Terrain Response

No one knows more about off-road driving than Land Rover, and they have built that vast experience into the unique Terrain Response™ system (standard on all 7-seat versions). It makes it easy to drive confidently in Discovery 3 – just turn the dial to the appropriate icon and you’ll have all driving expertise at your fingertips. Terrain Response™ works whether you are cruising on tarmac, driving over deep ruts, grass, snow, mud or sand. When you turn the dial, Discovery 3’s engine, transmission, suspension and Traction settings are all reconfigured to deliver the best possible driving experience.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging, a technology originally developed for use by the military, is finding its way into automobiles. It first appeared as an option for the 2000 model Cadillac DeVille, and recently, thermal imaging has been made available as an aftermarket accessory for the HUMMER H2 sport utility vehicles. The automotive thermal imaging technology, created by Raytheon Infrared, is giving drivers a better chance at safety. Using thermal imaging technology that senses heat instead of light, Raytheon’s NIGHTDRIVER™ system allows drivers to see up to five times farther than with their normal headlights. At 60 miles per hour, normal headlights provide only 3.5 seconds to react. But thermal imaging can offer up to 15 seconds to react to potential dangers. Drivers who have used thermal imaging have reported that they can see animals on the side of the road long before they try to cross it.

The system works by using an infrared camera to sense the heat energy emitted from objects

and produces a real-time infrared image of the scene on the head-up display. Infrared light lies between visible light and microwaves in the electromagnetic spectrum. The human eye cannot see it, but thermal infrared cameras can. Infrared energy is emitted proportionately to the temperature of an object. This means whether an object is hotter or colder than its surroundings, it is visible with a thermal imaging camera. Thermal cameras take the infrared energy from objects in view and translate that information into a black and white image that is projected for viewing. The warmer the objects are, the whiter they are displayed. For example, an animal preparing to cross the road at night will be visible and displayed in distinct contrast to the road.