>the dashboard could be just a double DIN slot and a heavy-duty, universal tablet mount with a 100W USB-C PD port. The car provides the power and the speakers and my phone provides the maps and music.

Legally mandated backup cameras make your idea DOA.

In fact, nearly everything terrible about cars in the last decade can be traced to regulations in some way.

Wondering why transmissions are insanely complicated and unreliable now? Manufacturers were forced to eek out an extra couple MPG due to continually tightening environmental regulations. Something has to give.

> In fact, nearly everything terrible about cars in the last decade can be traced to regulations in some way.

I think the reason we even need backup cameras now is that visibility is so poor on modern vehicles. I think that in turn is due to increasing the height of the bottom of the windows for better airbags. I’m sure it’s great in a crash, but visibility is also a safety concern.

Not all of it is regulations though, but lot of common complaints.

>Legally mandated backup cameras make your idea DOA.

Cheap cars without fancy entertainment systems put the backup camera screen in the rear-view mirror. You can get these kits for like $20 on aliexpress.