Land Rover has revealed the Discovery Vision Concept, a study of a seven seater leisure SUV that anticipates the next generation Discovery and previews innovative solutions for future models.

The Discovery Vision Concept features a dynamic, new design language that steers away from the sharp-edged shapes of the Evoque, adopting softer surfaces which combined with the flush, minimal cutlines, lend a clean and modern look while maintaining the brand’s DNA.

The large 23-inch wheels contribute and the reduced overhangs contribute to the solid stance and a “compact look” that minimizes the size perception.

The traditional Discovery silhouette has been revised in a sportier, more aerodynamic and refined way.

Among the distinctive elements are the sleek headlights and the aerodynamic wing mirrors with embedded cameras, while a number of detail derive from the Discovery’s identity. among these are the body coloured C-pillar, the stepped roof flowing into the alpine lights and the distinctive asymmetrical graphic element on the rear number plate.

The trademark split tailgate has evolved into a highly flexible new tailgate design incorporating a social seat system in the vehicle’s loadspace area.

The gesture-controlled, electrically powered, single-piece tailgate is paired with an event platform, which electrically deploys from within the rear bumper, just above the rear undershield.

The interior features a versatile seven-seat arrangement that can be reconfigured automatically via the touch screen panel.

Among the innovative onboard technologies are the “Transparent Bonnet” augmented reality system, which displays a ‘see-through’ view of the terrain ahead, a Gesture Control system that allows to open the doors, operate the indicators or turn on the headlamps simply by moving the hand, and the Laser Referencing system, which projects visible markings, symbols and imagery onto the ground to aid low speed or tricky manoeuvres.

Gerry McGovern, Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, Land Rover, commented: “The Discovery Concept vehicle represents a Vision of our future family of leisure SUVs. Its modern, relevant and compelling design is a significant shift from Discovery as we know it, while well considered practicality, configurability and Land Rover’s capability seamlessly blend to create a highly desirable vehicle that connects on an emotional level.”

For the concept launch, Land Rover has announced a long-term global partnership with Virgin Galactic. The Discovery Concept was revealed in New York alongside the SpaceShipTwo, the world’s first commercial spaceship.

Check the full gallery or read more below.

From the official Press Release:

Exterior Design

With its optimised volume and proportions, dramatic silhouette and overall modernity inside and out, this concept is a radical departure from Discovery as we know it – and yet, its unique DNA is evident, with the stepped roof, command driving position and stadium seating all working in harmony to create a vehicle that acknowledges its roots, whilst firmly looking forward.

Though a full-size SUV, the Discovery Vision Concept looks remarkably compact. This has been achieved through a combination of well-considered design elements such as wrap-around headlamps and tail lamps and the short front and rear overhangs serving to reduce the visual length.

The headlamps utilise advanced laser technology to generate bright, far-reaching beams of light, paired with LED daytime running lights. Slim foglamps on either side of the prominent undershield are capable of emitting both infrared and coloured lasers, which assist in the Laser Terrain Scanning and Laser Referencing functions.

In profile, the Discovery Vision Concept’s raised beltline alludes to the levels of space available inside. The doors are operated by gesture control, and, with no need for handles, the resulting clean, beautifully crafted surfaces and the flush, tight gaps between their interfaces further impart a sense of modernity.

The slim, aerodynamic wing mirrors have embedded cameras, which augment the view of the driver through the windows, providing an extended field of vision while parking and reversing. Just below the doors, sill steps on either side automatically deploy to facilitate occupants’ entry and exit, with LED lighting to illuminate the ground being stepped onto.

The body coloured C-pillar, the stepped roof flowing into the alpine lights and the distinctive asymmetrical graphic element on the rear number plate also references its Discovery heritage.

The Discovery Concept takes a thoroughly modern view but also acknowledges the need to evolve specific Discovery elements such as the split tailgate which has evolved on the Discovery concept to a highly flexible new tailgate design incorporating a social seat system in the vehicle’s loadspace area.

