Why? Tesla vehicles run a Linux based OS (iirc it's a derivative of Ubuntu) to do exactly that. We're not talking about engine management or anything real-time/

Why? Tesla vehicles run a Linux based OS (iirc it's a derivative of Ubuntu) to do exactly that. We're not talking about engine management or anything real-time/safety critical (I hope!), but things like controlling media playback or sending a request to whatever controls lighting to turn on the cabin lights when you press a button on the touchscreen are totally fine.