• Lexus builds the luxury auto world’s biggest multi-display screen and even goes high-def.

By Clark Heideger

It’s over a foot wide and nobody has ever made one this big for a premium car before.

We're talking about Lexus’ new 12.3-inch high-resolution multimedia display, which becomes available with the optional navigation system in the 2013 GS. To give you an idea of the screen’s size, picture an iPad 2 held horizontally, and then lengthen the iPad about three inches.

Functionally speaking, though, the screen’s industry first-breadth serves a purpose several of them, actually.



For starters, it allows for a higher resolution. Lexus’ best yet, which makes the screen’s content extremely sharp. It also allowed Lexus to introduce high-definition graphics that are much more advanced than what you’re used to seeing on a typical navigation display.

“The large 8-inch-wide screen that we introduced on the CT was as close to high definition as we could get,” says Charles Hubbard, senior dealer education administrator at Lexus College. “But this one goes even further,”

Additionally, the GS screen is wide enough to redefine how a driver interacts with multi-display functions, which is to say, it allows for more info to be shown at one time via a split-screen format.

In other words, picture your navigation screen on one side, taking up about eight inches as it normally does on a Lexus display screen, with other multi-display functionality on the other side, such as climate control and audio. With this setup, the driver and front passenger have a better, quicker view of more screen-operated functions.



Here’s another benefit: Many drivers would agree that it’s an axiom of life that the moment they most need the navigation will be the exact same moment the front passenger wants to access a different playlist on the iPod® or enter a different band on Pandora®. Now two screen views can co-exist in harmony, and for that matter, so can the driver and passenger.

If you’re a veteran Lexus GS owner, one of the first things you’ll notice when you test-drive the 2013 model (it arrives in February) is that the navigation screen has been relocated; it’s now positioned higher on the dash, making it easier to view.



The wider screen, of course, works in conjunction with the vehicle’s standard next-generation Remote Touch system, Lexus’ computer-mouse-style control device situated in the center console. The new version, among its other upgrades, allows the driver to control more functions, like climate, control, audio, and the optional navigation, without having to tap menu items in the display screen.

The higher screen positioning also looks good: the location is optimized for the driver, with an asymmetrical elegance that seems, at least to me, inspired by modern aviation design. Contributing to the aviation vibe are such additional touches as machined aluminum audio dials.

And realize this: For all that this new wide-screen provides, including the ability to simultaneously view navigation and adjust controls, you may just want it for the thrill it provides every morning when you get in and start the car.

“When you press the info button and fire this thing up, it just lights up across the dash. The wow-factor is huge,” says Hubbard.
“To me, a big thing about it is aesthetics; this is just a neat, neat looking screen.”
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Enjoy the good read..!!

~ Joe Z

 

good article, this is definitely a big wow on the 4gs. i am glad it touches the key about why the screen location. split screen is great as usual

 

this is definitely the coolest display screen in a car. i still dont like the thomas guide looking navigation. i like the navigation in infinitis.

 

I like it, nice/big and clear!..but forever missing you touch screen

 

Glad to see them promoting this worlds first. I find it blends well with the car and isn't too big at all. Great work Lexus

 

I've seen the opening animation/cinematics for the opening screen (like what is seen in the pic below):



And damn, the opening sequence is just TOO EPIC.

This is better than any Lexus that uses the current or previous display generation technology.

 

I concur regarding the Inifiniti's navigation especially with the bird's eye view it just looks so much better and they've had it for a few years so i dont understand whats holding Lexus back in implementing a much nicer system

 

Great job Lexus on another world's first. That's another to add to their list of world's first...

 

LOOKS GREATS, but I'm not a fan of the analog clock in the middle. Reminds me too much of Infiniti.

 

will this gen of nav have 3D rendering? if it doesnt, then it is still a step behind.

 

I'm wondering why they replaced the touchscreen too. I would love a retina style touchscreen on the GS. Is there an ergonomic benefit to this, or are they just copying the other brands?

 

the article stated the reasons pretty clearly already, this allows the screen to be put high, you can't do that with touch screen. not to mention this reduce the finger prints and also the sun glare

 

I simply love the interior of the new GS, I can't wait to check one out in person when they finally arrive at dealers. The new over-sized screen is well done. The only thing I don't like is the old style clock in the middle of the dash, but that is so minor.

 

The clock is awesome!

 

It's great and all but I'd rather have a 8-speed tranny. I usually turn the screen off when i drive anyway.