Meet Project Kakadu, a brand-new expedition beast built on the iconic Land Rover Perentie soft top platform. A former military machine becomes the ultimate expedition vehicle, ready for off-road adventures, and the one who made this happen is Arksen Overland, a new brand born out of a top luxury explorer yacht builder.
Just four years after the London-based Arksen conquered the explorer yacht market with its stunning range of eco-friendly luxury vessels under the name of Arksen Marine, the ambitious company is ready to have the same success with ground-based equivalents of its explorer yachts.
Arksen Overland stands out in the market due to its commitment to a sustainable circular economy. Instead of consuming resources to develop new vehicles from scratch, it's giving existing platforms a second life. These aren't just any platforms, but iconic ones that stood the test of time, like the Unimog, transformed into the Arksen UI700 or Project Everest.
The newcomer's 2023 lineup also includes a fresh take on the military Land Rover P110. It keeps the original ruggedness, adding premium off-road features and luxury amenities. The result is an unbeatable expedition vehicle that can handle the roughest adventures.
Photo: Arksen Overland
Land Rover Perentie is the name given to the Land Rover vehicles that JRA (Jaguar Rover Australia) built for the Australian army in the '80s and '90s. The army's selection project for one-ton-payload vehicles and two-ton versions was known as Project Perentie. A modified Land Rover 110 became the 1-ton proposal from Land Rover, while JRA had to come up with a new vehicle for the 2-ton version because it didn't have anything to match that payload class. The result was the Perentie 6x6.
Arksen Overland took the P110 4x4 and upgraded it to contemporary performance and comfort standards. Project Kakadu or Arksen P110 is the result of a ground-up Perentie 110 restoration, now sporting a turbocharged Isuzu 4BD1 engine. Arksen also added new cooling, fuel, and brake systems and turbo rear disk brake upgrades.
Project Kakadu sports a two- or four-seat soft top with side hatches, a rear-mounted spare, and rear swing gate conversion. Off-road enhancements include 33" tires, adjustable suspension with remote reservoirs, uprated heavy-duty axles, and a modified transfer box.
The P110 also comes with an upgraded battery system, 12 USB ports, and an optional portable solar system. Its exterior is fitted with four storage hatches and a rear jerry-can holder. It also kept the original Perentie pintle hook.
Photo: Arksen Overland
Like all of the models in the Arksen Overland lineup, the P110's layout was redesigned to ensure maximum cab stowage. It includes a custom-made canvas with quick-zip roll-up sides, which can be rolled up in a flash or removed entirely.
Taking the P110 to the next level also meant a full interior retrim, including a center console, full sound insulation, and power steering upgrades. Project Kakadu comes complete with an A/C system, Apple Car Play or Android Auto, and a rearview camera.
The "Adventure Prepped" version was carefully equipped for regular camping trips and day exploration. It comes with built-in power, water, and a fridge/freezer. All of these are integrated onboard, with the possibility of further customization with extra features.
Those who want to go to the next level can opt for the "Expedition Ready" class. This version of Project Kakadu is the ultimate adventure machine, the equivalent of Arksen's explorer yachts on land. It has everything you'd want for extended, off-road travel in full comfort, including cooking and bathing equipment.
Photo: Arksen Overland
In addition to the 60-liter dual-compartment fridge/freezer, the Expedition Ready Project Kakadu comes with a portable gas stove, a portable stainless steel table, and chairs. The outdoor bathroom equipment includes an external shower and an onboard auxiliary freshwater tank with a pump system.
The clamshell roof tent comes with integrated power and can be set up in under one minute. The 270-degree awning is the perfect addition for dining and relaxing outdoors, protected from the elements.
The Expedition Ready version also adds a front winch, recovery gear, and an optional fuel tank for extended range. All the exterior and interior upgrades turn the Arksen P110 into a powerful, reliable, and comfortable vehicle that can tackle difficult terrain and handle prolonged off-road adventures.
It's more rugged and resilient than the modified Land Rover Defender in the same range and the perfect choice for those who are ready to take their passion for the outdoors to the next level.
Photo: Arksen Overland
Arksen Marine and Arksen Overland are also joined by Arksen Labs, the company's clothing label. The 2023 Fall-Winter collection is currently available, and it includes anything from heavy-duty jackets to softshell shorts and organic cotton T-shirts.
Those who want to see where the Arksen adventure began can check out some of its coolest luxury yachts at the upcoming Fort Lauderdale Boat Show (October 25 to 29). The British company made its debut on the US luxury yacht market at the beginning of this year, and it's ready to conquer it with even more exciting designs.
Otilia believes that if it’s eco, green, or groundbreaking, people should know about it (especially if it's got wheels or wings). Working in online media for over five years, she's gained a deeper perspective on how people everywhere can inspire each other. Full profile
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