The gesture-controlled, electrically powered, single-piece tailgate is paired with an event platform, which electrically deploys from within the rear bumper, just above the rear undershield. The Vision Concept has sleek horizontal tail lamps and vertical foglamps, and as at the front, the rear window also features hidden wipers, neatly concealed under the rear spoiler.

The concept car, which is painted in a Tribeca Grey finish, is fitted with bespoke 23-inch split-five-spoke Aero Viper alloy wheels with a bright silver turned finish.

Interior Design

The advanced interior is both spacious and versatile with a whole array of innovative features; this multi-lifestyle versatility is epitomized by highly reconfigurable seating.

By folding the seats flat or sliding them forward or back, via the touchscreen menu, the vehicle can be converted from its standard seven-seat layout to a six-seat, five-seat or even a four-seat ‘limousine’ mode. Detachable, carry-away stroller-style luggage is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle doors, while accessories cleverly integrated into the seatbacks offer high levels of convenience to the passengers seated behind.

A versatile evolution of the Discovery’s tailgate incorporates a powered, single-piece design; in conjunction with a deployable rear sill step and a folding bench seat in the loading area, it creates a flexible event platform with social seating for active lifestyles. On its own, the sill step can also be fitted with a bike/ski rack.

The theme of versatility continues with the materials used in the Discovery Vision Concept interior. The cabin is finished in two innovative types of washable and water- and oil-repellent Foglizzo premium leather that can be cleaned in seconds. Wood veneer on the floors and instrument panel and bespoke accessories lined in Harris Tweed help to create a warm, uniquely British feeling of quality and craftsmanship.

Technology

The Discovery Vision Concept offers a window into the advanced research projects which are underway at Jaguar Land Rover. They illustrate how future Land Rovers could evolve, and the direction of development of technology geared towards the needs of the customers of the future. These include:

Next-generation Human-Machine Interface (HMI) technology creates a rich and truly immersive multimedia experience for all occupants, including video calls between passengers through the seatback infotainment screens, Smart Glass bringing the power of augmented reality to the entire glasshouse, and various functions, including the doors, indicators, headlamps and seatback screens, operated by Gesture Control.

Remote Control Drive enables the driver to manoeuvre the car at very low speed while not actually seated inside it. Remote Control Drive has various useful applications both on- and off-road, from coupling a trailer, to external spotting during extreme off-roading.

Visibility is greatly enhanced in all conditions with the powerful, day-like light of the laser headlamps, which feature intelligent object tracking and beam-dipping to improve driver safety.

Navigating tight gaps is made easy with the visual assistance of Laser Referencing, which utilises visible lasers to project markings, symbols and imagery onto ground surfaces.

All-terrain technologies



Advanced technologies under development make their debut on the Discovery Vision Concept, taking SUV capability to the next level. Land Rover’s vision of next-generation Terrain Response is a system that can proactively utilise a variety of intelligent HMI and capability technologies, giving the driver the confidence to tackle virtually any terrain with ease.

The innovative Transparent Bonnet head-up display system offers an unimpeded view of the ground immediately ahead, greatly enhancing driver ability and confidence. Cameras fitted below the grille are paired with the Head-Up Display integrated into the windscreen. While traversing challenging terrain, the imagery can be projected onto the windscreen, so that it appears as if the vehicle’s bonnet is, in effect, transparent.

Laser Terrain Scanning utilises infrared lasers emitted from the front fog-lamps to continuously scan the terrain being traversed, and renders a contour map on the high-definition instrument cluster display. This mapping can be paired with the All-Terrain Coach guidance system to chart out a path and assist the driver in navigating it.

Lasers are also used by the next-generation Wade Aid sensory system to measure the depth of water even before the car enters it, and inform the driver of the feasibility of the intended wading manoeuvre.

All-Terrain Progress Control enables semi-autonomous off-road driving at a steady speed across varying terrain.

(Source: Land Rover)