The DC100 and DC100 Sport Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show

• DC100 and DC100 Sport revealed at Frankfurt Motor Show: demonstrating the dependability and versatility of the go-anywhere Defender
• New Defender intended for 2015: concept vehicles demonstrate future direction of the iconic model
• Technology and sustainability: key features demonstrated on both models

Land Rover has unveiled two new concepts for the Land Rover Defender, the iconic go-anywhere vehicle. Named DC100 and DC100 Sport, the two concepts showcase the direction and thinking behind the ongoing development of the new Land Rover Defender, intended for production in 2015.

DC100 and DC100 Sport capture the flexibility, adaptability and configurability that have always been key attributes of Land Rover and continue in today's Defender.

DC100 demonstrates the future of Land Rover's capability and versatility; DC100 Sport is an active expression of freedom and leisure.

Both concepts are based on the same shared 100-inch wheelbase. They feature sustainable hi-tech materials and the latest technology to optimise fuel and operational efficiency at all times, in all modes and in all driving conditions.

DC100 and DC100 Sport include a variety of capability technologies including a Terrain-i scanning device to warn of obstacles when off-road, Wade Aid sonar technology to assess water depth and Land Rover Terrain Response System, which automatically optimises the car for any environment.

"The entire Land Rover team is excited about the opportunity, and the responsibility, of creating the replacement for the iconic Land Rover Defender.

"Loved the world over for its simple, honest and distinctive design, we are determined that the new Defender will be true to its heritage while meeting the requirements of a changing global market.

"We plan to engage with existing and potential customers to help us finalise the details of the new vehicle. One thing's for sure, it's going to be an exciting journey, and we can't wait to get going." John Edwards, Global Brand Director, Land Rover.

For more than six decades, Land Rover has been designing and building 4x4s that define capability, versatility and usability. Like no other vehicle, Defender inspires affection and loyalty the world over. It is the original reconfigurable vehicle, inspiring people to go beyond whether they are explorers, ecologists, UN aid workers or Red Cross medics.

From just two core platforms, Defenders have, over the years, been put to every task and reconfigured in every way, from fire engines to tracked exploration vehicles. The only limit to a Defender's ability is the imagination of its owners, one of the many reasons that an estimated three-quarters, of the nearly two million Defenders built, are still in regular use.

The two DC100 concepts will build on the essential elements of Defender's character and allow Land Rover to open the debate and inspire people to dream about the Defenders of the future.

At-A-Glance

• Two new concepts from Land Rover investigate the potential future design direction of the iconic Defender.
• The concepts capture the flexibility, adaptability and configurability that have always been key attributes of Land Rover and continue in today's Defender.
• DC100 demonstrates the future of Land Rover capability and versatility.
• DC100 Sport is an active expression of freedom and leisure.
• Both concepts are based on the same lightweight, mixed-alloy platform.
• Three-abreast 'social seating' is inspired by the very first Land Rovers.
• Cutting-edge, sustainable, hi-tech materials taken from aerospace industries.
• The Terrain-i scanning device warns the driver of obstacles when off-roading and can suggest alternative routes.
• Wade Aid uses sonar technology to assess water depth and advise the driver of optimum speed.
• Intelligent, next-generation, Land Rover Terrain Response system automatically optimises the car for any environment.
• Driver-activated spiked tyre system can be deployed at the touch of a button.
• Permanent four-wheel drive with an eight-speed transmission, Intelligent Stop/Start and a transfer case.
• Driveline Disconnect physically decouples the rear axle to save fuel when all-wheel drive is not required.
• 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Leisure key is a waterproof, lightweight alternative to the control fob.
• 'Always-on' connectivity and telematics allow for car-to-smartphone, car-to-car and car-to-base communication.
• Built-in induction charging stations throughout both concepts.
• Land Rover confirms its intention to launch a new Defender in 2015

Source: Land Rover Media Global
13 September 2011

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