Aside from the sleek body designs and supercharged engines, part of the appeal of a sports car is feeling close to the ground, hurtling along with such close proximity to the roads as to feel a tangible connection to the street or circuit beneath you. But as Jaguar Land Rover's Transparent Bonnet concept shows, augmented reality could bring us closer to the tarmac than ever before.


It describes the potential for a car with cameras embedded within the front grille, which would connect to a heads-up display in the windshield to give drivers a view of the road immediately below their car's bonnet. It would be particularly useful for a driver tackling a steep incline or confined parking space by giving the person behind the steering wheel a view of the angle and position of the front wheels, as well as any obstacles that may be causing issues beneath the vehicle.

"We believe the next 25 years will be the most exciting and dynamic the automotive industry has ever experienced. There will be huge strides in environmental innovation, in safety and capability," said Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology for Jaguar Land Rover.


"As our vehicles become more capable and autonomous off-road, we will ensure the driver has the confidence to allow the car to continue to progress, over any terrain."

The Transparent Bonnet concept will feature as part of Jaguar Land Rover's Discovery Vision Concept Car, being showcased at the New York International Auto Show from April the 16th.


Gizmodo UK is gobbling up the news in a different timezone—so check them out if you need another Giz fix.