ClearSight Ground View Archives

How the bonnet of the new Range Rover Evoque is made ‘invisible’

In the automotive world, advances in technology are continuous. R&D keeps pushing towards the edge of the envelope in all aspects of car design to provide motorists with a better, safer and more enjoyable drive. However, it takes time for some new technologies to reach the consumer because they need to be thoroughly tested, especially in different and extreme conditions, to ensure that they are reliable and durable for the many years that a vehicle will be in use.

One example of the development of a technology advancement is the ClearSight Ground View in the latest Range Rover Evoque launched in Malaysia recently. This technology, known as the ‘Transparent Bonnet’, was first shown to the public as a feature on the Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept at the 2014 New York Auto Show. It was among the pioneering technologies from Jaguar Land Rover’s advanced research division.

2014 Discovery Vision Concept — *The Discovery Vision Concept displayed in 2014 gave a preview of technologies that Land Rover and Jaguar were developing.*

The idea behind the ClearSight Ground View was to make the bonnet ‘invisible’ so that the driver would see the ground ahead – certainly something useful in off-road driving. At that time, it seemed like just ‘concept car stuff’… something fantastic to wow the visitors with but perhaps not really possible to commercialise.

Original Transparent Bonnet image — *The original concept had image projected on the windscreen like a Head-Up Display but this approach was probably too expensive.*

But Land Rover was actually going to offer such a technology in its vehicles, starting with the Range Rover Evoque. It would be a world-first technology that would make driving over difficult terrain safer. Tree stumps, rocks, potholes and other hazards on the ground ahead under the vehicle would be visible so avoiding action could be taken earlier.

How it works
ClearSight Ground View uses cameras in the front grille and on the door mirrors for real-time imagery of the ground ahead. The coverage by the cameras is1 80 degrees forward at speeds up to 30 km/h.

A computer program creates a virtual representation of the terrain ahead, an augmented view of reality to help the driver tackle anything from the toughest off-road route to the tight confines of an urban car park.

The original concept of the Transparent Bonnet had the image projected onto the windscreen ahead of the driver, the same way as a Head-Up Display is projected. However, that would be a more expensive approach so to moderate costs, the image is shown on the large centre Touchscreen.

For better situational awareness
ClearSight Ground View is complemented by the 360° Surround Camera and ClearSight Rearview Mirror to greatly expand the driver’s situation awareness of what’s around the vehicle. The 360° Surround Camera gives a digitally created image from directly above the vehicle using four tiny cameras around the vehicle body The images are stitched together by a computer program to create the view that is like what might be seen from a drone hovering a few metres above.

ClearSight Rearview Mirror is a more versatile rearview mirror which incorporates HD imagery. In normal use, it operates like a conventional rearview mirror, providing a clear and dazzle-free view of the back of the vehicle. When required, a flip of a switch on the underside changes its view to that of a digital image from a camera in the rear door with a wider field of vision.

Most rearview camera systems mounted on the rear door often use a fish-eye lens to get the widest possible coverage. However, in many cases, the image is distorted which can make judging distances difficult.

The ClearSight Rearview Mirror image has a proportional and undistorted view and besides being also capable in low light conditions, its brightness can also be adjusted. Furthermore, by displaying a rear-facing camera feed onto the mirror, the driver’s view remains unrestricted by passengers or large items in the back.

2020 Range Rover Evoque launched with two variants, priced from RM426,828

2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport in showrooms, priced from RM379,800

A new Land Rover Discovery Sport is now in Malaysian showrooms, available in two variants priced from RM379,800 (excluding insurance and roadtax). Customers can choose from the 5-seater or the higher-spec R-Dynamic variant with 5+2 seating which is priced at RM409,800.

New design cues on the bolder front end and a sportier silhouette identify the latest Discovery Sport R-Dynamic. Modernity and refinement are also reflected in the new signature LED lighting systems front and rear. Of course, the traditional Land Rover design features are still present – a prominent clamshell bonnet, rising beltline and tapered roof.

Now with Driveline Disconnect
The driving experience is said to be improved with the new power transfer feature called ‘Driveline Disconnect’. Incorporated in the All-Wheel Drive system, this feature works by disconnecting the drive of the front axle to the rear wheels under steady state cruising, thereby reducing frictional losses and re-engaging AWD in less than 500 milliseconds.

In addition, the Terrain Response 2 system is now a standard feature. Developed with Land Rover’s decades of experience in 4×4 systems, Terrain 2 Response optimises performance, traction and control on a variety of surfaces. A simple twist of a dial selects the appropriate driving mode (Comfort, Sand, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud & Ruts) and adjusts the characteristics of the throttle, brakes, differentials, and transmission. An AUTO mode automatically adjusts torque delivery to suit the terrain.

As with other Land Rover models, the Discovery Sport uses an engine from the Ingenium family, in this case a 2-litre turbocharged unit. Power flows through a ZF 9-speed automatic transmission with a very low first gear for strong low-end acceleration and a tall top gear for reduced engine revs at higher cruising speeds.

Smart technologies
Unlike the early Land Rovers which were engineered to be extremely tough but were technologically simple (which was an advantage off-road), today’s Land Rovers offer advanced smart technologies. Drivers of the Discovery Sport have, for instance, ClearSight Ground View, Land Rover’s world-first technology which is a new feature for the Discovery Sport. It provides drivers with a clear virtual view of the ground ahead so they can navigate over rough ground, park in tight spaces and avoid hitting kerbs.

Connectivity is also advanced with a 10-inch high-definition Touch Pro infotainment system which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also allows the driver to control the climate system and Terrain Response 2, while an Interactive Driver Display with a large 12-inch high-definition screen displays multiple types of information. The new Discovery Sport also comes with wireless charging which can be used for devices that have the capability.

Also available is a Generation 2 Head-Up Display (HUD), with vehicle speed, gear position and navigation directions projected onto the windscreen ahead of the driver. The high-resolution, full-colour graphics are visible in any lighting conditions and allow the driver to keep his or her eyes ahead.

As safe as passenger cars
With 4X4 SUVs spending almost all their time on highways and able to travel at high speeds, safety is even more important and Land Rover has provided a host of advanced safety technologies. These include High-speed Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitor as well as the 360° Surround Camera that is equipped with Wade Sensing features. Should an accident occur, there are no less than 7 airbags to help reduce serious injuries.

All new vehicles distributed by Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia have been engineered and tuned for Malaysian conditions and fuel quality. They come with a ‘Land Rover Care’ programme which is based on whichever comes first – a warranty of 5 years or 150,000 kms; scheduled servicing for 5 years or 65,000 kms; and 3 years of Roadside Assistance.

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