Going bullet-proof

Criminality is on the rise. People, especially the rich, are getting kidnapped almost every day. And what do they do to protect themselves?

For those who have enough money to spare, buying a bullet-proof car is viewed as a wise investment. For them, it’s certainly wiser than using the money in paying ransom.

Because of the existence of a market for security vehicles, a number of shops have sprouted offering to customize vehicles and make them bullet-proof. Now you can see bullet-proof Expeditions and Suburbans on the road.

"It’s such a thriving market," said one Filipino-Chinese woman who knows people with bullet-proof vehicles. "One Brit guy even came here to lecture on the advantages of having a bullet-proof car. When someone made a comment on the high price of the car, the guy said, ‘So what price tag do you attach to your life?’"

German luxury car maker Audi has decided to enter this market through its A6 Security, a bullet-proof version of its A6 saloon. The car, which is factory-fitted with armor, can withstand even rocket-propelled grenades and magnum 357 bullets fired at close range. And it still looks as stylish as any Audi can be.

Business Motoring was recently furnished by Auto Prominence, the local distributor of Audi and Volkswagen cars, with a CDROM containing live tests of the A6 security done at the company’s Ulm plant. In it, the car was shown repelling bullets and attacks from men with baseball bats and crowbars. Its front and rear windshield, windows and walls simply wouldn’t break!

"Audi’s security concept is forward-looking and comprehensive, but it certainly does not cramp your lifestyle," said a brochure that accompanied the CDROM. "You will be riding an elegant, ultra modern saloon. Its form displays its power and dynamism. Whether on a business or private trip, you feel a greater sense of freedom because you are mobile, and you feel more secure because of the offered protection you need against unexpected attacks."

The A6 Security’s protective functions, according to the CDROM, consist of many details joined together. Its passive protection – a projectile class B4 armour – includes bullet-proof, shatter-resistant glass. All the important sections of the car are clad with special steel and aramid-fiber, a material used in bullet-proof vests. The panel armouring is arranged to repel shots from various angles. All these were deliberately laid out such that the A6 Security is every inch appearing like a normal A6 luxury saloon, a unique feature that is appealing to VIPs and statesmen worldwide.

Of course, these security features are complemented by Audi’s unique Quattro permanent four-wheel drive technology for unmatched power road grip that enables the car to negotiate steep climbs of up to 45 degrees. The Quattro system, when combined with the A6 Security’s ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), EDL (Electronic Differential Lock), ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and TMS (Tire Mobility "Run-Flat" System) provides utmost versatility and safety so critical during emergency maneuvers needed in evading kidnapping attempts.

Or you can simply leave behind the kidnappers’ vehicle through the sheer power of the car’s robust 2.8 liter, 30-valve, V6 engine, whose "5-valve-per cylinder" technology is unique to Audi, delivers 193 bhp at optimum fuel efficiency.

To top it all, an EWS (Emergency Warning System) and a well-thought of IS (Intercom System) ensure constant communication between the driver and the rear passengers, without being heard by the kidnap men and/or attackers outside the car.

The A6 also comes with luxury, comfort and convenience that are typical of all Audis. Standard features include leather seats, walnut wood trim, a GSM car phone, TV/GPS navigation system, BOSE audio system with 6-disc CD changer, acoustic parking system (APS), tiptronic sport steering wheel, cruise control and others.

The A6 Security is now available at P7 million. For more information, visit Auto Prominence at 2326 Pasong Tamo extension, Makati or call the company at 843-1195, 843-1640, and 843-1649.