Instrument of desire. in its vehicle instrumentation

Automotive Design & Production, Sept, 2004

The instrumentation in Aston Martin's DB9 makes use of Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display technology from Yazaki (www.yazaki-na.com). It's the first automotive OEM use of the technology, which is most commonly found in cell phones, digital cameras, and aftermarket car radios. OLED's benefits include:

* A high contrast ratio

* Low voltage and power consumption

* Operability in cold temperatures

* A 180[degrees] viewing angle

* Light, thin construction.

In addition, Aston Martin tapped Yazaki for a "Watch Dial" cluster face that gives the appearance of brushed metallic. The Aston Martin logo is embossed on foil that is bonded in the mold to the plastic that makes up the dial's face. Tick marks on the gauges are prismatic and have aluminum vacuum deposited on their surface. When lit, they sparkle. Finally, Yazaki created a tachometer needle that moves counterclockwise--it leaves more room for the central display--and a red warning symbol that illuminates when the redline is reached. That point varies based on mileage, ambient temperature, and engine temperature.