2011 Land Rover Defender DC100 Sport Concept

(continued from above)

Replacing an automotive icon is a tremendous challenge. These two concepts explore design possibilities that take the honest character and timeless simplicity of the Defender into the 21st Century.

Exterior Design

Few vehicles in this world inspire feelings of loyalty and affection as a Land Rover Defender. Crucial to that appeal is the front-end design. The DC100 Sport and DC100 represent the latest evolution of the Defender 'face' that has retained its timeless appeal for 60 years.

With DC100 Sport, Land Rover has created a concept that occupies its own territory. It takes its cue from the early canvas-roofed Defender with a fold-down windshield that typifies the Land Rover spirit of adventure and exploration.

Reimagined as a performance concept for the 21st century, it features a wraparound aero screen and cut-down side windows for exhilarating open-air motoring. Flowing back from the seats is a twin-humped fastback roofline, which encloses a generous load bed that includes fittings designed to secure sports equipment and adventure gear.

The DC100 Sport is finished with a metallic amber paint that echoes the vibrant ochre hues found in Africa.

Interior

Functionality and usability are two key characteristics of Land Rover interiors - the position and logic of every control should be obvious the moment the driver enters. The form and function of the concepts are visually integrated in the interior layout. The door structure flows into the cabin and flows into an elegant beam running the width of the dash. The concepts recreate the three-across seating layout seen in the Defender.

This seating arrangement extends its versatility and creates a social setting within the vehicle. The passenger seat can be folded out of the way to increase carrying capacity. The middle seat conceals a large secure storage area. In front of the middle seat is a machined aluminum tray that contains induction charging technology to power electronic devices.

This innovative layout is particularly space-efficient, allowing for integrated storage areas both above and below the central beam, and for the gearlever to be mounted on the center console. This reduces the time the driver's hand is away from the wheel while changing gears, increasing control during off-road or high-speed driving.

Land Rover Defender DC100 Sport Concept: Review (2/2)