The fact that the clusters are like 1k Euro is not surprising at this point in time when stuff like this is relatively new. What is surprising is these guys have the nerve to charge more money for software updates after the fact!

Anyway just like those cheap China android HUs are all the rage these days, you can actually see "virtual cockpit" LCD clusters on AliExpress for different vehicles just the same. While I haven't seen anything for TT in particular, have seen stuff for Hondas, Toyotas, etc. on there. Those ones are still pricey but a bit cheaper and seem to run around $600-800 or so.

Personally I'm not too crazy about putting anything like this in my cars--would spend the money elsewhere before that--but I imagine in 3-4 years these things will be much more commonplace direct from sellers in China on Ali, etc. for $300 or around there. But that's just my guess and it would likely also depend on whether they catch on or not.

 

@ TT'sRevenge - Agreed! The price is way too high at the moment.

I would imagine if these guys don't drop the prices and make the software options a lot less expensive, some Chinese company will pick up on the idea and flood eBay, Amazon, or Alibaba as they have with other automotive electronics like reverse cameras, Xtron head units and VCDS OBD knock-offs. Especially since these displays are most likely already made in China and not in the NL.

While I'm quite happy keeping everything stock on my TT (with a few minor exceptions) this would be a welcome addition when it's closer to the 350-Euro price range.

 

They look cool, though I don't suppose they are as nice to use as the OEM versions. I do like the analogue dials as there is a certain quality to having physical things rather than screens everywhere, but what would be cool is something like a large screen, with real dials on the top. Then you could customise what they do, eg swap the speedo/rev counter, swap coolant temp for oil temp, etc. The needle spindle could come through a hole in the screen, like some smartphones do for the camera. I think I'm getting carried away here!

 

I still prefer physical needles but these look pretty fun!

I really need to get a shimmy on these but the spare unit i have been playing with is now going into an RS4 - i love getting to work on top of the line cars! so much fun.

 

Is that ColourMFA available for the 8j now? When I looked it was only 8n

 

Is that ColourMFA available for the 8j now? When I looked it was only 8n

I'm guessing it's "unoffical" or essentially beta status. If you go on their forums you'll find this thread where someone ventured to put it into an 8P A3 and someone who I imagine is the/one of the developers helped out with firmware:

http://colormfa.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?t=87

From there Ian (IPG3.6) looks like he also asked for some tweaks for an 8J (basically the same electronics as an 8P anyway) which I'm guessing he obliged and provided.

ColourMFA looks pretty nice but it definitely doesn't look like it's for the faint of heart to install, setup, etc. It's not like a plug/play thing as are PolarFIS or FIS-Control. Of course those don't change your existing B&W (or B&R) display to a cool higher-res colour one.

 

Correct. They sent me an TT8J firmware. The screen is actually installed "upside down" in the 8J and 8P housing to help make it fit and fill the recess correctly.

My aim is to have as much of a plug and play solution as possible but there is still going to be the fact that you cannot have two screens (OEM plus ColouMFA) within the one housing.

 

Maybe I am old school, but I actually prefer analog instruments on a sports car and I think the displays on the Mk 2 hit the spot with looks and essential information well communicated. Like the oversized grill and corporate straight lines of the Mk3, its digital dash is another feature that pushes me towards a Mk 2 RS if and when I have an opportunity to upgrade into another TT.

 

Looking through their website, I really don't understand why they are bothering to support the Honda S2000 since they haven't produced that car since 2009 and it already had an OEM digital instrument panel. Supporting premium cars like BMW makes sense but I would have thought the Audi Mk2 would have made logical sense since the Mk3 went digital. Engineering I understand, marketing, not so much!