There was rather a lot of hype and not a great deal of substance in Land Rover's first teaser on the
Discovery Vision Concept
. Sure there was talk of "unrivalled capability" and "customer focused advanced technologies" but nothing more than that. All part of the ruse you see, as Land Rover has now introduced one of those new technologies. And it's pretty damn cool
Called Transparent Bonnet it, well, does what it says on the tin really. Using cameras in the grille that send data to a heads-up display, the bonnet effectively becomes see through with a view of the front wheels and the terrain. It has multiple uses too, helping a driver negotiate a tricky off-road incline or 'manoeuvring in a confined space' (for which we can probably substitute Waitrose car park or the prep school nursery).
JLR's Director of R&D Dr Wolfgang Epple said of the new tech: "As our vehicles become more capable and autonomous off-road, we will ensure the driver has the confidence to progress, over any terrain".
The Discovery Vision concept will be unveiled fully at New York on April 16. It promises to be built on 'emotive design, unrivalled capability (that phrase again) and ultimate versatility'. More news as it arrives.