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.

Maserati Shamal returns as a Ferrari-engined restomod

Only 33 examples of the MA-01 Maserati Biturbo Shamal will be made. The new restomod is powered by a Ferrari-designed 500hp turbocharged V6.

Drivers say large SUVs ‘unnecessary’ in towns and cities

A new survey has found many drivers in favour of tackling ‘carspreading’ through tougher taxes and higher parking charges for SUVs.

‘Five-minute rule’ for new parking guidelines

Changes will be made to the parking Code of Practice to prevent motorists being penalised if they struggle to pay on arrival.

Young Driver scheme could see nine-year-olds behind the wheel

Young Driver, the UK’s largest driver-training organisation for under 17s, has signed a deal to purchase a fleet of 170 new Suzuki Swifts.