LS3-engined 6x6 Land Rover Defender debuts at Geneva auto show

KAHN DESIGN'S FLYING HUNTSMAN IS READY TO TRANSPORT BOND VILLAINS IN STYLE

   It wouldn't be the Geneva motor show without a vast number of aftermarket, tuning and futuristic concept makers on the show floor, some more futuristic than others. Kahn Design occupies the center of that Venn diagram, even though most of its recent concepts have been based on a vehicle that is far from futuristic. The U.K.-based tuning company specializes in Land Rover Defenders, and the centerpiece of their display at Geneva this year was undoubtedly the Flying Huntsman.

   Based on the Land Rover Defender 110, the Flying Huntsman is a 6x6 conversion modified with a 15-inch longer front section to accomodate a GM 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine. This brute of an engine, producing 430 hp, is connected to a six-speed automatic gearbox with tap shift control sending power to all six wheels. The Flying Huntsman features locking differentials and a hi-lo ratio drive system, rather than being a 4x4 Defender with an extra axle just along for the ride. The suspension system and the brakes have, of course, been upgraded on this concept, while the rear passenger compartment has been stretched by 30 inches. Kahn Design also re-engineered the A-pillar to give the windscreen a greater angle, and even the front doors have been stretched just a bit for extra convenience.

PHOTO BY NEWSPRESS

   While the Flying Huntsman isn't exactly what we picture when we think of game-bird hunting in the U.K., it's an interesting counterpoint to the Mercedes-Benz AMG 6x6, even though we're not sure if a 6x6 layout is really needed for anything short of an African safari. Perhaps the biggest surprise with this concept is that Kahn didn't base the Huntsman on a five-door Defender, so ingress and egress probably remain a bit of a challenge despite the large exterior.

   The Flying Huntsman ultimately reminds us of custom G-class cars built that German coachbuilder BINZ has marketed, and Kahn Design reveals that they're planning a production run of the vehicles utilizing 4x4 and 6x6 layouts. The company hasn't mentioned potential pricing for the vehicles, but it's a safe bet that a replica of the showcar would easily command mid-six figures. And if you could register one in your home country, that's another bonus.