Do you think it possible that after Mercedes sold more than 100 examples of its G63 AMG 6x6, Kahn Design figured, "There's probably more juice we can squeeze out of that?" We think so. Regardless of inspiration, the English designer and tuner started with its Flying Huntsman 105 Longnose Defender, a pre-existing Land Rover Defender conversion in its stable, and added even more to it to create the Flying Huntsman 110 WB 6x6 Concept. As the donor's name suggests, it already wore that long nose, lengthened by 15.7 inches in order to comfortably swallow a 6.2-liter General Motors LS3 V8.
The most obvious addition for this new concept is that third axle in the rear, squeezed into aft quarters that have been stretched 31.5 inches. The truck is also six inches wider, and the LS3 V8 is tuned to 430 horsepower. It doesn't appear that Kahn has made changes to the Defender's four-wheel-drive systems – no portal axles, alas – but braking and suspension have been "upgraded."
We'll find out what that means and when we see it at the Geneva Motor Show this week. Kahn says it's working on a production schedule and up to five different versions in two- and three-axle designs, so maybe we can expect at least one cage match between it and the G63 AMG 6x6 or G500 4x4². The press release below has more.
Kahn Design Coachbuilt Land Rover Defender Concept to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2015
26th February 2015 -- Kahn Design has announced the debut of a coach-built concept based on the Land Rover Defender 110 titled the Flying Huntsman 110 WB 6x6 Concept. The formal unveiling of the prototype, codenamed "Mission 1" will take place at the Geneva Motor Show, at the Kahn Design stand, no. 6338 at 14:45 on the 3rd of March.
Since the early 1900s, automotive coachbuilders have created custom vehicles using pre existing chassis. Whilst names such as Pininfarina, Zagato and Bertone have risen to be globally recognised, in recent years there has been no equivalent in Britain.
Now, Kahn Design is bringing together their design ethos with traditional techniques and expert craftsmanship to create a modern icon, and leading a resurgence in British automotive design and coachbuilding which is set to challenge the rest of the world.
The Flying Huntsman 110 WB 6x6 Concept is equipped with a 6.2-litre GM LS3 V8 engine, driving a six-speed automatic gearbox with tap shift control. With an estimated 430 bhp its explosive performance is a far cry from the stolid pulling power of the original.
Built to tame even the hardiest terrain, with a hi-lo ratio drive system and locking differentials, a rugged heavy duty chassis as well as upgraded braking and suspension systems, this modern British icon would be equally comfortable outrunning any roadgoing SUV.
The vehicle has been lengthened with a 400mm extension to the bonnet, and 800mm extension to the rear cabin, as well as being widened by 150mm. The windscreen rake has been increased, and the rear door widened along with the front doors increased length to allow improved entry and egress. A full panoramic roof extends from the B pillars to the rear of the vehicle. The exterior styling is striking and aggressive, inspired by Kahn's popular Chelsea Truck Company Defenders.
Extreme conversions have been proposed, including both B4, B6, B6+ and B7 armoured variants, to provide maximum security for the driver and passengers.
Talks are in currently in progress to map out a production schedule for the Huntsman, with up to five potential variants including 4 and 6 wheel versions, as well as a range of hard top and pickup options. Full details of the concept vehicle will be made available at the press conference in Geneva on the 3rd of March.
26th February 2015 -- Kahn Design has announced the debut of a coach-built concept based on the Land Rover Defender 110 titled the Flying Huntsman 110 WB 6x6 Concept. The formal unveiling of the prototype, codenamed "Mission 1" will take place at the Geneva Motor Show, at the Kahn Design stand, no. 6338 at 14:45 on the 3rd of March.
Since the early 1900s, automotive coachbuilders have created custom vehicles using pre existing chassis. Whilst names such as Pininfarina, Zagato and Bertone have risen to be globally recognised, in recent years there has been no equivalent in Britain.
Now, Kahn Design is bringing together their design ethos with traditional techniques and expert craftsmanship to create a modern icon, and leading a resurgence in British automotive design and coachbuilding which is set to challenge the rest of the world.
The Flying Huntsman 110 WB 6x6 Concept is equipped with a 6.2-litre GM LS3 V8 engine, driving a six-speed automatic gearbox with tap shift control. With an estimated 430 bhp its explosive performance is a far cry from the stolid pulling power of the original.
Built to tame even the hardiest terrain, with a hi-lo ratio drive system and locking differentials, a rugged heavy duty chassis as well as upgraded braking and suspension systems, this modern British icon would be equally comfortable outrunning any roadgoing SUV.
The vehicle has been lengthened with a 400mm extension to the bonnet, and 800mm extension to the rear cabin, as well as being widened by 150mm. The windscreen rake has been increased, and the rear door widened along with the front doors increased length to allow improved entry and egress. A full panoramic roof extends from the B pillars to the rear of the vehicle. The exterior styling is striking and aggressive, inspired by Kahn's popular Chelsea Truck Company Defenders.
Extreme conversions have been proposed, including both B4, B6, B6+ and B7 armoured variants, to provide maximum security for the driver and passengers.
Talks are in currently in progress to map out a production schedule for the Huntsman, with up to five potential variants including 4 and 6 wheel versions, as well as a range of hard top and pickup options. Full details of the concept vehicle will be made available at the press conference in Geneva on the 3rd of March.
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