The work great until they dont. More weight and more stuff to go wrong, which it will eventually. What are the screens like when reflecting full direct sun wearing polarised sunglasses?
Jaguar and Range Rover were the first to fit a rear view camera facing backwards on the shark fin antenna on the roof. It displays in the centre rear view mirror only when reversing, and then the normal mirror returns, to give you an unobstructed view of the back of the car without the head restraints. That’s an ideal use for a camera over a mirror, but not on the wings.
The thing is, I don't think flashing emergency lights or high beams would be as noticeable in these screens. There is none of that real life reflection in your face that you get from a mirror. Granted you still have the rear view mirror, but some manufactures are starting to change that to a digital screen too. For those idiots that don't check their mirrors often enough, they may not notice an emergency vehicle until it's much closer.
Screens should cover the ugly triangle door trim where the base of the A pillar is. The option is too expensive probably because of the premium. The camera mirrors may be used to make the car wider with the mirrors folded, I think this would be the actual advantage because people want wide cars.
I love good technology when it serves a good function, but these just seem frivolous to me. Sure, they might lessen wind resistance and marginally improve range, but longer range cars are going to become more affordable and it's going to be a moot point. Even Teslas with all their frivolous tech have old fashioned mirrors, and they still have more range. Those virtual mirrors are a £1250 optional extra in the UK, but at that price, I don't think it's worth it. If you really want to put a camera somewhere, how about a fisheye camera on the front so you can see around blind junctions like Ford do. That will be very useful when electric cars become commonplace, because you won't be able to rely on hearing engine noise to judge whether its safe or not.
The concept is ridiculous indeed. There is no way,to deal with the glare. Pissed off clients,want money back. Canadian Tire has stick on mirrors,for 5 bucks, to stick on a 200k car. Lol!
