Top security

Extreme measures for extreme situations.

It’s often a dangerous world we live in, but Audi has it covered.

2 October, 2015

On the surface it is an Audi A8 L, the very pinnacle of Audi’s luxurious line-up, but there is more to this elegant vehicle than meets the eye. No, it’s not a prototype designed to star in an action blockbuster, but it certainly has the credentials.

It is a fact that in many respects the world is a dangerous place and many individuals require some very special protection when travelling by car. Be they politicians, heads of state or individuals in high risk categories, the realities of security in the modern world cannot be ignored.

The Audi A8 L Security offers all of the superb luxury appointment, driving dynamics and performance of the A8 L, but also offers a wealth of high security items designed to provide the highest levels of security to those on board.

Unveiled at this year’s IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, the Audi A8 L Security is rated VR 9 ballistic protection standard, which is the highest security rating available for civilian high-security sedans and raises the bar on the previous model which was rated VR 7. It has been tested for resistance to firearms and to explosive charges in accordance with the sanctioned ERV 2010 guideline, which means the only thing safer in the event of an armed attack would be a full military vehicle.

To achieve this result, the A8’s safety cell is reinforced with an array of extremely resistant materials including aramide fabric (otherwise known as Kevlar and used in ballistic rated body armour), special aluminium alloys and a hot-formed steel armour which provides superior protection but without excessive weight increases. The vehicle’s glass too has been replaced by specially formulated glass which provides greater protection against small arms fire and explosives.

The only carmaker in this highly specialised segment to offer an all-wheel drive system directly from the manufacturer as an armoured high-security vehicle, the Audi also differentiates itself with its comparative light weight, thanks to the high proportion of aluminium in the body.

These highly specialised cars are built to order in a partnership between Audi’s Neckarsulm plant (where the Audi R8 is built) and a secure, top-secret factory, and although they may look to all the world like any other Audi A8 L, their list of standard equipment differs significantly.

Two engines are available in the A8 L Security, with a V8 biturbo 4.0 TFSI which produces 320kW and 600Nm of torque and a W12 FSI version which generates 368kW and 625Nm. These powerful engines give the large, armoured sedan tremendous performance despite its added weight, but top speed has been electronically governed to 210km/h because of the special emergency run-flat tyres that are used.

While powerplants and tyres are familiar enough territory, the other inclusions are certainly not. Although special order items can be added at a customer’s request, in addition to the armoured body and glass, the Audi A8 L Security features an armoured communication box in the boot as well as an intercom for communication with the outside world and selective door unlocking.

Audi can also deliver highly specialised features such as its patented emergency exit system, a fire extinguishing system and an emergency fresh air system – indeed the list is endless depending on the client’s individual needs and in some cases, not for publication.

Audi also offers a number of driving programs through the Audi driving experience which focus specifically on defensive driving for ‘special’ situations, as well as programs for chauffeurs charged with the protection of their passengers. These driving programs are available to all customers, and offer another perspective on car control and driving dynamics even for those who may not require the very special protection of the Audi A8 L Security.

The Audi A8 L Security takes occupant safety to completely new level.

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