The High Tech New Defender Concept

Land Rover is working on a raft of sensational gadgets that could turn the next generation Defender into the most advanced 4x4 by far.

Features include tyres with ‘on demand’ spikes in them - as seen on James Bond’s Aston Martin Vanquish in the movie Die Another Day - plus a smart key that can be hidden in a wristband, watch or mobile phone.

A super-advanced version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response system will use similar cameras to those used in pedestrian detection systems to monitor the topography of the surface ahead of the car. Along with data from sensors in the body, wheels and suspension, the information will be fed into a probability matrix to automatically adjust the car’s settings or direct the driver over or around obstacles.

A ‘wade aid’ monitor is also being developed which will add information from sonar into the Terrain Response system when the car is moving through deep water. It could also be used to automatically shut off intakes that are in danger of water ingress.

As well as the spiked tyres, self-regulating tyres are also under development that will use pressure created by the tyres rolling to ensure they are inflated to the correct level at all times.

Telematics will also monitor the status of the car’s systems via a smart phone, and also be used to control climate settings remotely or track the vehicle if it is stolen.

The smart ‘Leisure Key’ will be impact and water resistant (up to 50m) and can also be assigned certain functions, either to limit the user to opening the car or to restrict performance.

As you’d expect, clever electronic systems like torque vectoring and driveline disconnect will ensure maximum, most efficient grip to all wheels at all times and are said to be less interventional than existing aids such as dynamic stability control.

The new Defender is expected to debut in 2015, but Land Rover’s Research and Advanced Engineering team expect that some of  the technology could be seen on other Land Rovers before then.