Modernising a classic 1990s Japanese performance car like the Nissan Skyline R32 means balancing modern digital hardware with the factory interior, dashboard gauges and trim.
This project started with a customer in Japan who wanted to modernise the interior of his R32 by fitting an iPad into the dashboard. The main reason was simple: having Google Maps and navigation available on a large, full-screen display makes a big difference when driving through Japan, where the roads, highways and interchanges can be quite complicated.
The idea was to have the iPad properly integrated into the dashboard rather than simply adding a tablet mount or brackets onto the existing interior.
So we designed a custom iPad dashboard bezel for the Nissan Skyline R32. The design is compatible across the different R32 chassis variants and integrates cleanly into the center stack while retaining the factory-style interior texture.
3D Scanning & Target Mapping
To reverse engineer the center console bezel and all mounting locations of the R32 dashboard, we started by creating a dedicated target map.
Stick-on optical targets were applied across the dashboard assembly and factory trim panels before carrying out the main 3D scan.
3D scan of the Nissan Skyline R32 center dash console showing the climate control and radio mounting areas.
The targets give the scanner fixed reference points to work from. This allows us to scan separate components and bring them back together in exactly the same position later.
This is particularly useful when working with an interior like the R32 dashboard, where multiple trim panels, mounting points, screw locations and clips all need to line up correctly.
Rather than working from photographs or taking measurements which in this case would be extremely difficult and take much longer, we could use the actual 3D scan of the bezel as the starting point for the new design.
3D Modelling, Reverse Engineering & iPad Integration
Once the 3D scan mesh data was aligned, we imported the 3D mesh into Autodesk Inventor and started building the new bezel around the original bezel 3D scan.
The bezel was designed as a blank to begin with, which means we can adapt it to any tablet later if requested, and then specifically around the Apple iPad Air 11-inch M2 (Model A2902). We used the official dimensions from Apple's website to build the iPad opening and establish the required clearances around the tablet and buttons.
The 3D model of the new bezel overlaid against the original 3D scan data to check the shape and fit.
Key 3D Modelling Features
Button and connector clearance: The bezel includes clearance around the iPad's power button, volume controls and lower USB-C connector. This allows the iPad to be installed and removed cleanly.
Additional upper mounting points: We didn't want to rely only on the original factory hook tabs to hold the top of the bezel in position. So we added two additional mounting points that secure directly into the factory air conditioning controller screw locations.
This gives the top of the bezel a much more secure mounting point and prevents it from moving when pressure is applied to the top of the bezel.
3D Scan vs. 3D Model Verification: Since the 3D scan is always active behind the 3D model, we can actively compare the new 3D model against the original 3D scan data during modelling. This allows us to check that the shape of the new bezel matches the physical bezel within approximately 0.1 to 0.2 mm.
Material and production: The bezel is resin 3D printed using a high-strength ABS-like material suitable for automotive interior applications.
The parts are currently supplied in a raw, unpainted finish.
OEM Texture Matching with Carbon Design Engine
Getting the shape of the bezel right was only part of the job. We also wanted the finished part to look like it belonged in the R32 interior.
A smooth 3D printed surface would immediately make the bezel look like an aftermarket component, even if the shape and fit were perfect. The original R32 interior has its own texture, so we wanted to reproduce that on the new part.
To do this, we exported the completed model from Autodesk Inventor as an STL file and imported it into Carbon Design Engine.
From there, we applied a high-resolution, factory-matching leather texture directly to the surface of the part.
High-definition close-up showing the textured surface applied to the 3D printed bezel.
The result is a textured surface rather than the smooth finish you would normally associate with a 3D printed component.
The bezels are currently supplied with the texture applied but unpainted.
In the future, we would like to look into correctly colour-matching the interior pieces and having them painted before delivery. At the moment, this is out of scope because we don't have a reliable enough source to handle the colour matching and painting to the standard we would want to offer.
Customer Installation in Japan
The completed bezel was installed by a customer in Japan in his Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R.
Completed iPad bezel installation in a customer's Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R in Japan.
The customer is using a custom iPad dashboard display that keeps some of the look of the original R32 interior while giving access to modern features.
One of the main benefits is having full-screen GPS navigation available directly in the dashboard. For driving through Japan, where highways and interchanges can become quite complicated, having the entire iPad screen available for navigation gives the driver a much larger view of the road changes ahead and upcoming routes.
The iPad can also be used for other functions, including digital gauges and vehicle information, depending on how the customer chooses to configure it.
The iPad and bezel installation transforms the interior and gives the R32 a more modern feel without simply adding a tablet mount on top of the original dashboard.
For us, the goal was never to change the character of the R32 interior. It was to add modern functionality while keeping the new component as integrated into the original dashboard as possible.
Frequently asked questions
It fits all Nissan Skyline R32 chassis variants (GT-R, GTS-t, GTS, 2-door coupes, and 4-door sedans).
This specific bezel is designed to suit the Apple iPad Model A2902 (11-inch iPad Air M2). Dedicated dimensional pockets provide seamless fitment for the chassis, camera, buttons, and USB-C port.
No. The bezel is designed to utilize factory mounting points and climate control screw locations, making it a completely reversible, plug-and-play interior upgrade.
The part is resin 3D printed in an ABS-like high-temperature material for interior heat resistance. It is supplied raw/unpainted with a Carbon 3D factory leather texture pre-applied.
Yes, R33 and R34 interior trim bezels are currently in active development. You can subscribe to our blog newsletter to receive progress updates and release dates.
Yes, get in touch with us via email with the make and model of your device, Adaptation will be charged at an hourly rate of $90.