Discovery Vision Concept revealed by Land Rover
Next Disco concept shown pre-New York. With a spaceship, just for good measure
What was that about the reserved British?
So behind the concept, the scale model of SpaceShip2 and an old US aircraft carrier on the Hudson, what's the point? The official line is that it's bringing together 'two world leaders in adventure, innovation and exploration'. The Virgin Galactic team will use Land Rover products and the collaboration will also hope to inspire young people 'across the globe to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology'. No doubt more will follow from the alliance in the near future. But for nailing the LR brand message of exploration and adventure, this is surely ideal.
With the corporate side dealt with, what about the car? It may have 'Vision Concept' tagged on the end, but the first of the new Discovery models will surely look much like this when it goes on sale next year. There are clear Evoque and Range Rover influences in the details, incorporated into a familiar Discovery silhouette. A more athletic one, for sure, but recognisably still a Disco. Don't count on the suicide doors making production though.
And here's the car without the aircraft carrier
But the Discovery Vision hasn't quite lost sight of its roots yet. The light leather may look like standard glitzy motor show fare, but it's washable as well as water- and oil-repellent. And if the whole thing looks a little too modern right now, Land Rover proudly point out the bespoke accessories lined in Harris Tweed help to create a warm, uniquely British feeling of quality and craftsmanship.
The Discovery Vision concept is crammed with tech, way above and beyond anything Land Rover has offered before. Let's see what the kerbweight of the next Disco is like... Anyway, the claim is that the equipment 'not only honours Land Rover's ethos of all-terrain capability but takes it to a whole new dimension'. So then, notepads at the ready, here's a rundown of everything on offer.
Disco gets fit in its 20s
Should you wish to actually off-road independently, Laser Terrain Scanning uses infrared lasers to scan the ground and render a contour map in the instruments. This can work in conjunction with the All-Terrain Coach to create the best path and assist the driver in navigating it. Rumours of it shouting in an authoritarian PT voice are unconfirmed ...
Still with it? Then don't forget the latest Wade Aid system that measures the depth of water before entry. Which could come in handy, as well as being a brilliantly named piece of equipment. Laser Referencing projects markings onto the ground so there will be no excuse for poor parking...
And if the outside looked modern...
The Vision concept indicates just how far the Discovery has come in 25 years, evolving from a fairly rudimentary device into this tech laden leisure SUV. Expect further concepts and previews to feature at shows leading up to 2015, with new details on powertrains and prices. At least the technology is dealt with now!
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Really REALLY like this!
I prefer the D3 with it's unpainted flares and simple rear lights to the D4's take on them as well.
I'm a little disappointed with the grafted on generic front end though, I'd hoped LR would have kept the disco a little different still.
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