UK-based Kahn Design has shown its extreme Land Rover Defender conversion, called the Flying Huntsman 105 Longnose, at the Geneva motor show
It is powered by a 6.2-litre GM LS3 V8 engine which, says the company, is good for “between 400 and 450bhp”, and uses a six-speed, push-button automatic transmission.
To accommodate the new powertrain, the Defender body and chassis have been stretched by about 400mm, with the extra length inserted between the windscreen and front wheels. The ‘105’ designation refers to the Huntsman’s lengthened wheelbase.
Kahn Design says the Huntsman’s suspension and braking systems have been upgraded to cope with the hike in power. The car is also fitted with the company’s Defender wide-arch body kit.
Company boss Afzal Kahn says the Huntsman is expected to cost about £150,000.
“The Defender is probably the most iconic and well-loved British vehicle in existence; even more so than the Mini, I believe,” he said.
“The fact that Land Rover is retiring it is an absolute tragedy. It’s one of my top three all-time favourite vehicles.”
Kahn calls the new 105 Longnose “the first in an upcoming line of related retro-classic models, each of which will be based on the Land Rover Defender”. Future models will include a “four-door variant with a correspondingly longer wheelbase” and a “6x6 model”. More powerful versions are also planned.
Kahn says it is also likely to be offered in “B4 and B6 armoured variants”. A B7 variant is thought to be in the pipeline that will provide “maximum security for the driver and passengers”.
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When a journo of Hilton Holloway's caliber gives it the thumbs up, it's worth taking note!
Good on Kahn!
Ugly