Land Rover Discovery concept hints at 2016 LR4 replacement

Land Rover revealed the Discovery Vision concept at the 2014 New York Auto Show. The Concept gives us a glimpse of the new design philosophy to be followed for future Land Rover models.

The Discovery Concept looks much sportier, when compared to the more rugged designs of the current LR4. The split tailgate is gone and replaced with a single gate. The B-pillars have been eliminated and suicide doors have been installed for the 2+3+2 seating configuration. The second and third row can be folded down to create more luggage space, as well as be able to slide front and back.

The Discovery Vision Concept features the “Transparent Hood” head-up display system, allowing the driver to see what’s up ahead through the hood and engine bay. Various functions, including the doors, indicators, headlamps and seatback screens, can be operated by Gesture Recognition Control. Remote Control Drive enables the driver to maneuver the car at extremely low speeds while not actually seated inside via wireless control. Visibility is enhanced daylight illumination of the laser headlamps, which feature intelligent object tracking and beam-dipping to improve driver safety. Navigating tight maneuvers is made easier with visual assistance from Laser Referencing, which utilises visible lasers to project markings, symbols and imagery onto ground surfaces.

Apparently “Discovery” will become its own line of vehicles in the near future, with multiple variants, and the production version of this concept should be the most obvious replacement for the LR4. Expect it to debut next year as a 2016 model.