Recently the concept for the Land Rover Discovery Vision was revealed in New York and this is going to become the template for the Discovery models of the future. The first of these should be launched next year. We have seen the design along with some features that are versatile along with being innovative and the boffins at Jaguar also included some nifty new technology.
The concept was revealed at the same time as the Virgin Galactic spacecraft at the USS Intrepid, Manhattan sea, air and space centre.
The Discovery is set to change from just a single model into a an SUV that will redefine the category and the concept gave us an indication as to what we can expect from Land Rover.
The managing director for JLR said ‘We announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March that the Discovery family is set to evolve. And it is apt that in the 25th anniversary year of the original Discovery that we preview how this evolution will take us forward into a daring new era. The Discovery Vision Concept gives us the first stunning glimpse into this hugely exciting future.’
There are many new design elements such as the roof that is stepped, the alpine lights and of course there is a lot of versatility. The car is practical as it can be reconfigured with seating that is moveable. The seats can be slid forwards and backwards and folded down, all from the touch screen. The owner can choose from a four, five, six or seven seat layout.
The tailgate is now one piece and the bench seat is foldable. The inside features premium leather along with wood veneer on the floor. There is also Harris tweed on accessories, to give people a reminder that this is British and the best.
Tech features include such as:
Next-gen Human-Machine Interface (HMI) which gives an immersive multimedia experience – video calls between passengers via the seatback infotainment systems. Smart Glass gives augmented reality to the glasshouse, and doors, headlights, indicators and seatback screens can be controlled by gestures.
Remote Control Drive allows drivers to stand outside the car and still control it – albeit at very low speeds. This is handy for coupling and uncoupling trailers, and extreme off-roading.
Visibility is enhanced whatever the weather with the powerful laser headlights, which can dip their beams and track objects to increase safety.
Laser referencing makes getting in and out of tight spaces easy as it projects markings and imagery onto the ground.
Along with this there is a transparent bonnet head up display so the driver gets a view of the road ahead. Cameras are located under the grilles and there is an integrated windscreen display.
Front fog lamps have laser terrain scanning which renders a contour map onto the display in HD. There is also a guidance system which charts a pathway for the driver.
The Jaguar Land Rover Director of Research and Technology said ‘As a true pioneer, Land Rover is committed to constantly pushing the boundaries to redefine what SÚV capability and versatility is all about. The Discovery Vision Concept shows the breadth of innovative, intelligent technologies being developed in order to offer our future customers unprecedented capability across any kind of terrain.’
