Could this be the most trick shift knob ever?
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 2 of 3)
JD 3:15PM (4/27/2007)
#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.
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HolmWrecker 4:05PM (4/27/2007)
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.
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PENIX 4:08PM (4/27/2007)
When I get my Ferrari, I'm definitely installing one of these. I expect to make my purchase some time next century.
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http://www.antigamer.com
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ColdWater 4:19PM (4/27/2007)
This is extremely tacky.
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scab 4:20PM (4/27/2007)
hoon bait
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Ace25 4:26PM (4/27/2007)
Agreed with the above poster. Completely useless, my hand rests on the shifter, and I have NEVER had a need to look down to see what gear I am in in my Civic Si.. If I can't tell what gear I am in while driving a stick, I probably should be driving a stick to begin with.
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Rodger 4:32PM (4/27/2007)
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gaslock.de%2Findex.php%3Fsection%3D2%2C0&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools
Used google to translate the webpage from german to english. Enjoy!
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Matt 3:14AM (5/13/2007)
English version of the instructions - http://www.gaslock.de/download/anleitung.en.pdf
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Rodger 4:33PM (4/27/2007)
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gaslock.de%2Findex.php%3Fsection%3D2%2C0&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools Used google to translate the webpage from german to english. Enjoy!
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Rodger 4:33PM (4/27/2007)
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gaslock.de%2Findex.php%3Fsection%3D2%2C0&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools
Used google to translate the webpage from german to english. Enjoy!
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Ian 4:19AM (4/30/2007)
Um, yeah. Hopefully if you're familiar with driving a manual transmission you can tell what gear you're in without having to look down at the shifter???
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Tony Kanell 5:33PM (4/27/2007)
My german is a bit rusty, but here is a rough translation of the page:
" - Your RPM has a powerful influence on your fuel efficiency. The INDY-CATOR Helps drivers through corresponding methods to reduce the waste of fuel by 15%.
- The Indy Cator fits, regardless of make or model, up to 6 gears, (except with gear shift levers with reverse gear-orientation) and can be setup for all imaginable gear setups
- With an automatic light sensor, The Indy Cator automatically adjusts the digital display to optimal brightness and readabliity
The Indy Cator can be delivered in several variants and therefore fits any car's interior. The installation onto the vehicle's network board is "Child easy" just like the programming of the INDY Cator. Once you've driven with the indy cator, you will never want to drive with out one. Experience it for your self."
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Brian 5:35PM (4/27/2007)
Altavista's Babelfish Translator translates this site pretty well.... http://babelfish.altavista.com , plug in the URL, select "German to English" and go. Pretty slick!
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Barney 5:41PM (4/27/2007)
I drive standards and loathe automatics but don't drive with my hand on the gearshift all the time. This may be fine if the shift is different then the usual patern but useless once the driver adapts. Know your car and don't count on gadgets..
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Andrew 7:20PM (4/27/2007)
im a bit of a tech person, so i think its kinda cool =)
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Rocket Punch 6:18PM (4/27/2007)
Never seen a more stupid product in my life. Yeah, cause all drivers look at the shift knob whne they shift...LMFAO!!!
Whats next???? a gas pedal with speedometer???? LAMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Typesbad 6:40PM (4/27/2007)
I'd find this useful on 6-speed manuals I've driven 5-speeds as daily driver for 23 years and never had the slightest problem. But every time I drive a 6-speed I start to get a little vague on my 3rds & 5ths and 4ths & 6ths. It would come in handy on sequential shift models as well.
Agreeing with vfr_ny, though this would only be useful if the display was in the instrument panel.
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Dustin 3:58AM (4/28/2007)
*sigh* I have to say it. Of course, the first comment is a civic-boy pitching tent over it.
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Jason 5:16AM (4/28/2007)
Uhhhhh... shouldn't eyes be on the road and not looking down? There should be a law for this. Second, Audi has had this feature since 2005.5 On the dash (where it should be) for Tiptronic models, it tells you what number gear you are in.
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zm 3:23PM (4/28/2007)
if you have to look at your gearshift to know what gear you're in, you need to spend more time learning your car's sounds & feel. not to mention, having to take your eyes off the road...
then again, there's lots of money to be made out there selling to wannabe racers.
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