‘Time’ is about the be called on the iconic Land Rover Defender, the all-new model due for launch in 2015 and to start the process, the British company unveiled two Defender concept vehicles at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The DC100 and DC100 Sport are just concepts at this stage. “These studies represent our thoughts on how we will forge and entirely new generation of Defender models which will prove that design can work in harmony with function,” revealed Land Rover design director, Jerry McGovern.
Sure there are cues to the original Land Rover Defenders (including three-abreast seating) but these will be new generation Defenders so they include such ‘new age’ ideas as 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities, permanent all-wheel-drive with an eight-speed transmission and transfer case, but the rear axle can be disconnected when not needed to drive as a two-wheel-drive for fuel savings, telematics and sustainable hi-tech materials from the Space Shuttle, luxury yachts and even private jets.
And – as a hint to how many Land Rover Defenders are used – Wade Aid (sonar technology to assess the depth of water crossings, a driver-activated spiked tyre system to deploy on snow and ice and even a waterproof key with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).
The DC100 concept is a direct replacement for the short wheelbase Land Rover Defender while the DC100 Sport goes one step further for rugged adventure seekers with its canvas roof and fold-down windscreen. Both run 22-inch alloy wheels and feature the three-abreast front seat but the Land Rover DC100 Sport runs leather seats in a Tribal Tech pattern.
Included in the front end of the Land Rover DC100 is a winch and the roof contains solar panels to power on-board systems. Land Rover is researching future paint technologies which are self-cleaning and bodywork technology which self-heals minor dents – the DC100 is painted in silver metallic while the DC100 Sport is finished in metallic amber (reflecting the ochre hues of Africa).
Inside the Land Rover DC100 features a waterproof removable touch-screen with in=built navigation and even a digital camera.
