The new Audi A8 L Security
Launch of the most exclusive model version in Audi’s new A8 car line – the A8 L Security. The high-security version of the luxury sedan meets the highest level of criteria that apply to civilian vehicles.
An array of high-security equipment features complement the armor plating. The new Audi A8 L Security is available with two outstanding engines, the 4.0 TFSI and the W12.
At 5.27 meters (17.29 ft) long and with a 3.12 meter (10.24 ft) wheelbase, the new Audi A8 L Security is a representative sedan that is, visually, barely distinguishable from the production version. And like its mainstream counterpart, its sporty, elegant design is now even more expressive: The hood, the Singleframe grille and the bumper have acquired sharper contours. The headlights have been made flatter and the LED rear lights have been modified too. The exhaust system is terminated by two large trapezoidal tailpipe trims on both sides of the tail end.
The new Audi A8 L Security has been officially certified by the German Ballistics Testing Center in Munich; it complies with the requirements of the class VR 7 ballistic protection standard in accordance with the BRV 2009 guideline. BRV stands for “Bullet Resistant Vehicles”.
Class VR 7 imposes the strictest criteria on civilian high-security sedans: The body panels and glazing of the passenger cell must withstand firing with NATO sub-caliber ammunition. In certain areas, the armor plating on the A8 L Security even complies with the criteria for the classes VR 9 and VR 10. Resistance to explosives is tested in accordance with the ERV 2010 guideline (Explosion Resistant Vehicles).
The high-security sedan’s occupant cell, which is integrated into the body as a unitary element, features extremely tough, highly resistant materials – heat-formed armor steel, aramide fabric, ceramic, a special aluminum alloy, and multi-laminated glass. The protective materials overlap at transitions, for maximum security.
The aluminum side sills incorporate massive ballistic-proof profiles that afford increased protection against explosive weapons – an area in which the requirements have become considerably tougher in recent years. The armor-plated vehicle floor made from a special aluminum alloy has the same purpose. The new Audi A8 L Security can withstand attack by military hand grenades. Even an explosive charge, as specified in the test program, does not pose a lethal threat to passengers, as demonstrated by tests involving dummies.
There is a choice of two high-end engines for the new A8 L Security – the 4.0 TFSI and the W12 FSI; both are to Euro 6 emission standard. The eight-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3,993 cc develops 320 kW (435 hp), 11 kW (15 hp) more than in its predecessor. It delivers a 600 Nm (442.54 lb-ft) of torque to the crankshaft between 1,500 and 5,000 rpm. It accelerates the new A8 L Security from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.5 seconds. Its average fuel consumption is a modest 10.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (21.58 US mpg).
Orders can already be placed for the new Audi A8 L Security W12, with deliveries starting in the third quarter of 2014. Audi provides extensive services to support its customers and offers special training for drivers and vehicle owners.
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