Currently reading: Land Rover Defender-based Kahn Flying Huntsman: prices and spec
Radical Flying Huntsman packs 400bhp-plus V8 and is the first in a new series of Defender-based models from Kahn

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”. 

Get the latest car news, reviews and galleries from Autocar direct to your inbox every week. Enter your email address below:

Join the debate

Comments
8
Add a comment…
Straff 5 March 2015

?????

People have been sticking small block Chevrolets in Land Rovers for years without going all Pinocchio on them. The engine is about the same length as the four cylinder they're pulling out. Strange
Macca 8 January 2015

Geneva

I'm sure it will go down a treat at Geneva. The Huntsman looks to have been designed to a very high standard

When a journo of Hilton Holloway's caliber gives it the thumbs up, it's worth taking note!

Good on Kahn!

Winston Churchill 8 January 2015

Ugly

Spoilt it. Others have packed in more power without stretching it.