Foursprung: world's first widely-available armoured passenger vehicle

As gizmag states out the world can be a hostile and dangerous place with hundreds of war zones around the world at any given time, plus many countries where assassination and kidnapping are routine:

"Despite wars and organized criminal activity, life has to go on, and there are some people who feel the need to be transported in the manner befitting their station in life. An armouring industry has grown up around the 50 wars that are going on in the world.

But these vehicle manufacturers are boutique in comparison to the robust distribution network and global marketing resources of Jaguar. Our prediction is that Jaguar’s move will add serious global recognition to the company’s already prestigious brand. Jaguar’s just-announced Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase luxury saloon car is an armoured passenger vehicle with capabilities far beyond the needs of day to day transportation with added security, without compromising the ability of the car.

This British product offers protection from firearms and blast attack, robbery, kidnap and car jacking, and will become the car of choice for heads of state, high profile business people, diplomats and celebrities throughout the world. Which will make it even more attractive to the business elite.

From the exterior the Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase is virtually identical to the standard XJ bringing absolute discretion to owners. However appearances can be deceptive, as the new Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase is heavily armoured, featuring significant modifications like bullet-resistant laminated glazing, underbody protection, steel-armouring and run flat tyres.

Though the Armoured XJ closely resembles the road going XJ, its chassis has been extensively adapted to compensate for additional weight and a potentially more aggressive driving style with reinforced springs and dampers. This ensures that it is just as agile and safe to drive as the production version as well as being lighter than its armoured competitors.

A fully retuned variable assisted steering system (VAPS) with an increased pressure flow power steering pump realigns the increased mass of the armoured vehicle to the steering effort inputs of the driver.

The car is also fitted with opposed 6 piston Alcon mono-block brake callipers to the front of the vehicle and 4 piston Alcon mono-block callipers to the rear, along with performance friction material brake pads and larger ventilated brake discs to substantially increase braking performance. Original air suspension has been replaced with passive suspension to account for the additional mass. The vehicle is equipped with specially strengthened and tuned Bilstein B46 dampers and bespoke Eibach springs manufactured from special ultra strength silicon alloy – a combination tuned to optimise the balance between ride, comfort and body control.

Designed to provide maximum protection to driver and passengers alike, the Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase features many security attributes to make each journey a safe one."

Foursprung, amour

Source: gizmag

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