Land Rover's invisible car

Land Rover has announced a new virtual imaging technology that can render the front of a vehicle transparent, allowing the driver a hugely improved view of upcoming obstacles.

Dubbed 'Transparent Bonnet', the system will make its global debut on the Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept at the 2014 New York motor show and uses cameras in the vehicle's grille to 'paint' a virtual image of unseen areas for the driver in the head-up display.

The system has been designed primarily for off-roading to provide the driver with a clear view of tricky terrain beneath the driver's line of sight, such as when cresting a tight peak, but the Transparent Bonnet will also have everyday uses.

"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," says Wolfgang Epple, director of research and technology for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

Land Rover says the technology breaks new ground in visual driver assistance, by showing an augmented reality view of unseen areas, but also the position and angle of the front wheels.

"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," explained Epple.

The technology will be integrated into Land Rover's new Discovery Vision Concept car, which will shape the way the next generation of 'Discos' will both look and operate.