Autoblog

Syrian rebels show off their inner A-Team with homemade tank

Jeffrey N. Ross — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Military, Middle East, Design/Style

Going up against an organized military must be quite a challenge, but Syrian rebels have used a little ingenuity to give themselves a fighting chance in the country's civil war. Judging by the fact that the uprising has lasted for more than a year now, the fighters definitely have skills in weapons and military tactics, but some of the rebels have displayed a different sort of skill by busting out their torches and welders to create this homemade tank.

Looking like something you'd see on an old episode of The A-Team, this armored assault vehicle started life as some sort of diesel truck and was converted to its current state using a lot of steel and a big gun. The occupants, engine and tires are all protected by thick metal, and the vehicle uses four cameras (including a gunner camera that can be zoomed in by what appears to be a Playstation controller) and a rear-facing camera to help the driver pilot the massive vehicle.

We don't know how well this vehicle performs when in action, but we're sure Hannibal, Face, Murdock and B.A. Baracus would all be proud of the effort. Scroll down to see the tank in action, courtesy of a video posted by Russia Today on YouTube, including running over a helpless pile of branches.

Syrian rebels show off their inner A-Team with homemade tank originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley pondering foray into the armored car business

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Bentley, Specialty, Middle East, Russia, South America, Luxury

In a move that makes us say, "Well... of course," The Guardian reports that Bentley is contemplating the creation of a division that would build "armour-plated" versions of its cars. The competitors in mass-market luxury and premium luxury already have such divisions - BMW just announced the latest versions of its armored 7 Series and Rolls-Royce launched an armored Phantom five years ago, for starters - and third-party companies are already producing armored Mulsannes and Flying Spur Speeds.

A final decision hasn't been made, but Bentley's armored products would be tailored to clients in the Middle East, Russia and Latin America. Entering the high security market could also do that little bit more to help Bentley reach its 2015 sales goal of 15,000 vehicles.

Bentley pondering foray into the armored car business originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan's not-so-armored car services and how they move money

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Safety, Videos

They do things a little differently in Japan. Now that we've qualified for the Understatement Of The Year award, allow us to elaborate. Here in the United States, banks rely on privately-contracted security services to move large quantities of money from one secure location to another. These armed guards roll around our cities in the urban equivalent of wheeled tanks, complete with heavy armor, tires that can't be flattened and enough bulletproof glass to make the president seriously consider trading in The Beast for something with a little more flair.

That's not the case in Japan. In that neck of the woods, banks ferry their cash about in what look like unarmored, clearly marked vans. Crewing these decidedly less tactical vehicles is apparently a pair of guards, each armed with nothing more than a helmet, a whistle and a baton. But what these guys lack in gear they make up for in preparation. Before both men can enter the vehicle, one must make a full walk-around to ensure no one is waiting to pounce on the van. In addition, before any money is brought out into the light of day, it's not uncommon for one or both guards to make a thorough sweep of the surrounding area. Sound bizarre? Take a look at the video after the jump and see for yourself.

Continue reading Japan's not-so-armored car services and how they move money

Japan's not-so-armored car services and how they move money originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FPS Russia takes an armored troop carrier through a drive thru

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Military, Humor, Russia

Internet and YouTube phenom FPS Russia - no, he's not really Russian and yes, his accent, though amusing, is fake - tends to go a little bit overboard at times. He loves guns and blowing things up, and the bigger the boom it makes, the better.

So, when it came time to take a little trip into town to pick up some lunch at McDonalds, our man decided that nothing less than an armored troop carrier would suffice. And not just any old military machine would do. FPS Russia's armored ride boasts a massive .50 caliber machine gun mounted up top from which to shoot unsuspecting watermelons.

We should warn you that there's plenty of watermelon violence in the video after the break, as well as some potentially NSFW language. That said, enjoy the carnage after the break.

Continue reading FPS Russia takes an armored troop carrier through a drive thru

FPS Russia takes an armored troop carrier through a drive thru originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW will happily sell you an armored last-gen Jetta... in Mexico

Chris Shunk — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Volkswagen, Specialty

Personal protection is a big deal south of the border, and the people of Mexico reportedly spend upwards of $80 million per year on armored vehicles. When we think of armored cars, we tend to think about Chevy Tahoes and Ford Expeditions, but Volkswagen has for years offered a smaller, slightly more affordable option.

