Audi A8L Security

13 years, 9 months ago - 22 February 2011

German automaker has introduced a new armoured flagship sedan, the A8L Security, with a W12 engine, all-wheel drive, outstanding protection and a amazingly long list of features. The first cars will be delivered in late summer, and a second engine option will be added in 2012.

Audi said the A8L Security meets the German government ballistics protection standards, with the sheet metal and glazing in the passenger cell able to "withstand firing from NATO hard-core ammunition" and the armoured floor "capable of withstanding an attack with a military hand grenade."

Audi’s spokesman noted that all security modifications "are performed by hand in a small, well-guarded workshop" before being sent down the final assembly line at Neckarsulm.

Manufacturer adds hundreds of pounds of ballistic-resistant materials, including hot-formed armoured steel, aramid fabric, ceramics, special alloyed aluminium and multilayer glass. The interior armouring alone weighs nearly 725 kilograms.

Among the security features accessible with the car: emergency exit system, fire extinguisher system, emergency fresh-air system, remote start and smoke extractor.

Audi hasn't ignored the services, which include four-zone climate control with air ionizer, electric rear blinds, Bose audio system with TV tuner, individual power rear seats and such options as a folding table, refrigerator and parking heater.

Despite the additional mass, the A8L Security's 6.3-liter W12 engine provides substantial muscle. Mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox and rated at 494 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, the big 12-cylinder unit enables 0-60 acceleration in less than 7.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h "in consideration of the tires," according to automaker.a