Land Rover presents new Defender concept at New Delhi Auto Expo
Land Rover Defender 100 concept at New Delhi motor show
By Bob Hume, 06th January 2012
Land Rover has unveiled the Defender Concept 100 and Defender Concept 100 Sport at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2012. The now Indian-owned company says that the concepts "investigate the potential design direction for a replacement for the iconic Defender".
John Edwards from Land Rover commented: "Our ambition is to create an all new Defender for a global market that remains absolutely faithful to its original DNA: tough, versatile, durable and capable. At the same time, it will be developed for the 21st century and adaptable for the needs of future generations."
Since their first unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011, the concepts have continued to develop and now have off-road 20-inch alloy wheels with Cooper all-terrain tyres and Firenze Red paint with a white roof. Short overhangs, an upright windscreen and a very familiar front end, all nod towards the original design.
Land Rover Defender 100 concept at New Delhi motor show
Land Rover says that the Concept 100 Sport takes its design cues from early canvas-roofed Land Rovers with their fold-down windscreens. However, this is where the similarities seem to stop. The Defender and its ancestral line, which dates back to 1958, were renowned for possessing simple but effective engineering.
Both concepts have been given a host of off-road drivers' aids: Terrain Response system which adjusts the drivetrain and suspension for prevailing conditions without driver input, whilst Terrain-i creates an virtual map of the terrain in front of the car and displays it in 3D and identifies potential hazards. On the road, the same system is said to be able to identify pedestrians and potential obstacles.
A new Wade Aid system utilises sonar sensors mounted in the bumpers and wing mirrors to measure water depth, closing body vents, raising the ride height, selecting a low gear and advising the safest speed. Also fitted to both cars, is a Stop/Start system and a Driveline Disconnect system, which sends power to the front-axle unless conditions demand all-wheel drive.
