The most iconic Land Rover of all time, the spare bones Defender, is getting a modernized resurrection via two new concepts: the DC100 and DC100 Sport. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (where else this week, really) these two concepts aren’t just whimsical blog fodder, they’re actually intended for eventual production heading into 2015. The keys to the two concepts are flexibility, adaptability and configurability — traits that Land Rover has always considered integral to its 3-decade old off road champion. Based on the same shared 100-inch wheelbase, the DC100 concepts feature advanced technology such as a Terrain-i scanning device that warns of obstacles when off-road, Wade Aid sonar technology to assess water depth and the Land Rover Terrain Response System, which automatically optimises the car for any environment, be it rugged or urban. Built of sustainable high-tech materials to optimise fuel and operational efficiency at all times, the new Defenders are looking to take one of the most beloved off-roaders of all time into the 21st Century. Question is, do Defender lovers realy want that? Change is inevitable, purists, change is inevitable…

The Land Rover Defender Concept DC100 above and DC100 Sport below…