It's the inevitable next installment from the SUV specialist. Land Rover has spent a good part of the past three years modernizing its fleet, and now that the high-end Range Rover family is completely into a new generation cycle, its the turn of the utility luxury workhorse - the Discovery. The car has been around since 1989 and is currently in its 4th generation. It's sold in the North American market as the LR4.
The next generation Discovery Concept will be unveiled at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. The company had used the same venue to debut the latest Range Rover Sport last year. The interesting bit of news from Land Rover which I am homing in on, is the fact that this concept points to not just a new Discovery, but a new family of Discovery vehicles.
The concept is also going to include some new technology cues, seen for the first time from JLR. The design is expected to be a more streamlined and agile looking car, as opposed to the rather straight lines and stiff upper lip on the current generation Disco. Though having said that, its sheer capability in all sorts of terrain was what impressed me always, and its looks too were something I have always thought commanded presence. So the next generation of that distinct design and 4X4 prowess will be a tough act to follow!
Head of Design at Land Rover, Gerry McGovern says, "Discovery has been pivotal in helping to build the foundations of the Land Rover brand. It is admired all over the world and loved by its strong customer base. We have created the Vision Concept to share the essence of Land Rover's new age of Discovery and to debut a new, compelling, relevant design direction that connects on an emotional level with customers of today and tomorrow."
The preview picture of the Discovery family concept shows a more aerodynamic profile in the sketch that you see in the screen, which also shows a more spartan and minimalist interior, with higher quality levels.
The next chapter from Land Rover, is only expected to enhance its position that is growing from strength to strength worldwide. The Tata-owned marque is now looking at entering a phase where it will have the largest portfolio in its history, and remember as the new Discovery production model breaks cover by the year-end, in 2015 its going to be the new Defender that we can look forward to - which will also be a family of vehicles, and not just one model. But for now, looks like JLR is gearing up for yet another showstopper at a global motor show, and so I am looking forward to the New York debut.
