Aston Martin To Show A High-Tech Digital Rearview Mirror At CES

Aston Martin and Gentex will use CES to unveil a digital rearview mirror that shows video from three different cameras.

Designed for use in future models, the system is currently a prototype and has been installed in a DBS Superleggera.

Dubbed the hybrid camera monitoring system, the car has a roof-mounted camera and two side cameras which are “discretely housed” in the side mirrors. The feeds from these cameras are sent to a digital rearview mirror which provides drivers with an extensive look at their surroundings.

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While a handful of models have embraced digital side mirrors, the DBS Superleggera uses traditional side mirrors as well as cameras. Gentex’s Chief Technology Officer, Neil Boehm, suggested this is the way to go as “… a hybrid solution is the most practical and comprehensive because it’s engineered to meet automaker, driver, safety and global regulatory requirements.”

It’s hard to argue with this as the Audi e-tron has digital side mirrors in certain markets. However, in the United States, the model has to use traditional mirrors to meet safety regulations. Needless to say, this can add cost and complexity as two different designs are needed for one model.

Besides the ability to meet a wide variety of regulations, Gentex noted the use of conventional mirrors means you can always see what’s behind you – even if the cameras fail or are blocked by ice. The company also said the digital rearview mirror – known as a Full Display Mirror – can act as an LCD display or a standard auto-dimming rearview mirror.

In a statement, Aston Martin Chief Marketing Officer Simon Sproule said “As a global luxury brand, our vehicles combine benchmark beauty and quality with performance and driver-assistance features that evoke a sensory response. The goal of this development program with Gentex is to ultimately implement a unique CMS [camera monitoring system] solution that enriches the Aston Martin driving experience for our customers around the world.”

H/T to Roadshow