iDrive is an in-car communications and entertainment system, used to control most secondary vehicle systems in late-model BMW cars. It was launched in 2001, first appearing in the E65 7 Series. The system unifies an array of functions under a single control architecture consisting of an LCD panel mounted in the dashboard and a control knob mounted on the center console. iDrive introduced the first multiplexed MOST Bus/Byteflight optical fiber data busses with very high bit rate in a production vehicle. These are used for high-speed applications such as controlling the television, DVD, or driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, infrared night vision or head-up display. iDrive allows the driver (and, in some models, front-seat passengers) to control the climate (air conditioner and heater), audio system (radio and CD player), navigation system, and the communication system. iDrive is also used in modern Rolls-Royce models, as Rolls-Royce is owned by BMW, and in the 2019 onwards Toyota Supra which is a collaboration between BMW and Toyota. BMW also owns the Mini brand, and a pared-down version of iDrive is available on those cars, branded as Connected. iDrive Generations iDrive (1st Gen) An early prototype iDrive (called the Intuitive Interaction Concept) was featured on the BMW Z9 concept in 1999. The production version debuted in September 2001 in the BMW 7 Series (E65) and was built on the VxWorks kernel while the Navigation computer used Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive; this can be seen when the system reboots or restarts after a software crash, displaying a "Windows CE" logo. The first generation of iDrive controllers in the 7 Series was equipped with only a rotary knob. The GPS computer ("NAV01", located in the trunk) was only capable of reading map CDs. In October 2003, a menu and a customizable button was added to the controller. The new GPS computer ("NAV02") was updated to read DVDs, featured a faster processor and the ability to display the map in bird's-eye view ("perspective"). In April 2005, the iDrive controller was changed again, the turn knob having a new leather top. The last hardware update of the GPS unit ("NAV03") got a faster processor again. The map display is antialiased. The 8.8" wide-screen display was updated, having a brighter screen and the ability to control a MP3 capable 6 CD-changer or a BMW iPod Interface. Possible options include a TV tuner, DVD changer, BMW Night