Land Rover confirmed that production of a new Defender is intended for 2015. Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world. It is a car that inspires people worldwide. This is not a production-ready concept but the beginning of a four-year journey to design a relevant Defender for the 21st century
2012 LAND ROVER DC100 CONCEPT
The Land Rover DC100 concept builds upon the essential elements of the car’s character and allows Land Rover to open the debate and inspire people to dream about the Defenders of the future. The company’s core product, the Defender, is due for replacement in 2015, but its archetypical appearance has historically evolved at a glacial rate. Land Rover’s boffins are taking a first stab at reinterpreting Britain’s Wrangler with the DC100 concept.
The concept is creative to be sure. Most important, the Defender’s classic boxy shape remains, as do the vertical door handles and the hood that sits higher than the flat-topped fenders. The vents on said fenders, are totally modern and a bit out of keeping with the Defender’s minimalist philosophy and the front clip blends old and new by placing classic round headlamps in a swept, contoured fascia.
The interiors have been developed to have a uniquely Land Rover feel. A sense of open space is created by the low centre console and the strong chamfers on the instrument panel elegantly integrating into the A-pillar structure. The design has an inherent flexibility for example the central instruments can be removed from the vehicle and used outside for continued ‘on foot’ navigation or to capture remote explorations on film, through inbuilt cameras.
The concepts are based on the same advanced mixed-alloy underpinnings with a 100-inch wheelbase and represent the flexibility of design and use inherent in this very capable platform. An eight-speed transmission with integrated Intelligent Stop/Start and a transfer case provides a wide spread of high and low ratios for on and off-road driving. Also showcased is the next generation of Land Rover’s world-leading, all-terrain technology. Building on the acclaimed Terrain Response system, these will work seamlessly together to reduce the workload on the driver by identifying potential hazards and advising on safe routes to avoid them. An advanced telematics programme unites the systems and allows vehicle to smartphone communication.
2012 JAGUAR XJ SPORT AND SPEED PACKS
2012 Jaguar XJ gets two new performance driven option packs Sports Pack and Speed Pack. The Sport Pack consists of exterior and interior design options to enhance the car’s personality. The Speed Pack, exclusive to supercharged models, raises the electronically limited top speed from 155 mph (250km/h) to 174 mph (280 km/h).
With the XJ, Jaguar has created an entirely new template for the luxury performance saloon. The XJ seamlessly blends sporting potential, dynamic driving abilities and luxurious appointments; a class-leading combination that has gathered plaudits worldwide. The Sport and Speed packs further unlock the performance potential of the XJ both aesthetically and dynamically.
The Sport Pack available throughout the XJ range comprises a number of exterior and interior design options that clearly underline the assertive side of the car’s personality. Externally the appearance of the XJ has been made even more dramatic with the addition of aerodynamically optimised changes to the bodywork and an alloy wheel design specific to the Sport Pack.
Reflecting the exterior styling changes and befitting its performance oriented remit, the XJ Sport Pack offers interior changes that give driver and passengers a heightened sense of occasion and an indication of the dynamic abilities available. The front seats are Jaguar’s Performance version, which offer superb support for spirited driving. Trimmed in softgrain leather these offer a huge range of adjustment including the enlarged side bolsters to create a perfectly tailored driving position. Active ventilation supplies heated or chilled air as required to each individual front seats. At the driver’s feet sit purposeful machined stainless steel pedals engraved with the Jaguar name.
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