Wish List v2.0

[fruzzetti]

Ok guys... I know we've all shared our wish lists before, and we've all contributed to helping one another achieve our wish lists, but I think I have some really hard ones ready for you now. Are you up to the challenge? I fully believe we'd all appreciate the subtle changes I'm going to propose...

(2.1) The shifter's anti-accident delay is too long for me. I want to just smack the shifter around and have the car do as I say. Others, especially those of large stature, may wish to have their shifters be even less sensitive (to avoid accidentally shifting into B or especially N when they accidentally nick it). The car should have a way to adjust this property.

Originally Posted by (2.1.1)

Also, if I want to grenade the drivetrain, that's my prerogative. I should get whatever gear I ask for no matter what speed and direction I go; maybe this should have a substantial (500ms or so) delay so the car knows I will really mean it when I ask it to self-destruct.

(2.2) I want disc brakes all the way around.

(2.3) I want all four doors to sense hands. This should be attainable if the parts are mechanically interchangeable -- I'll just borrow all the signals from the passenger's side front door.

(2.4) I type on a Dvorak key layout. While most of you have homerows that look like "asdfghjkl;" mine looks like "aoeuidhtns" and since that's how my brain is now officially hardwired, I want the freedom to either select that key layout or customize the key layout (alpha and qwerty are insufficient for me).

Yeah, pretty much I want more control over what the car is doing; and even though I appreciate its intelligence and self-management, the user-friendliness is a bit too prohibitive to me.

Ideas? Contributions to the wish list? I think we should submit a 'consensus' to Toyota; they still listen to their users!

~ dan ~

[TonyPSchaefer]

I want one of those customizable MFD displays that someone here posted a link to. It was a video from a car show taken at an Auto Show. Several different screens and you could choose the gauges, dials, and indicators you want.

For me, I want a screen with engine temp, interior temp/exterior temp, RPM, and an indicator telling me why stealth mode is unavailable.

[fruzzetti]

I wholeheartedly agree, Tony; that's all on my Wish List v1.0. It's also tough to do, but completely possible using the CAN-view product.

~ dan ~

[JaviNOS]

Not bad! My wish list is similar..

• I want disc brakes all around too!!! Oh and I prefer hand brake over foot brake!
• Sense me @ every door too!!!
• Standard 16" or 17" lightweight wheels on all models... (darker maybe?)
• SUNROOF!
• Less aggressive traction control..
• All wheel drive... rears running on another electric motor...
• More horsepower (160 combined hp sounds nice) same MPG...

[fruzzetti]

I think the all-door entry can be accomplished easily. I'm going to set out to do it over the next year sometime.

As for sunroof, one user already has one. But it's flat; I am still looking for a polyglass laminate manufacturer willing to take on a totally custom job. Alas, to no avail thus far, but I am still trying.

If I find a manufacturer that will do it, would you guys be interested in a bulk run of sunroof glass? It would bring the cost down a lot and then anyone could install your sunroof...

~ dan ~

[pkscout]

I just want to get the nanny out of my car. I'm a big boy. If I want to dial the phone while I'm driving, I should be able to. If I'd like to get detailed track info, I should be able to.

[fruzzetti]

Nanny removal tool sold by Coastal E Tech. Great choice for exorcising ghouls and demons that try to hold your hand.

~ dan ~

[Vagabond]

DICE Silver kit.


Kidding!

Sunroof, a proper tach next to the speedo, fully automatic lights, HID fog lamps to they match the headlights, and DISC BRAKES.

[fruzzetti]

So I'm getting that we're all trending toward a couple of the same major options here:

(1) Sunroof

(2) Four wheel disc brakes

Both of these would be important to me to get. Can't find a place yet for the glass, and I hope someone else will start looking for a brake conversion or a shop that can put forth the R&D to make one.

That would be a great project; how does $3000 for a DIY disc brake conversion sound?

~ dan ~

[Vagabond]

Originally Posted by fruzzetti

So I'm getting that we're all trending toward a couple of the same major options here:

(1) Sunroof

(2) Four wheel disc brakes

Both of these would be important to me to get. Can't find a place yet for the glass, and I hope someone else will start looking for a brake conversion or a shop that can put forth the R&D to make one.

That would be a great project; how does $3000 for a DIY disc brake conversion sound?

~ dan ~

For that price, you sound like you would pricing out all 4 rotors. While I would love bigger fronts, I don't think it would work with the battery charging stuff.

If I'm ever at a junkyard and I pass a Echo, I'll just steal their rear discs.