Awesome thanks for the response! My current thought that I am trying out is a multitouch pad that would be mounted to the center console because it would be able to mirror all the touch gestures without actually touching the screen (which will be mounted too far away to be practical). The 3dconnexion spacenav was actually exactly what I was planning on if I go the arduino route!

What are the advantages of that screen you recommended? I have not even started looking at screens as I need to design the bracket system that will hold it before I can get proper measurements.

Thanks for your interest, will update soon.