Technology is being developed to give Land Rover drivers a digital view of the terrain ahead by making the front of the car ‘virtually’ invisible.
Cameras located in the vehicle’s grille capture data, which is used to feed a head-up display, effectively creating a ‘see-through’ view of the terrain through the bonnet and engine bay, breaking new ground in visual driver assistance.
The technology has been named Transparent Bonnet by its creators.
It enables a driver climbing a steep incline, or maneuvering in a confined space, to see an augmented reality view, capturing not only the terrain in front of the car, but also the angle and position of the front wheels.
“We believe the next 25 years will be the most exciting and dynamic the automotive industry has ever experienced,” says Jaguar Land Rover research and technology director Dr Wolfgang Epple.
“There will be huge strides in environmental innovation, in safety and capability.
“As our vehicles become more capable and autonomous off-road, we will ensure the driver has the confidence to allow the car to continue to progress over any terrain. We are developing new technologies, including the Transparent Bonnet, to give drivers an augmented view of reality to help them tackle anything from the toughest off-road route, to the tight confines of an urban car park.”
The technology was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, which opened earlier this month.