Ingolstadt, Germany - Just the thing for the man who's got everyone… after his blood; the most secure Audi ever.
Whatever your feelings about a world where the rich and powerful feel the need to lock themselves into armoured boxes when they go out in public, it remains a noteworthy achievement that Audi has built what looks for all the world like a standard long-wheelbase A8 luxury sedan, but will withstand multiple hits on both metal and glassed areas from full-bore 7.62mm Nato rifle ammunition - or a 15kg TNT blast from just two metres away.
The latest version of the A8 L Security, which will be seen in public for the first time at the upcoming Frankfurt motor show, is now rated VR9 - the highest civilian armoured standard there is.
Anything more bulletproof than this, is officially a tank.
The safety cell of the A8 L Security is encased in hot-formed steel armour, special aluminium alloys and aramide fabric, and the windows are laminated from specially toughened glass to make them just as robust as the metal body.
Each example is built to order in collaboration between the Neckarsulm plant where 'standard' A8s are made and a top-secret security firm. And if we told you that workshop was, we'd have to kill you…
LUXURY OPTIONS
Standard security features include an armoured telecoms box in the boot, an intercom for communication with the outside world and selective door unlocking. Optional extras include an emergency escape system, onboard fire-extinguishers, an emergency fresh-air system, as well as most of the luxury options on the standard Audi A8 wish-list.
Armour-plated SUV's are not unusual, but Audi claims the A8 L Security is only armoured luxury sedan available ex-factory with all-wheel drive, and the high proportion of aluminium used in its construction keeps the all-up weight down, allowing a maximum payload of 600kg.
It's available with a choice of two petrol engines - either a four-litre biturbo V8 rated at 320kW and 600Nm, or a naturally-aspirated W12 FSI that's good for 368kW amd 625Nm. In either case the electronic speed limit of 210km/h is there to protect the very stiff run-flat tyres.
Order yours now for delivery in the second quarter of 2016 and, to paraphrase the old chestnut, if you have to ask how much it costs, you don't really need one.