Revised Defender concept hits LA 16 | 11 | 2011
LAND ROVER HAS taken the evolution of its new Defender DC100 concept — set to go on sale in Scotland in 2015 — a stage further by releasing a new, more rugged interpretation at the Los Angeles Motor Show today.
Its new 'go-anywhere' looks have been enhanced by the inclusion of optimised off-road 20in alloy wheels shod with Cooper all-terrain tyres. The new model also gets expedition accessories, including a raised air-intake 'snorkel' for wading and a roof rack.
On show alongside the open-topped DC100 Sport, Land Rover has made it clear it wants to return the new Defender to its roots and reconnect with the Third World.
A significant number of off-road technological aids have been fitted to both cars, aimed directly at reducing the workload on the driver.
Watch our video of the DC100 Concept in the LA desert
Land Rover’s Terrain Response system, which optimises the car for any conditions without driver pre-selection, has been fitted, as has a new Terrain-i system. This creates a map of the topography in front of the car, identifies potential hazards and suggests alternative routes.
And when it comes to wading through water, the concepts are fitted with Land Rover's new Wade Aid system. This uses sonar sensors mounted in the bumpers and wing mirrors to measure water depth and optimise the car for water crossings.
Both concepts also benefit from an intelligent twin-solenoid stop/start system mated to the latest eight-speed automatic gearbox and a ‘driveline disconnect’ system, which sends power to the front-axle only unless conditions demand all-wheel drive.
See more official images of the Land Rover DC100 Concept
Land Rover boss John Edwards is keen to emphasise the new 4x4 “must be capable, usable and abusable and appropriate for the Third World market.”
“Sometimes we talk too much about Californian surfer dudes and not enough about the Red Cross, Zambia or the Australian Outback,” Edwards explained.
“If we happen to be able to sell it in California as well, that’s nice, but that’s not the most important bit for us.”
Defender diehards though will be no doubt please to learn the current model is now set to continue being built until 2017.
Watch our video of the DC100 Sport on the LA beach
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Jim McGill