We've always been of the opinion that if it doesn't make you go faster, stick better or be safer, it's generally a waste of money. There have been exceptions, but this has to be one of the coolest.The idea is pretty self-explanatory: on top of the shift knob is an LCD that after telling it the number of gears and, we're assuming, the movement of the stalk, displays what cog your transmission is residing.
Unfortunately, our German is a bit rusty, so when we downloaded the Indy-Cator's directions, we weren't able to decipher how it's programmed. If you've got the means, we'd ask you to check out the company's website and let us know exactly how this little piece of automotive geeketry works.
According to TMTuning, installation is straightforward, the LCD has an auto-dimming feature and it can be yours in blue or red for $169.00. Worthwhile? That's in the hand of the beholder.
[Source: Gaslock.de via TMTuning]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Josh Schneider @ Apr 27th 2007 12:41PM
that is awesome!!! ill take the red one. would match a civic si's speedo. then again the si does have a nice shifter already. any way to get rid of the gaslock words on it though?
dutch @ Apr 27th 2007 12:45PM
Looks like there is a learning sequence (Anlern-
Prozedur = learning procedure).
I am guessing it has an accelerometer and that you have to shift a few times before it learns what gear is is where, mostly by reading the motion it takes to go into that gear
paul34 @ Apr 27th 2007 12:53PM
IMHO it is rather unnecessary and "noobish"
If you need this sort of thing, they make a transmission for you... its called a paddle-shifted automatic
brimg87 @ Apr 27th 2007 12:54PM
NO WAY!! I just had this idea of a shifter that would display the gear on the knob earlier this morning! What are the odds this would be posted the same day...
Mat @ Apr 27th 2007 1:05PM
Awesome, because I really need a bright led in the lower right corner of my eye to distract me from driving at night. :D
Leo @ Apr 27th 2007 1:09PM
Yeah, it's a learning procedure. You do it twice in a row. The first time on an uphill slant and the second time on a downhill one. It has a tilt sensor in it that senses what gear it's in.
Ken @ Apr 27th 2007 1:10PM
I had this same idea last year. Then, I thought no one will ever see the LED while you are driving, because your hand will cover it all the time. So, what's the point to have it if no one can see it. I prefer HUD display at the center lower part of the windshield, and display color/fonts/size can be adjusted by the driver, it's a much cooler idea.
Mike @ Apr 27th 2007 1:11PM
Wow... I've just been using the position of the shifter as an indicator of what gear. Silly me...
mike @ Apr 27th 2007 1:19PM
if you can't tell what gear you're in by the position of the lever, combined with your speed & RPM, then i really don't want you on the road with me.
Mikey Rocks @ Apr 27th 2007 1:22PM
Now that is exactly what i need can it beep when its ready too! :)
Alistair @ Apr 27th 2007 1:22PM
Seems utterly pointless. However, a gear indicator could be useful on a bike, where sometimes I get a bit confused. I've tried to upshift from sixth more than a few times. The GSXR1000 has one, but that's the only one I've heard about. Do cars with DSG or SMG type boxes have a gear indicator?
Carlos @ Apr 27th 2007 1:48PM
Seems utterly pointless... and yet so awesome.
I'd say it's more for the benefit of passengers than the driver. Maybe it'll help some passengers get a little more interested in learning stick.
Scotty @ Apr 27th 2007 1:56PM
Looks tacky and, like #3 said, noobish.
paul34 @ Apr 27th 2007 1:59PM
#7: Why would your hand be blocking the knob display? It's not like you would rest your hand on the shifter... or do you actually do that?!
josh @ Apr 27th 2007 2:02PM
"I'd say it's more for the benefit of passengers than the driver. Maybe it'll help some passengers get a little more interested in learning stick."
I agree completely, plus it looks pretty cool.
If only it was 1/2 the price I could justify the purchase...
NeoteriX @ Apr 27th 2007 2:03PM
I'm usually not one to go for gaudy-interior lighting type effects, but I think this is kind of neat :) Too bad it's not going to work on any car with a reverse lockout pull.
cajunking @ Apr 27th 2007 2:06PM
who cares if it's useful or not? The article already stated how it doesn't seem to do much... I doubt anyone considering to buy this would drop that kind of money on it because they "can't figure out what gear they're in."
It's just freakin cool.
Don @ Apr 27th 2007 2:42PM
Well, that'll go over well with all the ricer-boy, tuner kids.
JD @ Apr 27th 2007 3:15PM
#14: I rest my hand on the shift knob... you got a problem with that? :)
Anyways, I can't decide if this is cool or tacky. It certainly wouldn't have a place in my 944, but I could see it working in some cases.....
Oh wait. Those situations are all ricers. Never mind.
HolmWrecker @ Apr 27th 2007 4:05PM
Man, what people will waste money on that useless thing?? 170 dollars could by a killer upgrade part that actually does something.
My hand covers the knob and I ain't looking at the shifter to see what gear I'm in anyway, ever.
If a person needs to know what gear he/she is in, he/she should take the bus instead.