land rover debuts invisible car technology, a virtual imaging concept
image courtesy land rover jaguar

 

 

 

revealed at the 2014 new york auto show, jaguar land rover presents its transparent bonnet virtual imaging concept. the system will provide new level of driver awareness with a ‘see-through’ augmented reality view of the terrain ahead, making the front of the car virtually invisible from inside the cabin. the technology provides full visibility of what is underneath and in front of the car, with total clarity of otherwise hidden obstacles. cameras located in the vehicle’s grille capture data used to feed a head-up display, effectively creating a ‘see-through’ view of the terrain through the hood and engine bay, a breakthrough technology in visual driver assistance. the ‘transparent bonnet’ 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.


video courtesy land rover

 

 

‘we believe the next 25 years will be the most exciting and dynamic the automotive industry has ever experienced. there will be huge strides in environmental innovation, in safety and capability,’ says wolfgang epple, director of research and technology for jaguar land rover. ‘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.’