The Land Rover Defender DC100 Concept is still a few days away from its public unveiling at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show but that has not stopped the Project Kahn design team, via the medium of Photoshop, envisioning ways of enhancing and personalising the possible replacement for the long standing icon - should it be given the green light.

Designed to showcase the new Kahn Expedition brand the, Kahn Defender could take the Land Rover's legendary off road capabilities and turn it into a "speedier hard-core off-roader that's unstoppable in the rough". With engine tuners Cosworth on hand to fettle the Defender's 2.4-litre diesel engine power output is said to top the 120bhp and 265lb.ft of torque currently offered with 90 per cent of peak power on tap from less than 2,200rpm - to over 4,350rpm.

Of the four concepts shown it is the Military variant with its camouflage paint and pick-up design that seems to be grabbing most of the attention, although I am not sure the 22-inch Kahn RS wheels would go down too well in MoD circles. The trademark wheels suit the '477' badged vehicle much better, which, if it follows usual Kahn naming lines, would suggest 477Nm of torque (352lb.ft). Perfect for a bit of weekend mud-plugging.

All that is required is for Land Rover to put the Defender DC100 concept into production. Here's hoping!

Paul Healy - 7 Sep 2011