Being Hot, but Staying Suitably Cool

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One of the more exciting concept cars at this year's L.A. Auto Show reportedly was designed with Southern Californians in mind. It's a famous name in off-road adventuring, that may be making a comeback with a very new look. Land Rover's new "Defender" would still be three to four years away, but this "DC-100" concept vehicle gives strong clues, to what to expect. Looks hot, but thanks to its British heritage, staying suitably cool.

The DC-100 shows off a more aerodynamic front end, than the boxy Defender that debuted on the original, some sixty years ago. The new look continues down the sides, designed to make the DC-100 more stylish and appealing to younger drivers. And with that open top, it'd be easy to stuff in a couple of surfboards.

Some elements of the original Defender are still around,  only they've been updated with new technology: where some cars have radar, to help with cruise control, the DC-100 has sonar, to help drivers wade through streams and creeks. Also, on-demand 4-wheel drive, and what Rover calls "Terrain Response" software, helping the pilot keep control , regardless driving conditions.

Rover says the new Defender will be able to take advantage of v-6 and v-8 engines, thought it expects gas and diesel four-cylinder power plants may be under most hoods. It's still too early for a price range, should the Defender storm  American shores. But now, thanks to this DC-100, at least we know what to look for.