A Design Concept Hinting at the Next Discovery | Land Rover

Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept

A Concept Hinting at the Next Discovery's Design

Jaguar Land Rover has announced that it will unveil the "Discovery Vision Concept," a concept model hinting at the next generation of the "Discovery," at the New York Auto Show, which begins with its press days on April 16th.

Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)

A New Design, While Retaining Iconic Elements

2014 Geneva Motor ShowThe design study for the new Discovery, for which the development of the next model was revealed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, will appear at the New York Auto Show in mid-April. While its overall form has not yet been fully revealed, parts of it have been shown in a teaser movie.

Originally introduced in 1989 as an entry-level model, and now with siblings like theEvoqueandFreelander, the Discovery occupies a mid-tier position in Land Rover's SUV lineup. The current model is the fourth generation, introduced in 2009. In thelatest 2014 model, significant improvements in fuel efficiency have been achieved through the adoption of a downsized 3-liter V6 supercharged engine, and it has been equipped with high-tech features inherited from the newRange Rover Sport.

The teaser video released this time shows an exterior design that incorporates flowing lines, such as a sloped front and C-pillars that slant forward, moving away from the current model's boxy, horizontal and vertical design. On the other hand, elements like the design that makes the roof section appear to be raised a step higher, retain the Discovery's iconic character.

The interior features highly user-friendly independent movement for the three rear seats and a center console equipped with a large display. With only two rotary controllers, the overall interior is designed to be simple and clean.