Invisible Bonnet (Hood) On Land Rover

[EdEarl]

 

phys.org

 

The invisible or transparent bonnet is just what it sounds like, or nearly so. It's where the hood, the engine and frame are all made to appear as if nearly transparent as a driver scoots on down the road. That means the driver can actually see the front wheels and the terrain over which they are traversing. The whole point is to give the driver a more immersive experience as they travel, presumably off-road over terrain that requires a lot more navigating than the average road—though the same technology could possibly assist drivers in averting pot-holes in city streets. Allowing the driver to see the front wheels lets them note which direction they are turned, offering more perspective and perhaps more time to react.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2014-04-rover-demos-invisible-bonnet-car.html#jCp

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To Moderator: I didn't put this in science news, because it is a technology development. I did not find a technology forum; thus, it is in the lounge--if wrong please move.

 

This development is really good for people whose vocation take them off-road, for example wild life biologists. Thus, I posted it here. I'm wondering how well the camera lens is protected to prevent the camera from being blinded by mud. Perhaps a bottle of windscreen washer and a wiper blade will be provided. Although, a high pressure blast of washing solution might be better, as a wiper blade might be torn off from being hit by things that pass under the vehicle. In any case it is a bright idea.

[Phi for All]

I'm skeptical about how those extra few feet of visibility are going to benefit me based on the extra cost (whatever that may be). Is it really that common not to know which way your wheels are turned when four-wheeling? The extra reaction time might be worth it, but it's clearly designed for off-road action where you aren't going that fast anyway.

 

I've done a lot of off-road driving, but I'm not out there every weekend either. Perhaps this is something professionals who spend a lot of time four-wheeling have been yearning for, and it's interesting, but my first thought is that it's an option that sounds great but may not be worth a lot of extra cost.

[swansont]

I'm skeptical about how those extra few feet of visibility are going to benefit me based on the extra cost (whatever that may be). Is it really that common not to know which way your wheels are turned when four-wheeling? The extra reaction time might be worth it, but it's clearly designed for off-road action where you aren't going that fast anyway.

 

I've done a lot of off-road driving, but I'm not out there every weekend either. Perhaps this is something professionals who spend a lot of time four-wheeling have been yearning for, and it's interesting, but my first thought is that it's an option that sounds great but may not be worth a lot of extra cost.

 

I recently bought a new car, which has both a backup and lane-change camera, and the images are displayed on the dashboard monitor. Seems to me the exact same technology could be applied to the front if this were an issue. Also a tire orientation icon.