So they surprised us with the DC100 Sport and some cool new tech features.  I won’t debate as to whether some of this stuff is right for the next Defender, it’s a concept and on top of that, we’re not going to see it until 2015, so who knows what tech will be standard by then!

82 pictures in the gallery:

LAND ROVER UNVEILS TWO NEW DEFENDER CONCEPTS AT THE FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW

The DC100 and DC100 Sport

“The entire Land Rover team is excited about the opportunity, and the responsibility, of creating the replacement for the iconic Land Rover Defender. Loved the world over for its simple, honest and distinctive design, we are determined that the new Defender will be true to its heritage while meeting the requirements of a changing global market. We plan to engage with existing and potential customers to help us finalize the details of the new vehicle.  One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be an exciting journey, and we can’t wait to get going.”

– John Edwards, Global Brand Director, Land Rover

For over 60 years, Land Rover has been designing and building 4x4s that define capability, versatility and usability. Like no other vehicle, the Defender inspires affection and loyalty the world over. It is an eminently adaptable vehicle, serving people under all conditions whether they are explorers, ecologists, UN aid workers or Red Cross medics.

From just two principal platforms, the Defender has been put to every task and reconfigured in every way, from fire engines to tracked exploration vehicles. The only limit to the abilities of a Defender is the imagination of its owner. An estimated three-quarters of the nearly two million Defender models built are still in use.

The next chapter in the Defender story will unfold at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The two DC100 concepts unveiled there will build on the essential elements of Defender and allow Land Rover to discuss and inspire dreams of a future Defender.

At-A-Glance

• Two new concepts from Land Rover investigate the future design possibilities of the iconic Defender.
• Three-across front seat is inspired by early Land Rover vehicles.
• Cutting-edge sustainable, hi-tech materials taken from luxury yachts, private jets and even spacecraft.
• The concepts capture the flexibility, adaptability and configurability that have always been key attributes of Land Rover and continue in today’s Defender.
  • DC100 demonstrates the future of Land Rover capability and versatility.
  • DC100 Sport is an active expression of freedom and adventure.
• The Terrain-i scanning device warns the driver of obstacles when off-roading and can suggest alternative routes.
• "Wade Aid" uses sonar technology to assess water depth and advise the driver of optimum speed for water fording.
• Intelligent next-generation Land Rover Terrain Response® system automatically optimizes the vehicle for any surface or terrain.
• Driver-activated spiked tire system can be deployed at the touch of a button.
• Future paint technologies will allow for self-cleaning and healing paint and bodywork.
• Both concepts are based on the same lightweight, mixed-alloy platform.
• Four-wheel drive with a transfer case.
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Intelligent Engine Start/Stop technology
• Driveline Disconnect physically decouples the rear axle to save fuel when four-wheel drive is not required.
• 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Adventure key is a waterproof, lightweight alternative to the control fob.
• Always-on connectivity and telematics allow for vehicle-to-smartphone, vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-base communication.
• Built-in inductive charging stations throughout the concepts.
• Land Rover confirms its global intention to launch a new Defender in 2015, with no current decision on whether or not the next generation Defender will come to the North American markets.

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