The DC100 and DC100 Sport concepts of Land Rover are investigating the possible design direction for a replacement of the famous Defender. The concepts will debut in North America on November 16, 2011, at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. The company is taking the concepts to North America to gauge the responses as well as study the potential of bringing the Defender back to the US market. The DC100 concepts capture the dependable, rugged and adventurous appeal of the original. They are developed to feature the possible breath of capability for the future Defender family. Since their launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011, they have evolved and now they ride on optimized off-road 20-inch alloy wheels covered with Cooper all-terrain tires.
The DC100 also showcases expedition accessories with a raised air-intake "snorkel" for wading as well as a roof rack. The DC100 has a Land Rover signature combination of Candy Weiss white roof and 'Heritage Blue' paint. The DC100 reinvents the core Defender design cues to suit the 21st century.
Among these features are short overhangs for extreme approach and departure angles, an upright windscreen, strong shoulder line for visibility and ease of positioning, and vertical panels. The honest Defender 'face' with its signature round lamps and prominent grille are also present in the concept, incorporating a winch. Meanwhile, the DC100 Sport takes all the key design cues, with an addition of the spirit of freedom first embodied by the early canvas-roofed Land Rovers with their fold-down windscreens, creating a concept bursting with California cool. Core Land Rover attributes of versatility and capability are emphasized in both concepts by a combination of innovative off-road technological supports that lessen the driver's workload.