The Bora Protect is little more than a previous-generation Jetta, except it can stop a bullet. The no-doubt heavy little sedan costs about $70,000 in U.S. funds, but if that's what it takes to stop a high-velocity round from entering the cabin, it's likely money well spent. And as an added bonus, buyers of the Bora Protect receive the superior interior of the last-generation Jetta, as opposed to the cost-cut cabin of the current model.

And as you might expect, the base 115-horsepower 2.0-liter engine isn't the mill of choice when you're hauling several hundreds of pounds worth of Kevlar and other bullet blockers. For 70-large you also get the 200-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter mill mated to a six-speed DSG for (at least close to) proper motivation. Run-flat rubber makes shooting out the tires a less-fruitful endeavor, as well.

Something tells us that the 2.0T isn't quite as peppy under the hood of the Bora Protect as it is in the GLI, but then again, the Bora Protect is about stopping bullets, not driving like one.

[Source: Volkswagen]

VW will happily sell you an armored last-gen Jetta... in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maybach 62 Guard keeps the rich coddled from harm's way

Noah Joseph — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Maybach, Specialty, Luxury

2011 Maybach 62 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Typically, when an automaker develops an armored version of one of their sedans or SUVs, the added weight taken as inherent has an adverse effect on the car's performance. But with the new Maybach Guard, the top-of-the-line Daimler division says it has whittled this down to a minimum.

The negligible effect of the added protection on the Maybach 62 comes down to two factors: First of all, Maybach's twin-turbo V12, brakes and suspension components were designed from the get-go to accommodate the reinforced armor, and are already burdened enough by the car's massive weight that the extra heft is relatively negligible. Secondly, the steel and Kevlar reinforcements weigh less than 900 pounds all told - far less than if you took an existing model to an independent firm instead of specifying it so equipped from the factory.

As a result, Daimler claims the Maybach 62 Guard can still accelerate from 0-62 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds and reach a threat-evading top speed of 155 mph - the electronically-limited level adopted by most of Germany's automakers.

The Guard model is also said to be virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye from an unprotected Maybach 62, so if you want to know what it looks like, check out the recently revised model range in the gallery below. Official announcement in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Maybach range

[Source: Maybach]

Continue reading Maybach 62 Guard keeps the rich coddled from harm's way

Maybach 62 Guard keeps the rich coddled from harm's way originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Armored car sales blowing up thanks to Mexican drug war

Chris Shunk — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Government/Legal, Safety

2010 BMW X5 Security Plus - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mexican drug war has been big news for a good longtime now, and with good reason - there have been a reported 33,000 casualties since late 2006. Mexican authorities claim that most of the violence has been contained to rival gangs and Mexican authorities, but a series of kidnappings and reported extortion schemes have middle class families looking for automotive protection.

It's no coincidence, then, that the Toronto Sun reports that armored car sales are up 20 percent in 2010, with 1,900 vehicles reworked to take on everything from bullets to bombs. Armored vehicles have typically been purchased by big corporations and Mexico's wealthy, as the conversion prices tend to be prohibitive for average families. Increased attacks on government officials have also led to additional orders from municipalities and police forces, and the Toronto Sun says that shops specializing in armoring have been working overtime to keep up with demand.

We don't doubt that armored car sales are up, as bullet-resistant vehicle sales are up in many countries. But how many "middle class" families can afford a $120,000 armor job? Other less costly alternatives range from a $300 bulletproof vest to a $4,000 leather jacket that can stop small arms fire.

Gallery: 2010 BMW X5 Security Plus

[Source: Toronto Sun]

Report: Armored car sales blowing up thanks to Mexican drug war originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured perfect for rough terrain, neighborhoods

Noah Joseph — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover, Police/Emergency, Luxury, Off-Road

Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured - Click above for high-res image gallery

Why do people buy SUVs? Some do it for the cargo and passenger capacities. Some buy 'em because they like to sit high. But some buy sport-utes because, even though the most off-road action they'll ever see is a muddy parking lot, they want to know they can handle anything that comes along. But what if rough terrain or heavy snowfall isn't your biggest concern? What if you're more worried about being attacked by armed assailants? Well then... you're either living in a pretty nasty neighborhood, you're pretty damn important or you're just plain paranoid. In any event, this is the vehicle you'll need: the new Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured.

