Back to the future: classic Jaguars and Land Rovers get touchscreen tech

Jaguar Land Rover is offering a miniaturised infotainment system for retro-fitment to your classic car

JLR classic infotainment

Jaguar Land Rover has announced a range of retro-styled infotainment systems for its classic models, following the lead of Porsche. It brings sat-nav and digital music to cars that were designed long before such technology existed. 

Jump in an E-type or Land Rover with the new infotainment fitted and you’ll be hard pressed to spot it straight away. Unless, of course, you’ve just been in an identical car without it. Needless to say, it’s not a simple case of plonking a Tesla-style tablet where the beautiful dashboard of a classic Jag used to be.

What is it and what do you get?

JLR classic infotainment

Nestled cleverly in existing dead space on the dashboard, the 3.5-inch high-definition touchscreen is minimally invasive, with analogue – and vintage-style – control knobs either side. It features DAB, FM and AM radio, plus Bluetooth connectivity, sat-nav and smartphone integration.

The system costs £1,200 and is available now. As for fitment, the JLR Classic Works in Warwickshire is the obvious go-to. However, if that’s a bit too far, selected retailers will be trained to fit it.

Is it wrong to fit modern tech to classic cars?

JLR classic infotainment

Much like an old country cottage, the rustic heart-over-head appeal of classic cars is often too much to ignore. When you get inside, though, the lack of modern accoutrements can turn the rose-tinted dream into a bit of a nightmare.

That’s not to say that you’d slather your lovely rustic property in solar panels (so to speak).The integration of modernity should be subtle and tasteful, and there’s an inherent appeal in clever, sympathetic installations. This JLR system is just that.

Purity and true-to-period presentation are all well and good when bragging in the pub. When it comes to one’s own usage, though, most would be hard pressed to turn down a few modern luxuries. We wouldn’t say no.

Read more:

Related Articles

Ethan Jupp
Ethan Jupp
I'm Content Editor at MR. Road trips music and movies are my vices. Perennially stuck between French hot hatches and Australian muscle cars.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Range Rover goes retro: Kingsley reveals Classic KSR restomod

Oxfordshire-based Kingsley Re-Engineered has modernised the original Range Rover without diluting its classic appeal.

Rolls-Royce reveals new Ghost Series II and sportier Black Badge

Described as the most advanced V12-powered Rolls-Royce to date, the Ghost Series II has updated styling and a revised interior.

Kia Pride EV is an electric restomod that keeps it real

Unveiled at the Sunday Scramble event at Bicester Heritage, the Kia Pride EV even retains its original manual gearbox.

Hyundai Inster electric city car to cost from £23,495

With a range of up to 229 miles, the funky new Hyundai Inster aims to capture a big slice of the small EV market.