Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC are working on a range of exotic new technologies intended to change the shape and capabilities of its future Jaguars.

JLR researchers are busy on new technologies that include virtual windscreens, laser headlamps and a vehicle guidance system powered by lasers. But the most exotic technologies involve transforming the windscreen into a virtual computer monitor and using special lasers as headlamps.

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JLR's new virtual windscreen for the Jaguar will see important driver information projected onto the inside of the windscreen. Its revolutionary system will use the entire windscreen as a "Heads-Up Display" (HUDs) similar to that on modern jet fighter aircraft.

In a race, the Jaguar HUD will display correct racing lines and braking points. It can also show a virtual row of cones a driver can follow.

JLR intends that laser lights will replace conventional headlamp units now using LEDs. The laser light beams are easy to accurately aim and will better illuminate road edges.

Laser headlamps could be made smaller and less bulkier than current headlamps because the laser light will travel along a thin fiber optic cable. The reduction in the space occupied by conventional headlamp assemblies will open the way for a significant shift in car design.

Lasers will also be used to project a grid or box shape the same width as the car on the road surface a few meters ahead of the car. This laser grid will allow the driver to judge the car's width with extreme accuracy, which is a very useful tool on crowded city streets.

JLR engineers also envision using lasers to project moving arrows on the road surface that show a vehicle's intent to turn. These "structured lights" can also be used to determine the depth of water the driver is about to drive through.

It could also theoretically be used on road surfaces to generate very accurate information for an active suspension system. The accuracy of the information provided by lasers also means the lasers can be used as safety sensors when parking or to avoid pedestrians.

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive has been a subsidiary of the Indian carmaker Tata Motors since 2008.