Whether traveling in Mexico, parts of Europe, Africa, South or Central America, and even in the U.S. and developed parts of Asia, threats of attacks on diplomats, executives or the wealthy are very real, and Audi has created a special A8 L to address those threats.
Introduced today for the first time is a new and exclusive model – the A8 L Security – a long-wheelbase and high-security version of the A8 luxury sedan.
A8 L Security delivers the goods in a timely fashion
In this unique configuration, the A8 L Security will be launching with a 6.3-liter 500 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque W12 engine, which delivers the necessary grunt to move this armored up and weighted down sedan out of dangerous situations, and down open freeways, regardless of threat. Despite the added bulk, the A8 L Security can go from a dead stop to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 130.5 mph.
Audi is also touting – surprisingly enough – the low fuel consumption, comparatively speaking of course. The A8 L Security travels 17.42 miles per U.S. gallon, which the automaker says is “by far” the lowest amongst its competitors. Next year, Audi will introduce a second drivetrain as well, which it says obtains even better fuel economy.
What it takes to build an A8 L Security
Audi set out to make the Security version of the A8 L uniquely well protected, but while maintaining a look that does not attract unwanted attention, meaning this version is hardly distinguishable from a standard A8 L. The clever German automaker also says that when it first starting designing the standard A8 model it already planned on later introducing a Security version, meaning this sedan was developed with modifications in mind from day one.
Building a single A8 L Security requires roughly 450 hours of manual labor – per car – just to install the security modifications. The extensive list of changes are all performed on a small and well-guarded workshop that is located on a production floor with specially secured doors, and where no one is permitted to bring a cell phone onto the premises.
Audi didn’t just double up on the doors, they went all-out presidential
Integrated as a unitized component of the body, the high-security sedan’s safety cell features the convergence of a myriad of danger-resistant materials, such as hot-formed armored steel, aramide fabric, ceramics, special alloyed aluminum and multilayer glass. Special attention was paid to overlapping protective materials at the joints, helping to reduce the potential for weak points to be utilized by attackers. The interior armoring alone weighs just under 1,590 lbs!
Continuing the armor treatment, the aluminum side sills have solid steel sections built in which provide increased protection against explosive weapons – an area that has seen a marked stiffening of requirements in recent years. Made of an aluminum alloy, the car’s armored floor serves the same purpose. The Audi A8 L Security is capable of withstanding an attack with a military hand grenade as a result.
The side windows, windshield and rear window are all made of special glass with a polycarbonate coating in the inside to prevent spalling. Optional electromechanical window openers operate the side windows, allowing them to be lowered nearly completely down. The excess weight of the windows alone amounts to just over 660 lbs. A closing assist feature comes standard for the doors – which weigh an additional 794 lbs altogether.
Despite all of the added weight, Audi says the A8 L Security is the lightest vehicle in its class.
A8 L Security passes the tests, literally
To be sure the Security model was up to the task it is intended to fulfill, Audi had the vehicle certified by German-government ballistics tests in Munich, as per the Bullet Resistant Vehicle 2009 guidelines. Regarding explosions, the car was tested against the 2010 explosive guidelines. The end result was that the Audi A8 L Security was able to pass with full VR 7 ballistic certification, meaning the sheet metal and glazing in the passenger cell can withstand NATO rifle ammunition.
Audi also points out that aspects of the car pass for VR 9 and 10 certification as well.
Audi goes Bond-style
Taking a page out of a Bond movie, the A8 L Security has a “communication box” in the luggage compartment, which in addition to the control units for the vehicle and communications electronics, holds the optional components that further enhance the passengers’ safety, along with an additional battery.
A standard two-way communication system allows passengers in the A8 L Security to communicate with the outside world when the windows are closed by making use of a speaker in the single-frame grille, as well as microphones for the cabin and exterior.
For those with deep enough pockets, there are several “high-security” features as well, such as an emergency exit system which was patented by Audi. Another is a special fire extinguisher system which is activated by heat sensors, or manually pushing a button. When activated, the system sprays the extinguishing agent into the wheel arches, the underfloor, onto the fuel tank and into the engine compartment.
There is also an emergency fresh-air production system which, at the push of a button, can release stored oxygen for a limited time to get through a danger zone.
But what about luxury?
Audi realizes that an armored luxury sedan without luxury is nothing more than a military-grade armored vehicle, so naturally the Security comes well-equipped with the type of luxury features one would expect to find in any A8 or A8 L.
the A8 L Security comes standard with a four-zone climate control system with an ionizer to freshen the air, electric rear blinds, Bose surround sound system and a TV tuner. In the rear are two individual, seats with power adjustment. The front comfort seats offer heating as well as optional massage and ventilation functions. Of course, the A8 L W12 Security comes with a standard full-leather package.
On request Audi will install the “relaxation seat” – a widely adjustable right-hand rear seat with a power-adjustable footrest, heating and massage. Also available is a full-length center console with large storage compartments, complemented by the rear seat entertainment system with two 10.2-inch displays. Optional features such as a folding table, a refrigerator and a parking heater make the time spent in the car even more pleasant.
The A8 L Security W12 will be launching this year, with the second engine joining the option list in 2012.
