Kahn Design

Kahn Design is a British-based engineering company that specialises in producing bespoke vehicles. Owned by Afzal Kahn with a factory in Bradford, the company has a boutique on The Kings Road in London and a Flagship Showroom in Leeds.^{[1] [2]} Initially the company designed and sold alloy wheels, but in 2003 developed into car design modifications and coachbuilding. As of 2011, the company employs 80 people, including 20 designers.^[3]

Vehicles

The company designs and manufactures coach built vehicles and also restyles high-end cars. Range Rovers have traditionally been a core part of the business but in recent years the Jeep and Defender have been introduced under The Chelsea Truck Company brand and cars like Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Bentley and Aston Martin are also included in the portfolio.^{[4] [5] [6]}

Vengeance WB12

In May 2015, Kahn Design announced plans to launch the Vengenace, a wide body two-door coupe based on an Aston Martin DB9 chassis.

The vehicle was launched at the 2016 Geneva Show by group chief designer and founder, Afzal Kahn to much acclaim.^[7]

Unlike the David Brown Speedback GT and Fisker Thunderbolt that resulted in a lawsuit, there are no copyright issues with the Vengeance, as the vehicle has been made with Aston Martin’s consent.^[8]

Flying Huntsman

The Flying Huntsman brand encompasses several coach built models, each of which is based on the Land Rover Defender.

Flying Huntsman 110 6X6 Double Cab Pick Up

The coach built 6X6 Flying Huntsman 110 6x6 Double Cab Pick Up was presented at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show.

Around 880mm longer than a normal Defender and 150mm wider, the Flying Huntsman 110 6X6 is adorned with a full range of mechanical & styling upgrades, that gives the vehicle a unique appearance and improved performance.

The styling package consists of a Volcanic Rock colour change, front wings with integrated vents and wide rear wings in light weight composite, X-Lander front grille and headlamp surrounds, replacement front bumper with tron ring lights, fog lights, Shadow Chrome headlights and much more.^{[9] [10]}

Flying Huntsman 110 WB 6X6 Concept

Unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, The Flying Huntsman 110 WB 6x6 Concept is powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 engine tuned to deliver 430 horsepower.

The 6X6 Concept has been extensively coachbuilt in such a way that it looks different from a Defender all together. Upon viewing the car.

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, whilst the exterior styling package is striking and aggressive.

The normally sparse interior has been transformed with plush red leather seats and trim. It also has a full-length panoramic sunroof.^[11]

^{[12] [13] [14]}

Flying Huntsman 105 Longnose

Also unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, The Flying Huntsman 105 Longnose is powered by a 6.2-litre GM LS3 V8 engine which ensures between 400 and 450bhp and uses a six-speed, push-button automatic transmission.

To accommodate the new power train, the Defender body and chassis have been stretched by about 400mm, with the extra length inserted between the windscreen and front wheels. The car is also fitted with the company’s Defender wide-arch body kit. ^[15]

Flying Huntsman Pick Up

Officially unveiled at the Great British Land Rover Show at Donnigton Park in May 2015, the Flying Huntsman 105 Defender Pick Up Prototype conveys coach built excellence.

Based on the Defender 90 pickup, both the suspension and brakes were completely overhauled, with the introduction of a 6 speed automatic gearbox and cubby box in leather also proving to be a contributing factor in terms of a better ride and overall performance.

The front has been lengthened by 400mm and the width by 150mm, with over 15 inches added to the standard 90-inch wheelbase, giving the vehicle a unique look.

Other mechanical modifications include new wings at the front and rear, extended wheel arches, a new front bumper, chrome headlights, new bonnet and side vents and 18in alloy wheels.

Inside, Kahn states that the car gets sports seats clad in Artico leather, with custom fittings used throughout. Among the new fittings is a Churchill clock and a new Kahn-designed steering wheel. ^[16]

Chelsea Truck Company

The Chelsea Truck Company, which draws its name from the “Chelsea Tractor” phrase, specialises in designing, enhancing and refining the Land Rover Defender and Jeep Wrangler vehicles.

The Chelsea Truck Company offers both new and pre-owned vehicles, as well as full vehicle conversion packages, parts and components.

In a review for Top Gear.com, the Defender Wide Track was described in the following terms: “The Kahn has the best driving position of any Defender I’ve ever driven.

“The quality of the fit and finish is first rate. It really is. We’re not just talking about the quilted leather and Harris Tweed seats here, but every insert, panel or stitch. And there are a lot of them. Including rear passenger knee protectors. Steering wheel aside, the Harris Tweed ‘n’ Defender mix works pretty well, adding luxury without seeming overly precious”.

In March 2016, The Jeep Wrangler Black Hawk Edition was unveiled to the world at the Geneva International Motor Show. ^{[17] [18] [19] [20] [21]}

Project Kahn

Project Kahn offers both new and pre-owned vehicles, as well as full vehicle conversion packages, parts and components.

Vesuvius Edition

The Kahn Vesuvius Edition Range Rover Sport was reviewed by Marc Rutten for GT Spirit. Rutten said the Kahn Range Rover delivers a feel-good factor that very few other cars can offer.

“Afzal Kahn will add your personally requested luxury style and taste to the equation making you feel even more at home then you already are. “The Range Rover Sport is just one of those cars that you almost feel guilty for liking. Amazingly, the Kahn upgrades delete all that guilt from your mind and lets you admire the choice you’ve made".

“The quality levels of the parts fitted to the Vesuvius edition are excellent and increase the levels of comfort and style. Kahn did not change anything to the excellent ride, experience and capabilities of the Range Rover Sport.” ^[22]

Project Kahn Range Rover Sport 400 LE Edition

The Range Rover Sport 400-LE can be tailored to any customer's precise specification, which is what you'd want when considering getting such a car. The styling components and interior enhancements are also available to purchase separately though. ^[23]

Project Kahn Range Rover RS-650 Edition

Launched at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the Range Rover RS-650 Edition represents an evolution of Project Kahn’s signature style.

The Geneva model was adorned with a Volcanic Rock Satin exterior paint scheme, a contrasting floating roof, new piano black side vents, tailgate strip and chin spoiler in piano black. The front and rear bumpers have been entirely redesigned. Most notably, they are made of lightweight carbon composite. All of this is mixed with exposed carbon fibre detailing and complemented by widened wheel arches with integrated air dams. The Range Rover RS-650 is available in a 3.0L and 4.4L diesel as well as a 5.0L petrol variant and pricing starts from £99,875 (UK Retail Price). ^[24]

Project Kahn Maybach 57

Kahn Design prepared a special Maybach 57 featuring Kahn's own 4 HRH numberplate^[25] to celebrate the 2011 Royal Wedding between HRH Prince William and Kate Middleton.^[26]

References

External links

Official website