The future of off-roading is now. One thing that is genuinely impressive about the Land Rover brand at the moment is its steadfast intention to release production vehicles that are very closely linked to the concept.
Range Rover’s Evoque is the best example of that. And perhaps the best example from any manufacturer in recent times.
So, if the new Defender – known as DC100 – follows that trend, it’s going to be impressive judging by the jaw-dropping concept shown today at the Frankfurt Motor Show. As an added surprise, Land Rover also hit us with the incredible DC Sport concept as well. Just when we thought a new Defender couldn’t get any cooler.
Some news sources have described the first images of the DC100 as a boxy concept? Really? Should that surprise anyone? Have they not looked at a Defender of any age in the last 60 years?
In reality, the DC100 concept should not look any other way in my opinion. True to the heritage of the iconic off-roader, but also looking ahead to the future, the retro chic concept has hit the nail squarely on the head. Possibly the only thing we’ll question is the fitment of 22in wheels on such a hardcore off-roader.
Regardless of wheel size, there is no doubt at all that the DC100 is very much a Land Rover.
Land Rover has said the current Defender platform can be stretched out to last until 2015, when it will have to be replaced due to ergonomic, safety and emissions issues. So we might not see this concept hit the road before that. However, we might see it sometime before 2015 too given the demand that will ensue now that everyone has seen just how good it looks.
The vehicle we have seen at Frankfurt closely follows Land Rover’s commitment to its company design brief. That is one of functionality, sustainability, premium durability and desirability.
Gerry McGovern, Design Director at Land Rover, explains: “These could not be designs from any other company.”
“Defender became a global icon because of the integrity of both its design and engineering. In creating these concepts we took the functional design cues from the past and reinterpreted them for the 21st century,” he said.
Land Rover is going to keep the faithful involved too, ensuring the DC100 hits the right note with its intended fans.
“We plan to engage with existing and potential customers to help us finalise the details of the new vehicle,” says John Edwards, Global Brand Director for Land Rover.
“One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be an exciting journey and we can’t wait to get going.”
True to Land Rover’s relentless endeavour to be the best off road, the DC100 is packed with a range of high tech innovation designed to make off-roading safer and more accessible than ever. Both 100 and Sport concepts are based on a lightweight, mixed alloy platform, and there’s three abreast seating on offer, inspired by the very first Land Rover.
Cutting edge, sustainable, hi-tech materials have been used from aerospace industries. The Terrain-i scanning device warns the driver of obstacles when off-roading and can suggest alternative routes, and there’s a device called Wade Aid, which uses sonar technology to assess the water depth of a crossing and suggest optimum speed.
There’s also a new and more intelligent version of Land Rover’s renowned Terrain Response system, which transforms the drive on any surface.
The driving experience itself promises to be something special as well thanks to full time 4WD, the brilliant eight-speed ZF transmission, intelligent stop/start and a high/low range transfer case. Driveline disconnect physically detaches the rear axle when 4WD is not needed.
Land Rover is planning to offer a 2.0-litre engine in either petrol or diesel form with hybrid and plug-in capabilities. The Radio Frequency Identification Leisure key is waterproof and lightweight. ‘Always on’ connectivity and telematics allow for car-to-smartphone, car-to-car and car-to-base communication.
The DC100 even has solar panels fitted to the roof. These have a twofold purpose. Firstly, they power all the on-board systems for the vehicle, and secondly, they reflect all of the sun’s rays, thus keeping occupants inside the vehicle a lot cooler.
While the DC100 is a lot closer to the original Defender theme, the DC Sport is all about an active lifestyle, and topless summer cruising illustrating just how flexible this platform can be should Land Rover want to create a number of different options on the same base.
The DC100 hasn’t missed out on towing or load carrying capability either, with a flexible and durable interior load space. A development of the existing air suspension system that Land Rover already uses on D4 is employed to adjust ride height by up to 320mm for extreme approach and departure angles, axle articulation and ground clearance. This adjustable suspension will allow the DC100 to perform well on road and off, and when carrying or towing a heavy load.
Two of the more sci-fi cool elements of the DC100 are the Wade Aid and On Demand Spiked Tyres.
Land Rover has developed a sonar-based system for assessing water depth that allows the driver to make informed decisions as to whether to proceed into flooded areas.
The system utilises sensors mounted in the bumpers and wing mirrors. These are able to measure depth and by working in conjunction with inclinometers recognise whether the level is increasing or decreasing. All this information is displayed in an intuitive graphic on the central touch screen.
The system will also automatically optimise the concept for a water crossing by raising the ride height, closing body vents, selecting a lower gear to maintain engine revs and advising on the optimum speed for the depth of water, allowing a maximum wading depth of 750mm.
Further allowing the concepts to adjust to changing conditions is a driver-deployable spiked tyre system.
This is operated by an electro-mechanical system mounted within the tyre on the inside of the wheel; activation of the technology causes air to inflate a secondary air chamber, filling pods moulded into the tread of the tyre which contain the spikes.
The spikes rise just above the tread surface and fix into place for driving on packed snow and ice. When conditions have eased, the spikes can be retracted, meaning there’s no need to carry two sets of tyres or snow chains.
The DC100 concept could hint at the future of off road driving. While its environmental considerations and sustainability are right up at the top of the list, it also promises to be a powerhouse off-road, able to go just about anywhere.
If Land Rover can ensure the reality is as close to the concept as we hope, it’s exciting times ahead for the brand that redefined off road travel and single-handedly created the luxury SUV.
