. 😅
 
There looks to be another test event on today in the Paris area for journalists and the WRC car has been showing off.

Maybe we will see more press reports after this.
 
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In my opinion, the analog dash is already aged.. 😅

The semi-digital dash on Gen1 was the worst of both worlds in my opinion. These 50-50 solutions feel cheap, there is not much data you can see at once. So I think the new dash is a big improvement. However he infotainment system on Toyotas is really vanilla looking, one of the worst in modern cars sadly, I didn't see Gen2 yet, but from pictures it's horrid. Thank god there is Android Auto to hide that :)
 
In my opinion, the analog dash is already aged. The rally car themselves have digital. On the digital dash you have much more information, and maybe custom interface down the line via some software. 😅

I get where you're coming from, but let’s be real - analog gauges have been around for decades and haven’t changed much. A GR Yaris gauge looks almost identical to an Audi RS4 gauge from 25 years ago. It’s a basic dial with some painted numbers - timeless and effective.

Now, digital screens? Those are a different story. They age like milk. Tech moves at lightning speed, and today’s cutting-edge display is tomorrow’s relic. Think about it: the iPhone 15 makes the iPhone 8 look like a prehistoric artifact. That’s exactly what it feels like when you’re stuck with a navigation system or infotainment in a car from just a few years ago - borderline unusable. No software update can save it because the hardware is outdated, and modern software wouldn’t even be compatible.

And let’s not forget, cars with analog gauges and no infotainment screens are generally more desirable in the long run by enthusiasts. There’s a reason behind that. Take the e9x M3 platform, for instance - cars with the so-called single hump configuration (a factory infotainment delete option) always fetch a much higher value. Why? Because the software and tech on that BMW screen were junk just a few years after release. And mind you, BMW is known for having some of the best infotainment systems out there, unlike Toyota.

So, while your analog gauge might not have flashy graphics, at least it won't turn into a digital dinosaur or a value-killer overnight.
 
I get where you're coming from, but let’s be real - analog gauges have been around for decades and haven’t changed much. A GR Yaris gauge looks almost identical to an Audi RS4 gauge from 25 years ago. It’s a basic dial with some painted numbers - timeless and effective.

Now, digital screens? Those are a different story. They age like milk. Tech moves at lightning speed, and today’s cutting-edge display is tomorrow’s relic. Think about it: the iPhone 15 makes the iPhone 8 look like a prehistoric artifact. That’s exactly what it feels like when you’re stuck with a navigation system or infotainment in a car from just a few years ago - borderline unusable. No software update can save it because the hardware is outdated, and modern software wouldn’t even be compatible.

And let’s not forget, cars with analog gauges and no infotainment screens are generally more desirable in the long run by enthusiasts. There’s a reason behind that. Take the e9x M3 platform, for instance - cars with the so-called single hump configuration (a factory infotainment delete option) always fetch a much higher value. Why? Because the software and tech on that BMW screen were junk just a few years after release. And mind you, BMW is known for having some of the best infotainment systems out there, unlike Toyota.

So, while your analog gauge might not have flashy graphics, at least it won't turn into a digital dinosaur or a value-killer overnight.
I agree with both of you.
The issue with the mk1 is that they tried to make it more modern or sporty with the small screen, but that is just not enough. It could be much better if they had spent more money/time in it. If it was just a little bigger and adjustable it would be the best of both worlds.

The infotainment/radio is just horrible, there is just nothing good about it 🤣
 
There has always been a lot of bullshit discussions about dashboards. An early 2000's interior also looks dated, and those were analog gauges.

I Remember the Massive discussion about Tesla not having a dashboard in front of the driver. Well, the BMW Z8 also doesn't have one, nobody complained back then...
 
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I get where you're coming from, but let’s be real - analog gauges have been around for decades and haven’t changed much. A GR Yaris gauge looks almost identical to an Audi RS4 gauge from 25 years ago. It’s a basic dial with some painted numbers - timeless and effective.

Now, digital screens? Those are a different story. They age like milk. Tech moves at lightning speed, and today’s cutting-edge display is tomorrow’s relic. Think about it: the iPhone 15 makes the iPhone 8 look like a prehistoric artifact. That’s exactly what it feels like when you’re stuck with a navigation system or infotainment in a car from just a few years ago - borderline unusable. No software update can save it because the hardware is outdated, and modern software wouldn’t even be compatible.

And let’s not forget, cars with analog gauges and no infotainment screens are generally more desirable in the long run by enthusiasts. There’s a reason behind that. Take the e9x M3 platform, for instance - cars with the so-called single hump configuration (a factory infotainment delete option) always fetch a much higher value. Why? Because the software and tech on that BMW screen were junk just a few years after release. And mind you, BMW is known for having some of the best infotainment systems out there, unlike Toyota.

So, while your analog gauge might not have flashy graphics, at least it won't turn into a digital dinosaur or a value-killer overnight.
Yes I see your point. I’m not trying to convince you.
Infotainment screens yes they usually suck bigtime, but digital gauges is like a iphone and analog ones are more like a nokia. Many people hated the iPhone for removing the buttons, but here we are.
If i wanted a 25 year old gauge, I would just buy a 25 year old car.
To each their own 🤓
 
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Also just look at the Audi tt interior. The digital gauges made it possible to remove the infotainment screen, which makes it one of the best interiors in the last decade...
 
