Land Rover shocks us with DC100 Sport Concept

DC100 Sport Concept

Land Rover has revealed a second, ‘cool’ version of its DC100 Defender replacement concept at the Frankfurt motor show.

This second concept is aimed at demonstrating the image and design flexibility that it intends to build into the new model, which is due in 2015.

"The entire Land Rover team is excited about the opportunity, and the responsibility, of creating the replacement for the iconic Land Rover Defender. Loved the world over for its simple, honest and distinctive design, we are determined that the new Defender will be true to its heritage while meeting the requirements of a changing global market. We plan to engage with existing and potential customers to help us finalize the details of the new vehicle. One thing's for sure, it's going to be an exciting journey, and we can't wait to get going." John Edwards, Global Brand Director, Land Rover

Two new concepts from Land Rover investigate the future design possibilities of the iconic Defender. 

Cutting edge features of DC100 Sport:

• Three-across front seat is inspired by early Land Rover vehicles.
• Cutting-edge sustainable, hi-tech materials taken from luxury yachts, private jets and even spacecraft.
• The concepts capture the flexibility, adaptability and configurability that have always been key attributes of Land Rover and continue in today's Defender. 
• DC100 demonstrates the future of Land Rover capability and versatility.
• DC100 Sport is an active expression of freedom and adventure.
• The Terrain-i scanning device warns the driver of obstacles when off-roading and can suggest alternative routes. 
• "Wade Aid" uses sonar technology to assess water depth and advise the driver of optimum speed for water fording.
• Intelligent next-generation Land Rover Terrain Response® system automatically optimizes the vehicle for any surface or terrain.
• Driver-activated spiked tire system can be deployed at the touch of a button. 
• Future paint technologies will allow for self-cleaning and healing paint and bodywork.  
• Both concepts are based on the same lightweight, mixed-alloy platform. 
• Four-wheel drive with a transfer case.  
• Eight-speed automatic transmission 
• Intelligent Engine Start/Stop technology.
• Driveline Disconnect physically decouples the rear axle to save fuel when four-wheel drive is not required.
• 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Adventure key is a waterproof, lightweight alternative to the control fob.
• Always-on connectivity and telematics allow for vehicle-to-smartphone, vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-base communication.
• Built-in inductive charging stations throughout the concepts.

Land Rover confirms its global intention to launch a new Defender in 2015, with no current decision on whether or not the next generation Defender will come to the North American markets.

DC100 Sport Concept

Both concepts capture the adventurous, daring, and indomitable spirit of Land Rover. This spirit came to fruition in 1948 with the launch of the Land Rover Series 1, which swiftly earned a global reputation for capability and created the legend surrounding the Land Rover name.

Replacing an automotive icon is a tremendous challenge. These two concepts explore design possibilities that take the honest character and timeless simplicity of the Defender into the 21st Century.

DC100 Sport Concept

Design

As the names of the DC100 and DC100 Sport concepts suggest, their inspiration stems from iconic Land Rover models, and are intended to generate discussion about the future of one of the most recognized automotive designs in the world.

The shape and stance of the DC100 concept captures the inherent simplicity and confidence of the original Land Rover. The DC100 design undeniably demonstrates that it has the capability to embark on journeys to places few other vehicles dare tread.

The DC100 Sport captures the adventurous, into-the-wild ethos typified by the early Defender models. With canvas roofs and fold-down windshields, these vehicles allowed a total connection with the exciting landscapes they traversed. Reinterpreted for a new generation of adventurers, DC100 Sport features a streamlined, cut-down windshield and side windows

DC100 Sport Concept

Interior

Both concepts feature three across front seating for increased versatility. The middle seat lifts to reveal a secure stowage area, while the outboard passenger seat can be folded away to increase carrying capacity.
Both interiors feature rugged, durable and sustainable modern materials that offer comfort levels undreamt of by early Land Rover owners. Those chosen for the DC100 are the latest in high-tech, tough, fabrics that will survive a lifetime of the roughest treatment. In the DC100 Sport, the materials are more luxurious, featuring leather with a subtle Tribal Tech pattern, referencing a legacy of exploration.

DC100 Sport Concept

Technology

The concepts are based on an advanced mixed-alloy platform, and represent the flexibility of design and use inherent in this very capable platform. An eight-speed transmission and a transfer case provide a wide spread of high and low ratios for on and off-road driving.

Also showcased is the next generation of Land Rover all-terrain technology. Building on the acclaimed Terrain Response® system, these systems work seamlessly together to reduce the workload on the driver by identifying potential hazards and advising safer routes to avoid them. An advanced telematics program unites the systems and allows vehicle to smartphone communication.

DC100 Sport Concept

DC100 Sport Concept