I usually find a lot of this concept tech to be over the top but for some reason I actually believe we could see something like this trickle down to the actual vehicles.  Land Rover’s really staying on top of their game and pushing the technology forward with more than just apps.  Full official PR at the bottom of the post.

In the image below, it almost looks like an odd reflection but that’s the live image of what’s happening literally under the hood.  Also, a look at a Land Rover HUD that we’re going hopefully soon in the Range Rover Sport.

LAND ROVER DEBUTS “SEE-THROUGH” VIRTUAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY IN DISCOVERY VISION CONCEPT

· Land Rover Concept vehicle features “Transparent Hood” virtual imaging technology which is designed as an aid in off-road driving and tight spaces

· Using camera images projected onto a full width heads up display at the bottom of the windshield, this technology provides visibility of what is underneath and directly front of the car, with visualizations of otherwise hidden obstacles

· The “Transparent Hood” technology is part of a suite of new concept technologies which will be showcased in the Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept car at the 2014 New York International Auto Show

(MAHWAH, N.J.) – April 8, 2014 – Advanced technology is being developed at Land Rover to create a digital view of the terrain ahead by making the front of the car ‘virtually’ invisible.

Cameras located at the front of the vehicle capture data and are used to feed a Heads-Up Display across the bottom of the windshield, effectively creating a ‘see-through’ view of the terrain through the hood and engine bay, breaking new ground in visual driver assistance. The technology, named “Transparent Hood” by Land Rover, shows how the company continues to innovate with new off-road technology.

The technology enables a driver climbing a steep incline or negotiating turns in a confined space to see a virtual view of both the terrain in front of the car and the angle and position of the front wheels.

Dr. Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology for Jaguar Land Rover said, “As our vehicles become more capable and offer increasing autonomy off-road, we will ensure the driver has the confidence to progress over any terrain. We are developing new technologies including the Transparent Hood to give drivers an augmented view of reality to help them tackle anything from the toughest off-road route to the tight confines of urban parking.”

Showcasing Jaguar Land Rover’s advanced research projects; the Discovery Vision Concept car is a design and technology showcase which will be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show on April 16, 2014. The concept demonstrates a Land Rover design vision for a future family of premium SUVs built on key principles of emotive design, unrivalled capability and ultimate versatility. From the city to the sand dunes, this new driver-assisting technology will offer improved visibility and a more enjoyable driving experience.

Follow the excitement on Land Rover’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and join the conversation using #ReadyToDiscover.