The Chelsea Truck Company, a design house by Kahn Design, has been redefining the appearance and presence of the Land Rover Defender since 2012. Their original Wide Track Defender was more than just an aesthetic upgrade; it was a bold and assertive reimagining of a beloved 4×4, characterized by meticulous detail and a distinctive swagger that set it apart from standard dealership offerings.
Now, in 2025, the team at Kahn Design is pushing the boundaries once again with the introduction of the Widebody kit. This latest design is a carefully considered evolution tailored for the current L663 generation Defender, seamlessly blending traditional heritage elements with contemporary design and manufacturing techniques.
While some might be content with past achievements, Kahn Design consistently seeks refinement and improvement. This new Widebody iteration is not merely a visual refresh; it represents a comprehensive re-evaluation of both form and function. Initially previewed on last year’s Defender X Prototype, the new Wide Track package maintains the powerful and muscular stance that customers have come to appreciate, while introducing sharper lines, a more integrated aesthetic, and an even more purposeful overall presence.
A significant advancement in this new kit is the material used for its construction. The entire Widebody package is now manufactured from high-grade automotive ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). This material is highly valued within the automotive industry for its exceptional combination of lightweight properties, inherent strength, and long-lasting durability. This material choice not only enhances the overall fit and finish of the kit but also allows for a more accessible price point, ensuring that more enthusiasts can experience the premium feel and distinctive style that Chelsea Truck Co. clients have come to expect.
Furthermore, the new Widebody kit addresses a previous limitation related to the compatibility of bumper vents on the earlier generation Defender. The front wings of the previous Wide Track design extended further onto the front bumper, which sometimes restricted the seamless integration of aftermarket bumper vents. Recognizing customer demand for a more cohesive and customizable front-end appearance, Kahn Design has meticulously remodelled the arches of the new Widebody kit. This redesign ensures full styling compatibility with their range of front-end accessories, providing an essential finishing touch for those looking to create the ultimate urban or off-road focused Defender.
The design of each component within the Widebody kit has been personally overseen by Afzal Kahn, the visionary founder and Chief Designer of the brand. With a keen designer’s eye and an engineer’s unwavering precision, each arch, vent, and panel is shaped to not only enhance the Defender’s visual appeal but also to maintain its inherent off-road capabilities. The wide-track arches are not simply larger; they are carefully sculpted to perfectly complement the Defender’s already bold proportions, ensuring that this enhanced vehicle remains a highly capable off-roader and not just a vehicle for show.
The Wide Body Defender 2.0 represents more than just a collection of styling components; it is a continuation of a significant design legacy. It speaks to a discerning driver who seeks a powerful road presence without being overtly ostentatious, someone who values the quality of materials and the skill of craftsmanship as much as the vehicle’s inherent capabilities and robustness.
The Wide Body kit is available for both the 90 and 110 wheelbase versions of the new L663 Defender and will also be an integral part of their upcoming Series II Conversions, which will soon be available through their extensive dealer network. This ensures that a wider audience can experience the latest evolution in Chelsea Truck Company’s distinctive Defender styling.
Powertrain and Performance Details: The press release focuses primarily on the design and aesthetic enhancements of the Widebody kit and does not provide specific details regarding powertrain or performance modifications. Therefore, this section will highlight the standard engine and performance specifications of the L663 generation Land Rover Defender, which serves as the base vehicle for the Chelsea Truck Company’s Widebody conversion. The L663 Defender offers a range of engine options, including various turbocharged petrol and diesel Ingenium engines, as well as plug-in hybrid powertrains. Depending on the specific model and engine configuration, power outputs vary significantly, ranging from around 200 horsepower to over 500 horsepower in the high-performance variants. Transmission options typically include an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and all L663 Defenders feature a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with various terrain response modes, ensuring impressive off-road capability. Performance figures, such as 0-60 mph times and top speeds, also vary depending on the chosen engine, with the more powerful models capable of achieving 0-60 mph in under five seconds.
Summary
- Chelsea Truck Company (Kahn Design) introduces the Widebody kit for the L663 Defender.
- The Widebody kit is an evolution of the original Wide Track design.
- The entire kit is now made from high-grade automotive ABS for improved fit and durability.
- The new design offers full compatibility with Chelsea Truck Co. bumper vents.
- The Widebody arches are sculpted to complement the Defender’s proportions and off-road capability.
- The kit is designed under the guidance of Afzal Kahn.
- It caters to drivers who value presence, materiality, and capability.
- The Wide Body kit is available for both 90 and 110 models.
- It will be part of the upcoming Series II Conversions.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article pertains to a styling and bodywork modification kit. No performance figures or engine specifications of the modified vehicle are implied or guaranteed by the kit itself.
Source: Chelsea Truck Company
AI Assistance: Gemini
