Land Rover has taken the wraps off its new Discovery Vision Concept SUV in New York, ahead of the model's public debut at the New York Motor Show later this week.
The Concept SUV gives an idea of what the next-generation Discovery range will look like. Until now, the Discovery badge has been fitted to just one model; however, by the middle of next year it will be a range name which applies to two all-new models. The first, which will be launched in early-2015, will be the replacement for the Freelander, while the second, the replacement for the existing Disco, will follow it later that year.
But what about the car? Well, the Discovery Vision is a luxurious seven-seat SUV, which while not previewing the new Disco directly, gives us a good idea of how the finished car will look. The big news, however, lies in the car's technology systems which should make the forthcoming Discovery one of the most technologically-advanced cars ever made.
Among the systems fitted to the concept are Land Rover's ingenious invisible bonnet technology, which lets the driver see what the front wheels are doing using a system of cameras and a head-up display. Gesture control is also fitted, which allows owners to operate everything from the doors to the gearshift lights and indicators by gestures alone.
The company' new Terrain Response system also uses lasers to scan the terrain ahead, improving the car's off road ability, while the Smart Glass system gives an 'augmented reality' experience for passengers, layering the windscreen, windows and even the roof with information and images as projections.
By far the most impressive new piece of kit, however, is the car's Remote Control Drive system, which, as the name suggests, allows drivers to control the car remotely via an iPhone or by using a detachable controller. Yes, just like James Bond in 'Tomorrow Never Dies.'
How much of this kit will actually find its way onto the production Disco remains to be seen.
Looks-wise, the Discovery Vision looks radically different to the current Discovery, owing more to the new Range Rover aesthetically. There are, however, a number of styling traits carried over from the old car including the car's signature stepped roof and offset rear number plate.
Inside, the Discovery's seats are highly configurable, with drivers able to control all five rear chairs through the car's touchscreen. The car can also be converted from its standard seven-seat layout to create a 'four seat limousine', again via the touchscreen menu.
Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director, 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."
More information on the new Discovery Vision Concept, and the models which it previews, will be released as the New York Motor Show gets underway.
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