Bold new vision for the New Age of Discovery: Smarter, more
connected, more desirable and more capable
AT-A-GLANCE
- Discovery Vision Concept revealed ahead of New York Auto Show
2014.
- Showcases the modern design language of the future Discovery
family.
- Pioneering Jaguar Land Rover research technologies feature,
including smart glass, intelligent laser headlamps and gesture
control.
- Previews future Terrain Response system with Remote Control
Drive, Laser Terrain Scanning and Transparent Bonnet head-up
display.
- Highly versatile, with innovative fold-and-slide configurable
seating system for seven people, deployable event platform and
social bench.
SUMMARY
GAYDON, UK, 15 APRIL 2014: Land Rover today revealed its
Discovery Vision Concept SUV in New York. It is a vision of Land
Rover's future family of Discovery vehicles, the first model of
which is due in 2015. The concept car previews dynamic new design
language and an array of innovative versatility and capability
features, while also showcasing pioneering technologies from Jaguar
Land Rover's advanced research division. \\
The Discovery Vision Concept was unveiled alongside a scale
model of the Virgin Galactic spacecraft at a spectacular event
aboard the USS Intrepid – a sea, air
and space experience centre – in
Manhattan, a day ahead of the opening of the New York Auto Show
2014.
With the Discovery poised to transition from a single model to a
new family of vehicles which will redefine the leisure SUV
category, the Discovery Vision Concept offers an exciting preview
of Land Rover's vision for the range, and the modern, premium
design language of future models.
Phil Popham, Group Marketing Director, Jaguar Land
Rover, 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."
Designed for the future
The Discovery Vision Concept alludes to its unique lineage with
design elements such as the stepped roof and alpine lights. Far
greater attention than ever before has been given to creating
relevant versatility combined with compelling design. This is a
radical and sharply focused approach to embodying Land Rover's
vision of the ultimate leisure SUV.
Gerry McGovern, Design Director and Chief Creative
Officer, Land Rover, said:
"The Discovery Concept vehicle represents a Vision of our
future family of leisure SUVs. Its modern, relevant and compelling
design is a significant shift from Discovery as we know it, while
well considered practicality, configurability and Land Rover's
capability seamlessly blend to create a highly desirable vehicle
that connects on an emotional level."
The advanced interior is both spacious and versatile with a
whole array of innovative features; this multi-lifestyle
versatility is epitomized by highly reconfigurable seating.
By folding the seats flat or sliding them forward or back, via
the touchscreen menu, the vehicle can be converted from its
standard seven-seat layout to a six-seat, five-seat or even a
four-seat'limousine' mode. Detachable, carry-away stroller-style
luggage is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle doors, while
accessories cleverly integrated into the seatbacks offer high
levels of convenience to the passengers seated behind.
A versatile evolution of the Discovery's tailgate incorporates a
powered, single-piece design; in conjunction with a deployable rear
sill step and a folding bench seat in the loading area, it creates
a flexible event platform with social seating for active
lifestyles. On its own, the sill step can also be fitted with a
bike/ski rack.
The theme of versatility continues with the materials used in the
Discovery Vision Concept interior. The cabin is finished in two
innovative types of washable and water- and oil-repellent Foglizzo
premium leather that can be cleaned in seconds. Wood veneer on the
floors and instrument panel and bespoke accessories lined in Harris
Tweed help to create a warm, uniquely British feeling of quality
and craftsmanship.
Pushing the boundaries through technology
The Discovery Vision Concept offers a window into the advanced
research projects which are underway at Jaguar Land Rover. They
illustrate how future Land Rovers could evolve, and the direction
of development of technology geared towards the needs of the
customers of the future. These include:
- Next-generation Human-Machine Interface (HMI) technology
creates a rich and truly immersive multimedia experience for all
occupants, including video calls between passengers through the
seatback infotainment screens, Smart Glass bringing the power of
augmented reality to the entire glasshouse, and various functions,
including the doors, indicators, headlamps and seatback screens,
operated by Gesture Control.
- Remote Control Drive enables the driver to manoeuvre the car at
very low speed while not actually seated inside it. Remote Control
Drive has various useful applications both on- and off-road, from
coupling a trailer, to external spotting during extreme
off-roading.
- Visibility is greatly enhanced in all conditions with the
powerful, day-like light of the laser headlamps, which feature
intelligent object tracking and beam-dipping to improve driver
safety.
- Navigating tight gaps is made easy with the visual assistance
of Laser Referencing, which utilises visible lasers to project
markings, symbols and imagery onto ground surfaces.
Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology,
Jaguar Land Rover, said: "The Discovery Vision Concept
demonstrates where Jaguar Land Rover's pioneering technology and
great, modern design could take the SUV in future. It showcases the
innovative approach that continues our leadership of the off-road
segment. Smarter, more connected, more desirable and more capable
– the Land Rovers of tomorrow will be fully and
perfectly integrated into everyday life."
No terrain left unconquered
Advanced technologies under development make their debut on the
Discovery Vision Concept, taking SUV capability to the next level.
Land Rover's vision of next-generation Terrain Response is a system
that can proactively utilise a variety of intelligent HMI and
capability technologies, giving the driver the confidence to tackle
virtually any terrain with ease.
The innovative Transparent Bonnet head-up display system offers
an unimpeded view of the ground immediately ahead, greatly
enhancing driver ability and confidence. Cameras fitted below the
grille are paired with the Head-Up Display integrated into the
windscreen. While traversing challenging terrain, the imagery can
be projected onto the windscreen, so that it appears as if the
vehicle's bonnet is, in effect, transparent.
Laser Terrain Scanning utilises infrared lasers emitted from the
front fog-lamps to continuously scan the terrain being traversed,
and renders a contour map on the high-definition instrument cluster
display. This mapping can be paired with the All-Terrain Coach
guidance system to chart out a path and assist the driver in
navigating it.
Lasers are also used by the next-generation Wade Aid sensory
system to measure the depth of water even before the car enters it,
and inform the driver of the feasibility of the intended wading
manoeuvre.
All-Terrain Progress Control enables semi-autonomous off-road
driving at a steady speed across varying terrain.
Altogether, these technologies ensure that the Discovery Vision
Concept not only honours Land Rover's ethos of all-terrain
capability, but takes it to a whole new dimension.
Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology,
Jaguar Land Rover, said: "As a true pioneer, Land
Rover is committed to constantly pushing the boundaries to redefine
what SUV 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."
Follow the excitement as the story continues to unfold over the
next two weeks on Land Rover's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
pages and join the conversation using #ReadyToDiscover.
Land Rover Australia's social media links -
https://www.facebook.com/LandRoverAustralia
https://twitter.com/LandRoverAus
http://instagram.com/landroveraus#
Note to editors:
The New York International Motor Show opens its doors for Press
Day on Wednesday 16th April
Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s
that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range.
Defender, Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and
Range Rover Evoque each define the world's 4x4 sectors, with 80% of
this model range exported to over 170 countries.
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