The OEM gauges look cool but these cars are in dire need of updated tech
We’ve had quite a few customers get in touch with us about Apple Carplay/Android Auto options for the R35. Unfortunately due to the massive amount of vehicle information that shows up on the original display, as well as the large control panel in the centre of the dash, standard head unit replacements weren’t an option. We had a couple of clients source a large Tesla-style screen replacement but we found them to be unreliable and compromise on the classic look and feel of the dash.
After around 8 months of research, testing and development, we’re thrilled to be able to offer a full head unit upgrade for these GTRs without affecting either the look of the dashboard or the factory feature set.
With some minor modification in the back-end, the Sony fits beautifully in the original screen location
The unit of choice was the Sony XAV-9000ES. This gives us a 7” HD touchscreen that fits perfectly where the original screen used to sit, and providing us with Apple Carplay and Android Auto funtionality, both wired and wirelessly.
In the back end, the OEM radio is still there and working (more on that later) but has been disconnected from the BOSE amplifier and steering wheel controls. Instead, the Sony outputs directly to the BOSE amp for the highest possible audio quality (out of a stock amp and speakers). The steering wheel controls work seamlessly on the Sony unit, which was a must-have given the high vibration environment of the GTR makes touchscreen control difficult.
The biggest problem to solve was the OEM info retention, which was accomplished using a system that converts the OEM display connection into a video signal that is compatible with the Sony camera inputs. Pressing a small push-button switch on the dash will trigger the Sony to switch over to the GTR menu, where all the OEM features are visible and controlled through the factory dash panel. Press it again and the unit switches back to the Sony display, while the GTR system continues to run in the background.
A few minor additions not shown here such as a flush mounted USB connection in the centre console and a hideaway microphone round out a completely factory finish installation.
While this may be more expensive than the Tesla-style units available online, in our workshop respecting the car is paramount. These cars (like so many) are really let down by their infotainment, and while some drivers might be fine with leaving the display on the gauges, modern tech like Apple Carplay has become a must-have. Not only that, this gives a fantastic bump in audio quality thanks to the High-Res audio built into the Sony unit, which could only be further improved by DSP and speaker upgrades.
For more information or a quote give us a call on 03 90787101 or use the contact us tab.