A bold new vision for the New Age of Discovery: A line of desirable and capable SUVs for the next generation
AT‑A‑GLANCE
- Discovery Vision Concept revealed ahead of the 2014 New York Auto Show
- Showcases a new design language for the future family of Discovery SUVs
- Pioneering Jaguar Land Rover research technologies will be featured, including smart glass displays, intelligent laser headlamps and gesture responsive controls
- Previews a future Terrain Response system with Remote Control Drive, Laser Terrain Scanning and Transparent Hood Heads‑up display*
- Highly versatile, with fold‑and‑slide configurable seating system for seven people, deployable event platform and social bench
(MAHWAH, N.J.) ‑ April 14, 2014 ‑ Today, Land Rover 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 Discovery Vision Concept previews a dynamic new design language and an array of innovative versatility and capability features, while also showcasing pioneering technologies from the Jaguar Land Rover advanced research division.
The Discovery Vision Concept was unveiled alongside a scale model of the Virgin Galactic spacecraft at a gala event aboard the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space museum in Manhattan. This event was held in advance of the 2014 New York Auto Show, where the concept vehicle will be debuted publicly.
The current Land Rover Discovery (sold as the LR4 in North America) is a stand‑alone model which will transform over time into a range of all‑new Discovery vehicles. This design future is represented by the Discovery Vision Concept, and will redefine Land Rover's approach to premium and capable SUVs.
Phil Popham, Group Marketing Director, Jaguar Land Rover, said, "We are on the verge of a new age of Discovery with modern new vehicles that will expand our business around the world. Here in New York we preview our vision of this daring new era of Discovery vehicles. The Discovery Vision Concept gives us the first stunning glimpse into this hugely exciting future."
Designed for the future
The Discovery Vision Concept recognizes the unique lineage of the Discovery nameplate, with unmistakable design elements such as the stepped roof and alpine windows. The Discovery Vision Concept represents the dawn of a new era, with a radical and sharply focused approach to embodying Land Rover's vision of the premium SUV. Optimized proportions, clean lines and a dynamic silhouette are combined with beautifully crafted, flush surfaces to create a desirable vehicle for the modern customer.
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 to a multitude of configurations. Detachable, carry‑away roller‑style luggage is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle doors, while accessories integrated into the seatbacks offer high levels of convenience to the passengers seated behind.
A versatile evolution of the Discovery signature tailgate incorporates a powered, single‑piece design. In conjunction with a deployable rear step and a folding bench seat in the luggage area, it creates a flexible event platform with social seating. 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 craftsmanship.
A showcase for new technologies
The Discovery Vision Concept offers a window into the advanced research projects which are underway at Jaguar Land Rover. They illustrate how future Land Rover vehicles could evolve, and the direction of development of technology geared toward the needs of the customers of the future.
These include:
- Next‑generation Human‑Machine Interface (HMI) technology creates an immersive multimedia experience for all occupants, Smart Glass can display information along the entire greenhouse
- Various functions, including the doors, indicators, headlamps and seatback screens, can be operated by Gesture Recognition Control
- Remote Control Drive enables the driver to maneuver the car at extremely low speeds while not actually seated inside via wireless control. 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 daylight illumination of the laser headlamps, which feature intelligent object tracking and beam‑dipping to improve driver safety
- Navigating tight maneuvers is made easier with visual assistance from Laser Referencing, which utilizes visible lasers to project markings, symbols and imagery onto ground surfaces.
Dr. Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research & 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 Rover vehicle 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 utilize a variety of intelligent HMI and capability technologies, giving the driver the confidence to tackle virtually any terrain with ease*.
The innovative "Transparent Hood" head‑up display system offers an unimpeded view of the ground immediately ahead, greatly increasing visibility*. Cameras fitted below the grille feed video to the Head‑Up Display integrated into the windshield. While traversing challenging terrain, the imagery can be projected onto the windshield, so that it appears as if the vehicle's hood is, in effect, transparent.
Laser Terrain Scanning utilizes 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 before the vehicle enters it, and inform the driver of the feasibility of the intended wading maneuver.
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 honors Land Rover's ethos of all‑terrain capability, but takes it to a whole new dimension.
Dr. Wolfgang Ziebart, Director of Engineering, 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.
Note to editors: The New York International Motor Show opens its doors for Press Day on Wednesday April 16 .
* These systems are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these systems will correct errors of judgment in driving. Please consult the owner's manual or your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for more details.
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About Land Rover
Land Rover, the British maker of Land Rover and Range Rover sport utility vehicles, is renowned for providing its clientele with some of the most luxurious and capable vehicles in the world. Every Land Rover vehicle is equally at home both on and off road, and in any setting; be it in the heart of the city, or traversing the countryside. Today's Land Rover lineup includes the legendary Defender, LR2 (Freelander 2), LR4 (Discovery 4), Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque. Land Rover designs, engineers, and manufactures their vehicles in the United Kingdom. Land Rover is fully engaged with sustainability initiatives and social concerns with continuous involvement in environmental and community programs. For more information visit the official Land Rover website at http://www.landroverusa.com.
About Jaguar Land Rover
• The United States is one of the leading global markets for both Jaguar and Land Rover
• Jaguar Land Rover employs 25,000 people and sells vehicles in 170 countries around the world
• Jaguar Land Rover has two state of the art engineering and design facilities and three advanced manufacturing plants in the UK
• Headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey in the United States, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC has offices across the USA
• Jaguar Land Rover is represented by more than 330 independently operated retail outletsin the USA