Incredible 'see-through bonnet' technology revealed

LAND ROVER has unveiled a barely believable new technology that allows off-road drivers to effectively see through the bonnet all the way to the ground.

Cameras mounted on the front grille film the terrain and transmit the visual feed to a head-up display for the driver. The alignment is set up to perfectly match the real angle of view beyond the bonnet, creating seamless visibility right back to the car’s wheels.

When climbing steep hills it’s sometimes difficult to know exactly where the wheels are and the state of the terrain beneath them. The Vision Concept technology, nicknamed the Transparent Bonnet by its creators, gives full visual information to help make the climb easier – including the angles of the front wheels.

Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology for Jaguar Land Rover, said: “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.

“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.”

The first time would-be customers can get their hands on the system will be at the New York Motor Show on April 16.

By Press Association reporter