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What is a potentate under political pressure to do for those morning drives to get a coffee and newspaper? Audi is hoping its new A8 L Security armored vehicle will provide the answer, not to mention peace of mind for wealthy clientele seeking the ultimate in luxury, refinement, and bullet-proof glass. Based on the long-wheelbase version of the Audi A8 sedan, the A8 L Security will initially be launched with a 500 bhp W-12 engine. A smaller and more fuel efficient alternative, most likely a version of the 4. 2-liter V-8 offered in the standard A8, will be available at a later date according to Audi. Each A8 L Security takes an additional 450 hours of workmanship to complete. Cars with special requirements and custom touches are likely to take even longer. Interior armoring alone adds more than 1,500 lbs. to the A8s curb-weight. Thicker glass for the windshield, side windows and rear window adds another 661 lbs. Owners can specify optional extras, such as an emergency exit system patented by Audi. After flipping a tamperproof switch, a tug on the interior door handle sets off pyrotechnical separating screws in the door which can then be knocked out with a slight push. An emergency air filtration system (with oxygen tanks mounted in the car) and fire extinguisher system (capable of spraying fire retardant into the wheel wells, engine compartment, and onto the cars underbody) are also available. Despite the explosive doors and grenade-proof flooring, Audi claims the hefty A8 L Security is still capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 7. 3 seconds. A set of special 19-inch rims feature synthetic rings that allow the A8 to travel on a flat tire at speeds up to 50 mph. Top speed is limited to 130. 4 mph.
