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Audi unveils new high-security car

Dubai, February 21, 2013

Leading German automobile manufacturer Audi has introduced the A8 L Security to the Middle East region, a new, exclusive model which meets the strictest guidelines in force for civilian vehicles.

The long-wheelbase high-security version of the A8 has a host of special security features available in addition to its heavy armouring, a statement from Audi said.

The vehicle was on display at the recent International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex) in Abu Dhabi. Audi offers the A8 L Security with a 500 hp W12 engine and a 420 hp 4.0 TFSI. Prices start from $600,000 depending on equipment.

At 5.27 meters in length, the Audi A8 L Security is a large, representative luxury sedan, hardly distinguishable to the eye from the production version - a totally integrated concept far superior to any retrofit solution currently available on the market, the statement said. Roughly 450 hours of work go into the making of the armoured sedan.

The A8 L Security has been officially certified by a German-government ballistics testing facility for compliance with the class VR 7 ballistic protection standard, tested as per bullet resistant vehicles (BRV) 2009 guidelines.

The car’s resistance to explosions was tested as per explosion resistant vehicles (ERV) 2010 guidelines. Class VR 7 ballistic protection imposes the strictest standards on civilian high-security sedans, it said.

The sheet metal and glazing in the passenger cell must withstand firing with NATO hard-core ammunition. In certain areas, the armouring on the Audi A8 L Security even complies with the criteria for class VR 9 and VR 10.

The Audi A8 L Security is capable of withstanding an attack with a military hand grenade. Even an explosive charge defined from the test programme does not pose a lethal threat to passengers, as demonstrated by measurements taken during testing on dummies, the statement said.

For A8 L Security customers, a multitude of special options are available for enhanced security. Among these is the emergency exit system with pyrotechnical separating screws in the hinges that detach the door from the body, a technology patented by Audi.

Another security feature is the fire extinguisher system, which is activated via heat sensors or by pushing a button which sprays the extinguishing agent into the wheel arches, onto the underfloor, tank, and into the engine compartment.

The emergency fresh-air system operates with two oxygen cartridges. The supply lasts long enough for the car to pass through a danger zone or get out of a danger zone it is currently in. Another option is what Audi calls security start – a feature that allows the driver to start the engine remotely via a radio signal, it said.

Numerous additional solutions round out the offering: a smoke extractor for the passenger compartment, an LED signaling system for convoy travel, flashing lights, a siren, a preparation for professional mobile radio systems, a flag holder, a permanently installed telephone, an accident data recorder, an additional rearview camera and a heated windshield plus partially heated side windows.

Audi will also ensure customers’ special requests are taken care of an individual basis. A special training course for drivers and owners is also available, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service




Tags: UAE | Dubai | Audi |

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