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Also just look at the Audi tt interior. The digital gauges made it possible to remove the infotainment screen, which makes it one of the best interiors in the last decade...

I don’t disagree. In fact, I think that Audi’s approach with the TT, where they integrated the infotainment system into the digital gauge cluster, is, IMO, the best modern solution for incorporating infotainment into cars. It’s an absolutely brilliant concept - truly second to none. Every car manufacturer should take inspiration from Audi's design. The beauty of this system is that as the infotainment ages and inevitably starts to look outdated, it doesn't become an eyesore because it’s integrated with the gauges, which you’re naturally focusing on. The infotainment screen essentially disappears into the cluster. I recall seeing some Ferraris have implemented a similar approach, which speaks volumes about its effectiveness.

I’m not opposed to digital gauges, especially when they successfully emulate the classic look of analog ones. However, with the MK2, Toyota missed an opportunity. They should have followed Audi’s lead by integrating the infotainment into the digital cluster. The display is certainly large enough to accommodate both. Instead, they opted for a separate infotainment screen, which is likely already outdated in terms of graphics and layout. Even without seeing it in person, I bet that it sucks.
 
I don’t disagree. In fact, I think that Audi’s approach with the TT, where they integrated the infotainment system into the digital gauge cluster, is, IMO, the best modern solution for incorporating infotainment into cars. It’s an absolutely brilliant concept - truly second to none. Every car manufacturer should take inspiration from Audi's design. The beauty of this system is that as the infotainment ages and inevitably starts to look outdated, it doesn't become an eyesore because it’s integrated with the gauges, which you’re naturally focusing on. The infotainment screen essentially disappears into the cluster. I recall seeing some Ferraris have implemented a similar approach, which speaks volumes about its effectiveness.

I’m not opposed to digital gauges, especially when they successfully emulate the classic look of analog ones. However, with the MK2, Toyota missed an opportunity. They should have followed Audi’s lead by integrating the infotainment into the digital cluster. The display is certainly large enough to accommodate both. Instead, they opted for a separate infotainment screen, which is likely already outdated in terms of graphics and layout. Even without seeing it in person, I bet that it sucks.
I also don't get why not more manufacturers did this, as (I haven't used it in a TT) I guess it works just fine, and makes the interior looks so much better without that central screen. Porsche also has 1 screen in the dashboard which is used for almost all settings, If they added a HUD, they would also be able to remove the center screen.

We are now at a time where a car without a screen is impossible, there are thousands of options to choose from and you can't have buttons for everything. But imo the gauge cluster makes way more sense than the central screen.
 
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My understanding (from a brief chat with someone who works in this part of the industry) is that Toyota does a better job than most of keeping infotainment and car function separated, making it less likely that something going wrong (possibly as a result of malicious actions) on the infotainment end will cause functional problems with the car.

Having two separate displays may be part of that-- think about what things are adjusted from the infotainment screen vs the gauge cluster screen.
 
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My understanding (from a brief chat with someone who works in this part of the industry) is that Toyota does a better job than most of keeping infotainment and car function separated, making it less likely that something going wrong (possibly as a result of malicious actions) on the infotainment end will cause functional problems with the car.

Having two separate displays may be part of that-- think about what things are adjusted from the infotainment screen vs the gauge cluster screen.
Yeah.

I basically only need some controls to make the car function that don't necessarily need a screen, and the infotainment system is for me mostly a screen for my android auto/carplay. Mixing them all up is imho quite a mistake, one software bug and the car might stop functioning.

The completely other way to do it is to ditch all the seperate systems with 100s of individual chips that control individual functions and that need to talk to eacht other, and replace it with a central computer. This is what Tesla pioneered and some others following suit (mostly EVs) like Volvo. Legacy car makers are having massive issues with software and what is often forgotten is that this is because it is based of so many different hardware and software sub-suppliers, it just becomes a buggy mess.

In the end, probably the vast majority will end up with 'driving tablets' for the business of getting from A to B while being "entertained", and only a few will continue with all the buttons and stuff in driver's cars. Bit like people mostly take pictures with their buttonless phone nowdays, while only pros will haul around a button filled expensive system camera....
 
In my experience, digital dashboards age quickly

On paper, I prefer analogue gauges, but I don't think this
2024-toyota-gr-yaris.webp

(bigger: https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/lE6N2M/s1/2024-toyota-gr-yaris.jpg )

is going to age poorly because it's very simple and business-like, with no goofy graphics.

What'll become 'obsolete' or 'out-dated'? Higher resolution displays will become available? Would you really notice the difference?

This, on the other hand, aged poorly and quickly:
2021-Mercedes-Maybach-S-Class---Digital-Instrument-Cluster-238191-1920x1080.jpg

(bigger: https://wallpaper.caricos.com/2021-...gital-Instrument-Cluster-238191-1920x1080.jpg )