Pete Blaber led company uses advanced polycarbonate composites and ballistic glass and “world class” security features to creat a B-4 level safe room.
AddArmor, known as much for the pedigree of its leadership as for designing what they call sophisticated mobile safe rooms, recently announced its latest creation: the “world’s fastest armored car.” It’s an Audi RS7 built with a polycarbonate weave they say is 10x stronger than ballistic steel.
The new 202 mph APR-tuned RS7 was designed and built to showcase new developments in lightweight combat-proven polycarbonate armor paneling. Armored vehicles have long been associated with lumbering, heavy duty trucks. This was apparently the impetus that pushed AddArmor design. As they describe it, they decided to showcase a truly modernized armored car that could put lie to such impressions – and by doing so to highlight just how far modern armor technology has evolved. The result is a car they claim can perform at speeds of more than 200mph sporting an armor material weighing 60% less than ballistic steel.
AddArmor President Jeff Engen explains.
“With the new AddArmor APR RS7, we wanted to demonstrate how today’s armoring technology allows drivers to pick from a wide range of cars not normally associated with armored vehicles. The total armoring weight of the AddArmor APR RS7 is no more than 200 pounds. That small amount of weight allows for exotic sports cars and even electric vehicles to be nicely armored without compromising their performance or range. The key difference is AddArmor uses a polycarbonate composite instead of heavy steel plating. The weave offers a much stronger, lighter package that simultaneously allows the car to be much faster.”
Speed and maneuverability is frequently a critical element of safety, so AddArmor worked to ensure the vehicle’s “lightweight comprehensive 360-degree protection” would function without compromising acceleration or braking. They combined this ballistic protection with horsepower. As a result, the RS7’s 4.0L twin-turbo engine is complemented an APR Stage II system. AddArmor advises us this “special performance package” will produce 760 horsepower/800 lb-ft of torque with a manufacturer-clocked 0 – 60 mph time of 2.9 seconds.
AddArmor upfitted European B4-level armoring to the RS7; this package combines front-seat 360-degree polycarbonate body panels and ballistic glass to limit weight and protect the primary the occupants. Their ballistic glass is comprised of a multi-layer mixture of polycarbonate and ballistic glass, providing a transparent layer of armor that can withstand prolonged attacks from blunt objects like bricks and bats. Ballistically, the B4 armor can stop a .44 Magnum round, allowing drivers and passengers to evade attack – more important to EP/PSD work than overlanding, but nice to have nonetheless!
Vehicle armor is ballistically rated, much as individual body armor is categorized in II, III, and similar levels by the NIJ. The actual terminology used my vary, for instance from the US State Department Armored Vehicle Program to others from half a dozen or more different countries.
As described by the AddArmor release, the APR RS7 features “Delta Force-tested security throughout.”
The description continues:
Hidden security countermeasures include a sonic sound cannon with a PA system and siren capable of 120 dB. Other security items include electric-shock door handles equivalent to a high-powered taser gun and pepper spray dispensers. For ramming, AddArmor installed a front barrier bumper that protects the car’s radiator while also allowing the automobile to comfortably drive through most ambush situations. The AddArmor APR RS7 also includes a specially developed rear blinding light system that uses aircraft landing technology to temporarily blind assailants. The new vehicle also features a custom smokescreen system. For added security, the AddArmor APR RS7 includes biometric gun racks hidden in the trunk that can accommodate assault rifles and handguns.
Another unique security measure included on the AddArmor APR RS7 is a special Global 911 concierge service. This satellite-activated 24/7 system monitors the vehicle’s occupants via their cell phones and an array of beacons. Any sign of trouble automatically sets off a siren in a command center staffed by highly trained security staff with military and first-responder backgrounds. The Global 911 concierge service assesses all security situations as they arise and dispatches solutions in the case of any emergency. These systems allow AddArmor to protect their clients anywhere around the globe.
For added security, the new AddArmor APR RS7 includes a multitude of other on-board tactical electronics. An overseas-compliant drone-denial frequency-jamming satellite communications system has been installed alongside active mine/explosion detection, as well as a state-of-the-art 360-degree night-vision camera system. In the case of any airborne attacks, the AddArmor APR RS7 has an overpressure gas detection unit with onboard gas masks and air tanks to supply filtered fresh breathing air.
The RS7 runs on high-performance 275/30ZR21 Pirelli P Zero Run Flat tires capable of driving 30 miles after sustaining multiple high-powered rifle shots.
The AddArmor APR RS7 demonstrates how AddArmor provides custom protection packages to meet clients’ needs for either new or existing vehicles. Security packages for executive, work, personal, and family vehicles are available starting at $28,000. The new AddArmor APR RS7 is available for $205,000.
AddArmor (which offers training as well) can be found online at AddArmor.com.
DR can be contacted on IG via @reederwrites.
