British engineering firm Tecniq has created a bespoke Land Rover Defender to mark the 40th anniversary of the RAF Chinook twin rotor helicopter.
Called the Q40 Defender, the unique Defender was extensively modified with custom parts including hand-finished bodywork, cockpit-style interior and Ford’s turbocharged V8 gasoline engine.
The remapped 2.3-litre Ecoboost unit equips the Q40 with 303bhp, driving both axles via a six-speed automatic gearbox. Improved brakes were also added: 345 mm discs at the front and 330 mm at the rear.
Inside, carbon fiber racing seats were fitted, finished in hand-stitched Bridge of Weir leather. A new steering wheel was added and the dashboard was redesigned to be “ergonomically optimized” for the driver.
The front is finished in dark materials as a nod to the Chinook’s cockpit, while in the contrasting two-seat rear compartment, passengers enjoy a ‘luxurious seating area’, complete with champagne center console.
The baggage hold was separated with straps from the aircraft hold itself.
Tecniq’s Classic Racing team also worked on the Q40, redeveloping the chassis and giving it a new suspension system that includes programmable dampers, improved anti-roll bars and bushings and lowered coil springs.
These changes would have improved performance, dynamics and efficiency over the original 4×4.
The Q40 is a unique vehicle, and the proceeds from its sale at the Goodwood Revival in September will be donated to the charity Royal Air Forces Association.
Tecniq Co-Founder and CEO, Nigel Lempriere, said: “The Q40 Defender project was born to celebrate all that is great about the Chinook, showcasing Tecniq’s latest automotive technologies and engineering capabilities and supporting the excellent work carried out by the Royal Air Forces Association.
“The aircraft is truly iconic, and the Q40 Defender is our way of celebrating the milestone of 40 years of service to our country, having played so many key roles with the military in efforts around the world.”
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-05-04 16:42:49
