Imagine if you could have a full video-game-style heads-up display in your car. Every detail from speed, track layout, and other pertinent information could be displayed in real time without you needing to take your eyes off the road. Imagine if you could even have your Forza Motorsports->ke3733-style optimal racing line, complete with braking zone indication presented to you on your windshield in a form of augmented reality. Wouldn't that be amazing?

Well it appears that Jaguar->ke39 is working on bringing this exact technology to life.

More than the already amazing feats we discussed, Jaguar wants to push it so far as to offer a "ghost car" display so that when on a track you can focus on racing yourself or maybe even a friend's previous best time. It is the ultimate combination of video games->ke2888 and real life.

If that wasn't futuristic enough, Jaguar is working on a tracking technology->ke1701 that will control the system through gestures and eye movements so you never need to mess with button and switches. If properly implemented this form of input could be quicker, more accurate and less distracting than traditional tactile switches.

You can learn even more about what Jaguar has planned for this new system and see a video of it in action after the break.

Hit the Jump to find out more about Jaguar's new Virtual Windscreen.

What Else Does Jaguar Plan?

Apart from things like the racing lines and driver ghosts, Jaguar presents scenarios where on-track accidents, cautions and flag conditions could all be displayed.

Outside of racing applications, this new technology could be used to help provide hazard information, traffic alertst and many other items of important information to drivers on major roadways.

Jaguar also wants to use advanced technologies like this to replace the rearview mirrors with cameras and secondary displays. The major issue with a screen is that without proper depth, the human eye can't accurately judge distance. Jaguar is looking to get around this limitation by using a parallax barrier screen for glasses-free 3D. By giving the driver a more realistic 3D view of the rearview cameras, they can more accurately judge how far away the oncoming car is.

Why it Matters

This is the first major action by any automotive manufacturer to dramatically alter the level and type of information being presented to a driver. Considering that every basic system presented here by Jaguar has proven to be incredibly successful in video racing games and professional racing simulators for decades, I am amazed it has taken this long to begin implementing these features.

Not only would this be great for helping to teach new racers and weekend enthusiasts about racing lines and braking zones, but having a system like this in a professional racing car could help reduce the amount of manpower needed to run telemetry systems. Reduced manpower means reduced costs, and reduced costs mean that more manufacturers and teams may be able to afford to compete.

This type of futuristic thinking and advancement may be just what the world needs to push racing and enthusiast driving to the next level.