Head-Up Displays (HUDs) are hardly new technology; the first production HUD was available some decades ago in 1988 as an option on the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible Indy 500 Pace Car. Four years later, the technology would become standard on the Pontiac Bonneville SSEi.
Despite this, HUD technology is still relatively new to consumers, a seemingly newfangled, possibly superfluous system that still has yet to make its way into widespread use. But the HUD holds a lot of promise for reducing the amount of time the driver’s eyes are off the road, and therefore cutting down on accident rates.
Here is how General Motors is working to make its HUD feature more useful:
Simplified Screens
While the HUD is certainly capable of outright replacing a traditional gauge cluster, clutter is a concern for the design team. Therefore, the HUD is restricted in what information it will convey at any given time: navigation, audio information, a tachometer, or a speed readout can each be selected to occupy the HUD space.
Fine Lines and Fonts
Designers must skirt the line between a HUD that is too large and obtrusive, and one that is too small and illegible. That means using fine, yet discernible lines on every display, and so-called “grotesque” fonts – or those where each letter is immediately distinct. This enables them to minimize the HUD’s space on the windscreen, while not rendering the display difficult to read.
Easy-to-See Hues
GM’s modern HUDs use a full-color screen, meaning that designers have their options with regard to finding hues that are easily readable against any background. White is the brightest – and therefore, standard – shade for most displays, but the design team had to conduct testing to find a hue which would stand out against snow.
Simple Controls
Information shown by the HUD is redundant by nature, but that doesn’t mean that notifications are addressed separately from the primary displays. Dismissing or addressing a notification at one place in the information system does the same for any HUD notifications, and controls specific to the Head-Up Display tend to center on visual adjustments so that there is minimal finicking.
Comments
I was in a Canyon that has a thing at the front of the dash that looked like a small HUD. I have not seen it on an option list yet. I wonder if this is a early prototype I was in?
The Chevy had a place for it but no lens there.
I love HUD and really miss my last two Pontiacs with it.
That is the mini HUD that works with the safety package (forward collision alert). It flashes red if a collision is imminent.
Thanks. It appeared small and just did not look like the whole deal.
It will the first thing I shut off then.
Nice. Then you will be the first to crash it!
One the many fabulous and innovative technologies that GM pioneered that most people including GM haters never realize. Same with Night Vision, from the 2000 Deville, the first trip computer on the 78 Seville, the first air bag in 74 on the Tornado/Eldorado. And the list goes on and on.
Dan the problem is not being Innovative but the problem was always dropping the ball in marketing.
GM was normally first in so many areas but they failed to properly market an idea. Or the other issue was some new technology was put out before it was reliable. The cylinder shut down is common today but the 8-6-4 just was not sorted and hurt more than help their reputation.
Much of the mistakes of the past I believe are just that in the past as I see the new leadership more on one page and working together with a better understanding of both sides of the company in product and financial.
Well i agree the 8-6-4 helped erode Cadillac in the 80s even tthough it was only available one year. I think thier marketing of such items as Night Vision, the trip computer were very good. The problem was they were too far ahead of thier time and the public was not ready for it, plus they were expensive options. The trip computer was a 900 dollar option in 78. Plus the Cadillac demographic then would have no part of such out of this world technology and it went away within 2 years.
Many GM sedans had the HUD option available. My 1995 Buick Regal didn’t have it installed but it was an option, and the service manuals cover it.
I loved the HUD in my F-16 I can’t wait to get one in my Colorado
I live the HUD in my 2016 Camaro, but wondering if the HUD will be available in my crossover as well. I have the 20q5 Equinox now and likely will trade in for the 2017, or possible 2018 next fall or early winter. Will the 2017 and 18 both have HUD available on the LTZ models?
Gm needs to put HUD in all there pickups. What a great safety feature, for towing and general driving. Hope Chevy adds this to the list of firsts.
My ’16 Colorado has the heads-up display built into the dash which only displays a red near collision warning on the windshield. It’s not a fully functional heads up display because I didn’t order it that way.
Since it’s already in the dash, is there a way to make it fully active somehow?
I would have considered buying an Impala if they had a HUD option.
I own a 2012 Buick LaCrosse because of the HUD. I would probably buy an Impala if that were an option.