The Jaguar XJ: Illegal Entertainment?

Posted on: Nov 20th, 2010, by daenterpri

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The sleek and sophisticated all-new Jaguar XJ has created excitement in the automotive world not just because of its stylish makeover, but also its advanced technology entertainment system that includes the innovative Virtual Instrument dials and for a few more bucks, 1200-watt Bowers & Wilkins premium surround-sound system. Important information such as speed and engine revs, as well as fuel and temperature parameters can be viewed on its state-of-the-art 12.3-inch high definition screen, with warning messages to alert the driver if any critical levels are reached. You can also manage the new XJ’s many functions such as climate control, audio communications and navigation using its 8-inch touch-screen display. Along with these features, a CD/DVD player, HD radio, SIRIUS satellite radio receiver, a media hub that allows you to hook up your iPod, iPhone, laptop or Blackberry and a hard-disc-drive (HDD) system to load CDs for later listening are also included to complete the infotainment package. Impressive, right?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration prohibits any entertainment displays to be placed on the center console with the belief that these displays can distract the driver and thereby, cause traffic accidents. However, the idea of the dual-view infotainment display is that the passengers can keep themselves entertained by watching a movie for instance, while limiting the driver’s perspective to just important navigation system information.

Ian Callum, Jaguar’s director of design admits that it’s “technically illegal”, but because the whole point of the dual-view system is to keep the entertainment out of the driver’s view, they are complying with the spirit of the law. Do you think the NHTSA will accommodate the use of dual-view systems? As of date, there’s no news about it yet. But here’s to hoping they do and soon.