Land Rover has unveiled a remote-controlled prototype of the Range Rover Sport. The British carmaker’s remote-controlled Rover isn’t here to replace the driver. Rather, it aims to assist him in negotiating the vehicle through challenging and difficult off-road terrain. The prototype comes mated to a smartphone app that can be used to control the steering wheel, accelerator, brakes and will also let you choose between high and low ratios. The remote function lets the off-roading enthusiast walk alongside the 4×4, positioning it precisely where he wants it to be. This way, the driver remains aware of the ramp, approach and departure angles and can guide the SUV safely.
The remote control function can be a Godsend if your Range Rover is tucked in tight between two cars at a parking spot. Since you can’t open the doors, this app will allow you to guide the car safely out of its tight spot. Once inside, you can now pen down a well-composed note to the drivers of those two cars. “Getting a car out of a tricky parking manoeuvre can be a stressful experience for any driver. A remote control car, or a vehicle that can autonomously turn in the road, demonstrates how we could use these new technologies to reduce the tedious parts of driving and improve road safety,” says Dr Wolfgang Epple, director of research and technology at Jaguar Land Rover.
Come what may, don’t let your kids get hold of this remote.
In case you have fellow off-roading enthusiasts in the car, they may get nervous with you stepping out. After all, they will have to trust your judgement in controlling a 2.3 tonne SUV through “challenging terrain” using a smartphone. That said, this app will benefit those who like taking their SUV through tricky places, but at the same time, don’t want it to suffer damages from a fall in judgement.
If you are someone who likes to explore the ‘unexplored’ with your 4×4, would like to have this remote control feature? Tell us what you think about this in the comments section below.
