It may have taken them a while, but Audi has finally made the new generation A8 bullet-proof. The model is called the A8 L Security, builds on the extended wheelbase variant and boasts the S8’s engine.
Presented for the Russian market, it costs the equivalent of nearly $750,000, around $600,000 more than the S8, requires more than 400 manufacturing hours compared to the standard model and features VR9/VR10 ballistic protection.
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Besides being capable of withstanding rapid firing from machine guns, sniper rounds and even hand grenades, the new A8 L Security has a fire-extinguishing system, with nozzles in the engine compartment, fuel tank, underbody and wheel housings. An emergency fresh air system provides passengers with breathable air for a limited amount of time, and in the event of getting trapped inside, the manufacturer has equipped this A8 L with a pyrotechnic system that separates the door hinges.
The 20-inch forged wheels are wrapped in run-flat tires that allow the car to drive for up to 50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h). The fuel tank is treated with a special material that seals itself in the event of shooting and there is special armor onboard for the battery and intercom electronics. You will definitely see it coming, should the driver decide to turn on the emergency lights in the grille, side mirrors and at the back – other than that, it looks pretty much like any other A8.
The A8 L Security has a curb weight of 8,708-9,292 lbs (3,950-4,215 kg), but it can still do 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in a respectable 6.3 seconds, before topping out at 130 mph (210 km/h), thanks to its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Sourced from the S8, the engine retains the 563 HP (571 PS / 420 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque which allow the standard super limo to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.8 seconds.