Special Land Rover ‘Q40’ Defender Restomod Is Inspired By The Famed Chinook

TECNIQ, a British engineering specialist, has just unveiled a special Land Rover Defender that takes inspiration from the Chinook helicopter, the longest-serving aircraft used by the Royal Air Force.

This special Land Rover is known as the ‘Q40 Defender’ and will be auctioned off by Bonhams in September with all proceeds being donated to the Royal Air Forces Association. The Defender has undergone a multitude of modifications, both inside and out, while also receiving a potent new engine.

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From a visual standpoint, TECNIQ has applied different shades of gloss and matte dark green paint to the Defender to match the camouflaged exterior of the Chinook. The off-roader also benefits from a unique carbon fiber grille, wheel arch extensions, and bonnet and fender vents. TECNIQ has also equipped it with new anodized aluminum door handles and crafted a graphic with a double rotor design inspired by the flying suit badges used by the aircrew of the Chinook.

Hiding beneath the eye-catching exterior is a Ford 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbo engine that has been remapped and now produces 307 hp and 432 Nm of torque. Working alongside this engine is a six-speed automatic transmission. The tuner didn’t call it quits there and has also equipped the Defender with programmable dampers, upgraded anti-roll bars, bushings, and lowered coil springs.

The braking has also been enhanced with the fitment of six-piston calipers and 345mm discs at the front that operate alongside four-piston calipers and 330mm discs at the rear.

Extensive work has also been done to the interior of the Land Rover. As such, it sports lightweight carbon fiber racing seats with hand-stitched Bridge of Wier leather complete with sheepskin inserts. There is also a quilted headliner and a redesigned steering wheel. Whereas the front row is finished primarily in black leather, the second road is bathed in white leather, including across the seats, center console, door panels, and headliner.

“The Q40 Defender project was born to celebrate all that is great about the Chinook, showcasing the latest in automotive technologies and engineering capabilities of TECNIQ and supporting the great work carried out by the Royal Air Forces Association,” TECNIQ chief executive and co-founder Nigel Lempriere said in a statement. “The aircraft really is iconic, and the Q40 Defender is our way of celebrating the 40-year service milestone to our country, having played so many key roles with the military in efforts across the world.”