Amongst the thousands of problems emanating from Holden and Ford ceasing local manufacturing is the provision of secure vehicles for the likes of the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, Governor General etc.
News that Audi has launched the A8 L Security means there should be no iron-clad assurance this specialized business will fall into the lap of BMW with its armour-plated 7 Series. “Put the business through the usual tender process and review,” we can hear the backbenchers hollering.
And if you study the details, the Audi A8 L Security mounts an impressive argument for being the vehicle of choice for politicians. For starters “retro-fitting” is an undefined term in Ingolstadt and the A8 L Security was developed from the outset as part of the total A8 design/engineering story.
Powered by either the 320kW/600Nm 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 TFSI engine or Volkswagen Group’s mighty 368kW/625Nm 6.3-litre naturally-aspirated W12, the high-security version of Audi’s is more than just armour-plated – in fact it meets the highest levels of security criteria which can be applied to civilian vehicles.
But here’s the clever bit – from the outside it’s barely distinguishable from the regular Audi A8 L (just slightly flatter headlights and LED rear lights). That means it’s 5.27-metres in length and provides a wheelbase of 3.12-metres while maintaining the hallmark high-quality Audi looks and proportions.
While the basis of the bodyshell remains Audi’s lightweight aluminium Audi Space Frame (ASF) which is 40 per-cent lighter than an equivalent steel body, extra components for the Security model (requiring 450 hours to complete) are fitted by hand in a separate high-security area before the body is sent back to the Neckarsulm plant for final assembly.
The Audi A8 L Security’s bodyshell, underbody and window glazing comply with the VR 10 class for Bullet Resistant Vehicles and the ERV 2010 guidelines for Explosion Resistant Vehicles (as certified by the Munich-based German Ballistics Testing Centre).
There’s even an emergency exit system where rear-seat passengers can fire-off the rear doors via pyrotechnic fracture bolts in the door hinges and an emergency fresh air system which can provide breathable air inside for long enough to escape and hazardous zones.
Inside are the usual four individual seats plus myriad connectivity options.
Underneath is adaptive air suspension reconfigured for the extra weight and 19-inch wheels with the unusually-sized 255/70 tyres. Polymer rings on the wheel rims enable the Audi A8 L Security to travel at up to 80km/h with punctured tyres.
Audi can start deliveries in the third quarter of this year – perfect timing to get ahead of the plant closures in Elizabeth and Broadmeadows/Geelong.
