The Land Rover DC100 was originally unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. A number of variants to the DC100 have since been shown at different motor shows.
The DC100 showcases the direction and thinking behind the ongoing development of the new Land Rover Defender, intended for production in 2015.
However reaction to the DC100 concept has been so overwhelming that there is a possibility that Land Rover may consider using the DC100’s looks for a new entry model that could possibly slot in just below the Freelander.
The DC100 design was delivered by the Land Rover design team, led by Gerry McGovern, Director Of Design. According to McGovern “Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world; it is a car that inspires people worldwide. This isn’t a production-ready concept but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century.”
Well judging by reactions thus far they have landed on a brilliant concept.
The DC100 will include a variety of technologies including a Terrain-I scanning device, Wade Aid sonar, Terrain Response System, Intelligent Stop-Start Technology and Driveline Disconnect System.
The Terrain-i system creates an intelligent map of the topography in front of the car and displays it as a 3D visualisation. Terrain-i automatically identifies potential hazards and suggests alternative routes. In urban environments the same system is able to identify pedestrians and hazards with great accuracy.
A new Wade Aid system utilises sonar sensors mounted in the bumpers and wing mirrors to measure water depth. As with Terrain Response, Wade Aid will optimise the car for water crossings by closing body vents, raising the ride height, selecting a low gear and advising on the safest speed.
The Twin-Solenoid Stop/Start system mated to the latest eight-speed automatic gearbox, both have been designed with future hybridisation in mind. The unique Driveline Disconnect system sends power to the front-axle only unless conditions demand all-wheel drive. Unlike conventional systems, this physically, rather than electronically, decouples the rear-axle to reduce friction losses but can reengage drive almost instantaneously.
Source: autocar
