- Audi launches a new armored flagship sedan, the A8L Security, with a W12 engine, all-wheel drive, outstanding protection and a surprisingly long list of amenities.
- Despite the addition of hundreds of pounds of protective materials, the A8L Security still accelerates from 0-60 in less than 7.3 seconds.
- The armoring meets the latest German government ballistic protection standards.
INGOLSTADT, Germany — Audi has introduced a new armored flagship sedan, the A8L Security, with a W12 engine, all-wheel drive, outstanding protection and a surprisingly long list of amenities. 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 armored floor "capable of withstanding an attack with a military hand grenade."
The automaker 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.
Audi adds hundreds of pounds of ballistic-resistant materials, including hot-formed armored steel, aramid fabric, ceramics, special alloyed aluminum and multilayer glass. The interior armoring alone weighs nearly 1,600 pounds.
Among the security features offered on the car: emergency exit system, fire extinguisher system, emergency fresh-air system, remote start and smoke extractor.
Audi hasn't neglected the amenities, 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 130 mph "in consideration of the tires," according to Audi.
Inside Line says: Comfort and safety go hand-in-hand. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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christopher42 says:
05:20 PM, 05/18/2011
Yeah see this, this is exactly what the people in the pentagon need to drive but where's the extremely dark bullet proof windows?
half_ton says:
07:10 AM, 02/22/2011
@run_and_drive
I agree completely.
campi3ell says:
06:30 AM, 02/22/2011
Is it advised to publish the specs on these vehicles? I can imagine the heads of state--or higher ranking government officials-- would have armored vehicles that have higher security measures than those on the vehicle published here.
While the W12 is nice, I see a diesel engine as an alternative engine option here. Maybe the 4.2 V8 Audi employs...?
roscoe108 says:
04:33 AM, 02/22/2011
"Able withstand firing from NATO hard-core ammunition"? LOL - if NATO is firing shots at you, then you's a major dick. The Audi A8L Security: the first choice for tin-pot dictators everywhere...
cz_75 says:
05:53 PM, 02/21/2011
Wonder if an improvised shaped charge like killed Alfred Herrhausen in the back of his armored M-B would work on this too?
bimmerjay says:
11:32 AM, 02/21/2011
Wow my guess was right-
"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"
@keptman,
"One thing about these pictures puzzles me. I would think that you want nearly reflective, dark tint windows and dark interior on an armored limo. These features would minimize any chance that the passengers could be directly sighted upon (silhouetted) while in the vehicle."
The legality of window tint varies by country even in the rear, so world-market European cars generally fit it only as a separate option. Reflective tint is also completely illegal in many places including a lot of states in the U.S that would otherwise allow dark tint. I'm sure any purchaser of this vehicle would tint the windows as needed.
6sptl says:
11:28 AM, 02/21/2011
This is only usefull for government VIP's. For "regular rich people" the last thing you want is an armored "luxury" car, all it does is scream "I'm a Target". For regular "rich folk" in dangerous countries armoring a more pedestrian vehicle makes more sense.
mce63 says:
11:05 AM, 02/21/2011
I wonder how many will end up in China? Audi seems to be the popular gov't vehicle there.
ralphhightower says:
09:20 AM, 02/21/2011
I wonder what the gas mileage is...
keptman says:
07:36 AM, 02/21/2011
In terms of an emergency exit system, perhaps there is a way to manually blow the door hinges if the doors were damaged and jammed during an ambush.
One thing about these pictures puzzles me. I would think that you want nearly reflective, dark tint windows and dark interior on an armored limo. These features would minimize any chance that the passengers could be directly sighted upon (silhouetted) while in the vehicle. That would reduce the likelihood of the passenger being hit if the armored glass failed.