Audi has revealed an armored version of its new A8L, called (inventively) the A8L Security. Developed and built in-house at a secure location—yes, really—where employee cell phone use was strictly banned, the A8L Security is touted as offering the highest level of occupant protection available to people whose names don’t begin with “President of the United States.” Ingolstadt’s rolling bank vault will be shown at next month’s Geneva auto show.
Making this particular A8L nearly bombproof (and perhaps Bond-proof) are goodies like anti-splinter window glass, armor protection in the doors, explosive-resistant side sills, an armored security communications box, and an intercom/speaker system to taunt pedestrians, gate guards, or gun-totin’ enemy types. Options include pyrotechnic door openers in the event that the occupants must rapidly exit the vehicle after the conventional door-opening mechanism has been damaged, an emergency ventilation system, LED signals for convoy driving, a siren, flashing lights, an additional rearview camera, and our favorite: a fire extinguisher system that sprays fire retardant on the bottom of the car, as well as into the wheelwells and engine bay. Oh, the things we’ll do when this car hits the press fleet.
All of this armor and kit comes with what you might call a modest weight penalty. Although Audi hasn’t said what the total weight of a typically equipped A8L would be, it has divulged that the interior armor adds nearly 1600 lbs, with each door tipping the scales at nearly 200 lbs. No wonder the A8L’s top-dog W-12 engine is standard. Also marked confidential: the cost of buying your own A8L, though with 450 man-hours put into the car’s assembly (which we presume is done mostly by hand), it won’t be cheap. Then again, if you’re the kind of person who’s at risk from incoming rocket-propelled grenades, we’d imagine no price is unreasonable—or out of reach.
Related posts:
- 2011 Audi A8L and A8L W12 – Official Photos and Info
- 2011 Audi A8L W12 – First Drive Review
- 2011 Audi A8 Priced at $78,925, A8L at $84,875
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