Land Rover’s new “Transparent Hood” virtual imaging technology gives drivers a sort of X-ray vision—especially useful in off-road adventures and for maneuvering tight spaces.
Still in development, Transparent Hood is part of new technologies that will be showcased in the Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept car during next week’s 2014 New York International Auto Show.
Just as its name suggests, the tech provides a digital view of what’s beneath your car, which is normally obscured thanks to your car’s hood and the engine beneath.
Data-capturing cameras on the front grille transmit to a head-up display on the bottom of the windshield, creating a virtual overlay. Through that display, motorists get a “see-through” view of the ground and front wheels—Land Rover’s way of “breaking new ground in visual driver assistance.”
“As our vehicles become more capable and offer increasing autonomy off-road, we will ensure the driver has the confidence to progress over any terrain,” said Dr. Wolfgang Epple, director of research and technology for Jaguar Land Rover.
“We are developing new technologies including the Transparent Hood to give drivers an augmented view of reality to help them tackle anything from the toughest off-road route to the tight confines of urban parking.”
Say the driver is climbing a steep incline or negotiating turns in a confined space. Using Transparent Hood, they can see a virtual view of the ground and the angle and position of the front tires.
Stop by the NY International Auto Show on April 16 to get the first look at Transparent Hood and other Land Rover tricks. The concept car will demonstrate the automaker’s plans for a future lineup of SUVs “built on key principles of emotive design, unrivaled capability, and ultimate versatility,” the company said.
“From the city to the sand dunes, this new driver-assisting technology will offer improved visibility and a more enjoyable driving experience,” according to Land Rover.
Check out the Transparent Hood technology in Land Rover’s experimental video below.
The company recently signed on to ship new vehicles integrated with Apple’s new CarPlay service for making phone calls, checking GPS navigation, listening to music, and sending messages while driving.
