Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Keeping up with the House of Saud: BMW 7 Series High Security]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/keeping-up-with-the-house-of-saud-bmw-7-series-high-security/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/keeping-up-with-the-house-of-saud-bmw-7-series-high-security/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/keeping-up-with-the-house-of-saud-bmw-7-series-high-security/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW 760Li High Security - Click above for high-res image gallery

You're totally rich, your name's on several buildings and your wife is hotter than three suns. And you love sporty driving -- no chauffeur for you. Thing is, people are always shooting at your Ferrari 599. True, it can outrun bullets -- but what if you're stopped at a light? BMW has a solution for you. Meet the 760Li High Security and its "little" brother, the 750Li High Security, two new flagships providing safe haven from attacks and an entertaining steer. And they're fast. The 750Li has the now ubiquitous 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 good for 407 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. Even better, is the mighty heart of the 760Li with its soon-to-be shared with Rolls-Royce 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 that not only makes 537 hp but 553 lb-ft of gravity defying torque. That much grunt lets the big dog hit 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Both cars are electronically limited to 131 mph.

But here's why you really want 'em. Unlike cars that get all up-armored in the aftermarket, the new 7-Series was designed from the very start with armored versions in mind. Meaning that when the lads at the Dingofling factory add a few thousand pounds of bullet-proof steel plating, BMW has already designed a suitable suspension component (be it dampers, bushings or strut top mounting points) to account for all the extra weight. Moreover, as the new factory panels are in fact a perfect match to the parts they're replacing, the High Security cars fit together better and are more tightly sealed -- good news in case of gas attacks. And speaking of gas attacks, there's an assault alarm that automatically puts out fires under the car and in the engine bay. The assault alarm can also detect excess gas levels and automatically shut the vents, raise the windows, locks the doors and pump in purified air. Gotta have that.

BMW's claiming that both cars meet VR7 levels of protection and that the non-see-through bits meet VR9 levels. Sadly, even the internet doesn't know exactly what those levels mean, but they sound safe. In fact, (taking BMW's word for it) the only safer place on four wheels is Obama's Cadillac One, and even you can't buy that. Says BMW, "The two BMW high security sedans set new standards in the protection of persons at risk while traveling in their vehicle." Still not feeling safe? There's an optional compartment to store two machine guns right in the center console. Plus we're sure some "discreet" BMW consultants could help you and your check book make the 7-Series High Security a whole lot safer. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 BMW 7 Series High Security

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Continue reading Keeping up with the House of Saud: BMW 7 Series High Security

Keeping up with the House of Saud: BMW 7 Series High Security originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-Series750Li750Li High Security750liHighSecurity760Li760Li High Security760liHighSecurityBMWBMW 7-SeriesBMW 7-Series High SecurityBMW 750Li High SecurityBMW 760Li High SecurityBmw7-seriesBmw7-seriesHighSecurityBmw750liHighSecurityBmw760liHighSecuritybulletbulletproofMon, 10 Aug 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Audi's "The Art of Performance"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/video-audis-the-art-of-performance/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/video-audis-the-art-of-performance/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/17/video-audis-the-art-of-performance/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Audi R8.

A few of the Autoblog crew are former (or current) musicians that have tempered our insatiable lust for all-things-automotive with a healthy appreciation of the aural arts. So whenever an automaker attempts to combine the two, we're keenly interested in the outcome.

Audi teamed up with the German group Bullet and the graphics and video crew at Campana to create an orchestral masterpiece to launch the R8 in Brazil. With 41 musicians, three DJs and one conductor providing the soundtrack, the video clips integrate with the score and sound effects to create an impressive experience. Our only gripe is that the first two videos aren't nearly long enough, but they're worth checking out after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Audi R8


Gallery: Review: 2008 Audi R8


[Source: GermanCarBlog]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi's "The Art of Performance"

VIDEO: Audi's "The Art of Performance" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8 brazil musicianAudiR8BrazilMusicianbrazilbulletcampanar8Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Range Rover, Range Rover, help drug lords take cover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/range-rover-range-rover-help-drug-lords-take-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/range-rover-range-rover-help-drug-lords-take-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/range-rover-range-rover-help-drug-lords-take-cover/#commentsFiled under: ,

We enjoy reporting on even the most removed niche vehicles on the market, but here's something that will only be of interest to drug lords living in the hillside jungles of South America, because few others would have use for an armored, stretched Range Rover (with the possible exception of the British royals).

This Range Rover has been stretched by 25 centimeters (about ten inches), primarily to the benefit of its rear seat occupants. The body panels and floor have been lined and plated in Kevlar, the same stuff police use in their bulletproof vests. Reinforced windows have been fitted that can even withstand volleys from automatic machine guns and sniper rifles. Match all that with an Explosafe rupture- and fire-proof fuel tank and the requisite run-flat tires, and you've got yourself a very swanky armored personnel carrier.

Since such a vehicle is likely to spend most of its life helping occupants evade capture by US drug enforcement agents, it's only fitting that it has been outfitted with all that gear by First Defense, an American personal security firm.

[Source: Sybarites]

Range Rover, Range Rover, help drug lords take cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armorarmourblastbombbulletkevlarlandproofpuncturerangeroverThu, 29 Mar 2007 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Sovereign Saloon: Jaguar XJ-Armored]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/20/sovereign-saloon-jaguar-xj-armored/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/20/sovereign-saloon-jaguar-xj-armored/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/20/sovereign-saloon-jaguar-xj-armored/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Click on image for enlarged diagram

What's a moneyed Anglophile to do when his life has come in danger? The Mercedes S600 Guard offers a nice package, but a Benz is just so very cliché. Enter the Armoured Jaguar XJ Long Wheelbase, a bespoke motor of sublime elegance and protection for those who demand both in equal measure.

The pouncing cat has teamed up with independent security firm Centigon to build an armored luxury saloon that meets Jaguar standards of driving dynamics and luxury. The result is a Jaguar virtually indistinguishable from a stock XJ, but packing a host of anti-assassination goodies. The car comes complete with Kevlar body panel inserts, a titanium roof, even underbody armor plating. It's certified with a B6 level of ballistic protection, and capable of withstanding grenade blasts. The self-sealing fuel tank has an over-ride should the chauffer decide you need to move, fast. The car rides on Pirelli PZeros with the Roadguard run-flat system and a beefier suspension to handle the added weight. There's also a list of options including an independent oxygen supply, tamper-proof exhaust and alarm sirens.

The stock 4.2-liter V8 should be sufficient to remove the motor-carriage and its occupants from harms way in a hurry. Just what the doctor ordered for an afternoon drive through Belfast.

[Source: Jaguar]

Sovereign Saloon: Jaguar XJ-Armored originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armorarmourblastbulletgrenadejaguarproofsafetysedanxjMon, 20 Nov 2006 09:23:00 EST