Developed with the security consultants at Centigon, the secure LR4 can withstand machine gun fire, 33 pounds of dynamite or even a couple of hand grenades tossed underneath. Unfortunately the added steel plating necessary to withstand such a barrage adds considerable heft to an already hefty vehicle, pushing the curb weight up to over 7,800 pounds.

Fortunately, Land Rover has given its armored model the big 5.0-liter V8, beefier brakes, upgraded air suspension and heavy-duty wheels with run-flat tires to handle the extra payload, but the big Landie can still hustle to 62 in 10.6 seconds and carry an additional 1,100 pounds of people and gear. Read all about it in the press release after the break.

Gallery: Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured perfect for rough terrain, neighborhoods

Land Rover Discovery 4 Armoured perfect for rough terrain, neighborhoods originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ready, Aim, Fire! BMW security cars take assasin's bullet, live to tell

Zach Bowman — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Safety, Videos, BMW, Specialty, Luxury

Testing BMW's armor plating - Click above to watch video after the jump

BMW has been manufacturing and selling premium security vehicles for clients around the world for over 30 years. The company's newest line-up of bullet-proof beasts includes the the X5 Security, X5 Security Plus, the 760Li High Security and the 750Li High Security. Depending on which level of protection clients require, BMW can offer armor against everything from pistol fire to assault rifle rounds and small explosions.

The company has released a new video that shows off exactly what goes into creating an armored vehicle from the factory. According to BMW, the manufacturer takes time during development of the base models to ensure the platforms can handle the added weight of the armored plating and glass. The result is a car that can not only take a serious beating, but can also handle and perform while looking no different than standard BMW models.

Hop the jump to see the video for yourself. But don't blame us if you have a sudden urge to dismantle an armored BMW with machine gun fire though.

Gallery: 2010 BMW 7 Series High Security

Gallery: 2010 BMW X5 Security Plus

[Source: BMW Blog]

Continue reading Ready, Aim, Fire! BMW security cars take assasin's bullet, live to tell

Ready, Aim, Fire! BMW security cars take assasin's bullet, live to tell originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New reality series Family Armor combines vehicle bulletproofing and Mormons

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:08:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Work, Celebrities, Specialty

We're not precisely sure how to treat this one, so we're going to go ahead and use the "jump in with both feet" method. TLC is launching a new reality show called Family Armor that follows the exploits of two Mormon brothers-in-law that build bulletproof cars for a living. That doesn't sounds so sexy. Try this quote from the press release on for size:

"When not at the factory, Trent is the father of six rowdy children and married to his live-wire of a wife, Courtney. Jason and his wife Lacy are first-time parents, working to catch up in the baby race. Trent and Jason devote their time to work, kin and religion...and along the way they get to shoot guns and blow things up."

Yeah! Much better, right? It's such a hairbrained, preposterous, stretch of an idea for a show that it just might work. Now, we know they're on different networks, but if Family Armor can somehow hook up with The Real Housewives of Atlanta, well, fireworks people - fireworks! Full press release after the jump.

[Source: TLC]

Continue reading New reality series Family Armor combines vehicle bulletproofing and Mormons

New reality series Family Armor combines vehicle bulletproofing and Mormons originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Secret Service vehicles strike and kill pedestrian

Chris Shunk — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

Presidential Limousine - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Tragedy struck the streets of Maryland Wednesday when a pair of heavily armored Secret Service vehicles designed to escort the Vice President struck and killed a pedestrian at an intersection. Inside Line reports that the unfortunate accident occurred at 2:27 am Wednesday morning in rainy conditions as the armored Cadillac limo and Chevrolet Suburban were en-route from Andrews Air Force base to a secure storage location. Vice President Joe Biden was not on board when the incident took place.

The armored vehicles, which weigh over 13,000 pounds, are driven by employees who have taken a special protective operator's driving course. The Washington Post has quoted a Secret Service official as saying the vehicles' added heft makes the vehicles "trickier to handle than ordinary vehicles." The incident is currently under investigation by the U.S. Park Police.

Gallery: President Obama Inauguration Limo Ride

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Secret Service vehicles strike and kill pedestrian originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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