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Sport version of the DC100 has cut-down screens and a twin-humped fastback tonneau to shroud its rear seats and payload area. Like its fixed-head twin, it rolls on 22-inch alloys and ultra-low-profile tyres.
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A press release on the two Defender DC100 concepts at Frankfurt, Land Rover offers little new insight, other than:
• "Both are based on the same lightweight, mixed-alloy platform, with three-abreast 'social seating' that is inspired by the very first Land Rovers.
• "A driver-activated spiked tyre system can be deployed at the touch of a button and permanent four-wheel drive with an eight-speed transmission, Intelligent Stop/Start and transfer case.
• Driveline Disconnect physically decouples the rear axle to save fuel when all-wheel drive is not required. The concepts are powered by 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in capabilities.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Leisure key is a waterproof, lightweight alternative to the control fob and 'Always-on' connectivity and telematics allow for car-to-smartphone, car-to-car and car-to-base communication."
The marketing boffins have filtered quite a lot of information out now. The design and accessories make a lot more sense. They are strongly targetting the new rich Chinese and Indians with this. They are no longer interested in developing a serious off-road vehicle for farmers, construction engineers, and the military. It is now a luxury lifestyle sport vehicle, hence the spikey tyres business, something you would most likely need in the cold winters of northern Asia.
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