The Land Rover DC100 and DC100 Sport concepts will make their American debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show today (16th November). For the event the concepts have been updated and Land Rover will gauge public reaction with a view to bringing the Defender back to the US market.

In outline the cars have not changed much since Frankfurt, but both concepts now ride on 20-inch wheels carrying all-terrain tyres. The DC100 sports a new 'Heritage Blue and Candy Weiss' paint job and 'expedition accessories' including a raised snorkel air intake and a roof rack.

The DC100 Sport is designed to capture the 'carefree spirit' of the early, open Land Rovers. Both versions feature the next generation of off-road technology. There is a Terrain-i system that generates and displays a 3D map of the topography in front of the car. Off-road the system detects hazards and suggests alternative routes while, in urban environments it can detect pedestrians in the road.

Wade Aid uses sonar sensors in the bumpers and wing mirrors to prepare the DC100 for crossing water. It can measure the water depth, close air vents, select a lower gear and suggest a safe speed.

An updated version of Land Rover's Terrain Response system is fitted. This is claimed to optimise the car for any conditions without the need for driver selection.

Land Rover has also incorporated energy saving technology into the DC100 concepts. A stop-start system is mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission. To reduce the drag of the four-wheel drive system the back axle only receives power when necessary. Called Driveline Disconnect it is claimed that drive can be engaged almost instantly when it is required.

John Lambert - 16 Nov 2011