Would pay for a stock accelerometer (like Gtech) ?

I was reading in MotorTrend about the new Dodge Caliber SRT4s, and it mentioned that there is an option for "Reconfigurable Display" which records 0-60 time, 1/8 & 1/4 mi accel. and speed, braking dist., and G force.

If it was offered for under $500 on the 5th gen, I would most likely buy it.
Even though the most expensive Gtech is $300, it would be nice to have it integrated in the dash instead of running another device on my windshield. (the V1 will be up there for sure!)

What do you guys think? How much would you be willing to pay?

EDIT: Here is the Caliber SRT Option Group II

$1,185
Package includes >>

* Soft Tonneau Cover
* Automatically-Dimming Rearview Mirror
* Instrument Cluster w/Perf Data Display Screen
* 115-Volt Auxiliary Power Outlet
* Vehicle Information Center
* Security Alarm
* UConnect® Hands-Free Communication
* Universal Garage Door Opener
* Tire Pressure Monitoring Display

$500 option? I think that is just a touch on the expensive side by itself, unless it was included with a Driver Information Center upgrade for that price (or more)

For example:
http://www.chevrolet.com/pop/trailblazer/2008/dic_en.jsp
http://www.chevrolet.com/pop/corvette/2008/instrument_cluster_en.jsp

Or even as something included with an HUD option for that price.

Good point, I assumed that would be included as part of the driver info center. My bad. I'm not sure how much it costs as an option on the Caliber as they won't let you select the SRT version when you build one at the dodge website.

Jason or others, do you know if that driver info center is going to be an option for sure on the '10?

Yeah HUD would definitely be great!

I think it would be a cool addition.

I think it would be a cool add-on. But as mentioned, price will play a big part, especially considering the aftermarket support in that category.

price depending, this would be an awesome addition.

It'd be nice to add other things to the drivers display as well, my pick; a real-time fuel pressure monitor.

Air/Fuel would be cool too.

Is there any manufacturer out there that has a factory fuel pressure monitor or air/fuel meter in one of their vehicles? Most people don't know what they are or how to read them.

Not that I know of, and I wouldn't want everyone to pay for it, but it would nice to be an innovator instead of an imitator. Kind of like taking Dodge's gtec option idea.
If it's going to cost $500 and the data is already there, why not display it? It would also keep the magazines from ripping the "redundancy factor", in every article(and you know they will).

Originally Posted by JasonD:
Is there any manufacturer out there that has a factory fuel pressure monitor or air/fuel meter in one of their vehicles? Most people don't know what they are or how to read them.True, but we've recently established intensely, that this isn't going to be like any car out there...right?
(console gages, different DIC etc)

It would be a tough sell from a business aspect to the Chevy heads, as well as the customer. The pen (penetration) rate for something like that stand alone would be almost nil, and the value to the customer would be even lower. With aftermarket alternatives out there reasonably price, an OEM would not be able to develop something like that for the car where the cost/value/price would meet the market demand. While SOME enthusiests would like something like that, it would not translate into sales, and thus not translate into enough profit to justify development costs, tooling and supplier supply contracts.

Do you think the console gauges will all be printed on one board? Like most dashes.
Or would it be four separate pieces? So you could replace a couple if you wanted to.

I think there is one available in a certain Nissan GTR ready for immediate transplant.

http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/showthread.php?t=570120

Originally Posted by Fenster:
With aftermarket alternatives out there reasonably price, an OEM would not be able to develop something like that for the car where the cost/value/price would meet the market demand. While SOME enthusiests would like something like that, it would not translate into sales, and thus not translate into enough profit to justify development costs, tooling and supplier supply contracts.That's along the same lines as my original thinking of the "console gages"...but you can bet they'll make it.

How hard would it be to give people a choice as to which gages fill the console pods, or at least 2 of the 4...?...or even one?
Not hard....:)

No i dont want any feature like gtech or navigations that will be outdated in a couple of months in my camaro.

I don't see any value at all in a gtech like feature in a street car. Acceleration data would be skewed by road differences, and be useless data if not a part of a data log with more information for tuning anyway.

I mean really, what kind of boy racer is out doing 0-60 or 1/4 mile runs on a road he doesnt even know is level? And what's the point anyway, see how bad you can thrash your car to brag about your 0-60 time you got on a downhill road with a tail wind? I save my worst abuse for the track, and run a scan tool so if i go faster i know why.

No. For all the above reasons.

IWould pay for a stock accelerometer (like Gtech) ?


Nope.

I don't see any value at all in a gtech like feature in a street car. Acceleration data would be skewed by road differences, and be useless data if not a part of a data log with more information for tuning anyway.

I mean really, what kind of boy racer is out doing 0-60 or 1/4 mile runs on a road he doesnt even know is level? And what's the point anyway, see how bad you can thrash your car to brag about your 0-60 time you got on a downhill road with a tail wind? I save my worst abuse for the track, and run a scan tool so if i go faster i know why.

The only value I see would be knowing if a given mode really added anything without having to go to a track or dyno twice (just drive the same road before & after).

But no, I wouldn't buy it either.

i thought Gtech was a school that teaches you how to be a Gangsta........... :D

An accelerometer is available on Charger R/T's and Daytonas, and Standard on the Superbee. FYI, so I would really like one on my Camaro. Any gadget I can get, I want.