The Los Angeles Auto Show saw two new Land Rover concept cars on display. Named the DC100 and DC100 Sport, they indicate the possible future design direction for the replacement of the aging current Defender model. Any future models would be packed with innovative technology and driver aids. But would a gadget laden Landy live up to standard of the long running current model.
The original Land Rover (series I) made its debut in 1948, and was originally envisaged as a rural/agricultural vehicle. But it has gone on to secure its self in history as one of the most capable off-road vehicles of all time. It has undergone relatively few alterations in appearance over more than 60 years, despite there being a series II and series III, and since 1983 known as the Defender. Whatever the conditions, wherever in the world, and whatever the mission, you will find the Defender.
Current Defender model has a long lineage of capable off-roader Land Rovers
It may be found taking medical supplies to remote villages in Botswana, or crossing rivers in Bolivia, or crossing an Arabian desert. It has carved a reputation as a highly capable, dependable, highly versatile and tough vehicle, with a can do spirit. It has found favour with many nations militaries, whether as a modified armoured snatch or a rugged terrain ambulance. The current defender has been available in a number of body types, 3 and 5-door, and there has also been a 6-wheeled version.
The Land Rover has become regarded as the grand-daddy of all other off-roaders, spawning two other Land Rover models and three Range Rover models. It is the core embodiment and essence of the brand, and a tough act to follow. More than three-quarters of all Defenders made are still doing regular duty. But production of the current Defender will finally end in 2014, and the baton must be handed to a new model (progeny).
DC100 and DC100 Sport concepts hint at design direction for next Defender
With this aim, Land Rover has been displaying two new LR concepts at this week’s 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Land Rover’s DC100 and DC100 Sport concepts investigate the potential design direction for the replacement for the iconic Defender. The company took these concepts to North America to gauge reaction and explore the possibility of bringing the Defender back to the US market.
John Edwards, LR’s Global Brand Director said: “The Defender has always been at the heart of the Land Rover Brand. Our ambition is to create an all new Defender for a global market that remains absolutely faithfully to its original DNA: tough, versatile, durable and capable. At the same time, it will be developed for the 21st century and adaptable for the needs of future generations”.
The two designs look unmistakably Land Rover. But do they look too over designed and like supersized Tonka toys; whereas the current Defender has a simpler, unfussy and utilitarian appearance. Perhaps LR need to tone down the styling a bit come a production model.
The DC100 supposedly reinvents the essential Defender design cues for the 21st century. It has trademark short overhangs to cope with extreme approach/ departure gradient terrain angles. The panels are vertical, with an upright windscreen and strong shoulder line aiding visibility and ease of positioning. The car also has the signature Defender ‘face’ with round lamps and prominent grille, incorporating a winch.
The DC100 Sport takes all the above key design cues and adds what LR call the ‘spirit of freedom and leisure’ first embodied by the early canvas-roofed Land Rovers with fold-down windscreens to create a concept bursting with what they are calling ‘California cool’ in America.
The Land Rover concept’s may perhaps look a little too style conscious, but unlike the current Defender (which is renowned for its simple dated mechanics and agricultural on road manners), they will possess on road civility and incorporate a wealth of innovative off-road technological aids that reduce the workload on the driver.
The use of LR’s acclaimed Terrain Response system will optimize the car for any conditions without driver pre-selection. In addition, a new Terrain-i system creates an intelligent map of the topography in front of the car and displays it as a 3D visualization. This system automatically identifies potential hazards and suggests alternative routes. In urban environments it will be able to identify pedestrians and hazards with great accuracy.
A new Wade Aid system utilizes sonar sensors mounted in the bumpers and wing mirrors to measure water depth. As with Terrain Response, Wade Aid will optimize the car for water crossings by closing body vents, raising the ride height, selecting a low gear and advising on the safest speed.
For economy and reduced environmental impact, future Defender replacements will employ an intelligent Stop/Start system mated to the latest eight-speed automatic gearbox. It will also use a unique Driveline Disconnect system, which sends power only to the front-axle, unless conditions demand all-wheel drive. Unlike conventional systems, this physically, rather than electronically, decouples the rear-axle to reduce friction losses (for better economy), but can reengage drive almost instantaneously when needed.
Although any new modern Land Rover for the 21st century would see a raft of new technological and innovative ideas. It’s important to note that the current Land Rover’s key to its success has been its low-tech simple but dependable nature. How dependable would the high-tech gadgets be in the long term as the years of faithful service role by in the deserts, mountains, rivers and the forests.
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