How do you make a rear-view mirror more effective? By making it a "Full Display Mirror" system equipped with a camera.
Nissan did just that with its supercharged GT-R LM Nismo Le Mans racing car, replacing its rear window with a camera.
According to Digital Trends, the Japanese automaker collaborated with Gentex Corp. to design a "Full Display Mirror" system, using two exterior mirrors on the front fenders with a camera in the back to capture what's going on behind the race car as well.
The technology then integrates all footage into one convenient display for the driver. When you're reaching top-level speeds, zipping around a track, convenience is key. Nissan utilized its "Full Display Mirror" system at the recent 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
According to Digital Trends, the auto industry is about to see a wave of rear-view cameras, naming the 2016 Cadillac CT6 as an example. That car features a streaming-video rear-view mirror that captures footage from a rear-mounted HD camera. It helps give the driver extra visibility, while eliminating obstructions by alerting drivers to them.
In addition, the Tesla Model X, too, used cameras to replace side mirrors to improve the vehicle's overall speed.
All this being said, the auto industry could be a while from seeing cameras replacing mirrors altogether, as automakers might have to fight regulators in each state to accomplish that.
Perhaps a system like Nissan, in which cameras were used to bolster existing mirrors, is the best marriage between the two to keep regulators happy.
