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The German automaker BMW has just launched the High Security version of the new 7-Series reserved for high-risk celebrities and the Pope. The security version is built from either a 760Li or 750Li luxury limousine to meet the strict regulations of the new ballistic protection level VR7. Even though the High Security version wears quite a bit of extra armor that doesn’t mean that it can be a slouch, the BMW 760Li High Security can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in just 6.2 seconds and the 4.4 Liter V8 from the 750Li based version happens to be the first gas burning engine of its kind with turbochargers located in between the cylinder banks, shortening the lengths of all the necessary plumbing and creating a much more efficient design. The innovative eight cylinder cranks out a maximum output of 407 HP and a peak of 442 lb-ft of torque straight to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission which allows the BMW 750Li High Security to go from 0 to 60 MPH in a slightly slower 7.9 seconds. The High Security models also come with a host of safety systems aimed at protecting the occupants inside. These improvements include chassis reinforcements, reinforced amour plating for the body panels and advanced "safety glazing" on the glass. The undercarriage has been reinforced and the doorjambs sealing in order to prevent life-threatening objects like bullets and shrapnel from entering the cabin. There is also a high tech intercom system, assault alarm, fire extinguisher and an internal air supply in case of a lethal gas attack. Press release after the jump. Press release With the launch of a new generation of high-security sedans based on the BMW 7 Series, the leading supplier of premium vehicles meets the most stringent safety requirements for persons at risk while travelling in their vehicles. Both, the BMW 760Li High Security and the BMW 750Li High Security are the first models in the world to be certified to BRV 2009 and both vehicles meet the requirements of the new ballistic protection level VR7. Specific chassis components are perfectly adapted to the increase in weight due to the sedans’ armour plating. Hence, reinforced suspension, dampers and suspension strut top mountings are part of the model-specific component range. This approach ensures finely-tuned vehicle performance characteristics that cannot be achieved by retrofitted armour plating. Reinforced vehicle-specific armour plating made from special steel as well as newly developed safety glazing protect the passenger compartment in particular from attacks of all kinds. The passenger compartment is protected by armour plating of the doors, the roof, the pillars, the front footwell and the separation wall between passenger and luggage compartments. Another new development is the sedans’ 2.4” (6 cm) safety glazing. Due to its innovative structure, the multi-layer laminated glass cover provides a unique level of resistance. The window panes are covered with a polycarbonate layer on the inside in order to prevent shattered glass particles from penetrating the interior. Driving dynamics and comfort on a par with production models. Even with the highly effective security equipment, both the exclusive character of the interior as well as the driving dynamics that are typical of BMW 7 Series luxury sedans has been virtually retained. Despite their extensive safety equipment, both the BMW 760Li High Security and the BMW 750Li High Security can hardly be distinguished from the corresponding production models. Despite the increased weight of the vehicle, the engine performance characteristics of both models ensure that the new high-security sedans can achieve a dynamic acceleration The BMW 760Li High Security accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in as little as 6.2 seconds. The 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine of the BMW 750Li High Security is the first petrol engine of its kind with turbochargers that are located in the “V” space between the cylinder banks. The V8 engine achieves 300 kW/407 hp at engine speeds of between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm. It mobilizes a maximum torque of 600 Nm that is maintained between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. The spontaneously delivered engine thrust is applied to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The combination of a double wishbone front axle with an integral V rear axle provides numerous benefits in terms of comfort and dynamics, but above all, it results in an outstandingly harmonious handling of curves, virtually eliminating rolling, swaying or tilting behaviour. Moreover, the BMW 760Li High Security and the BMW 750Li High Security are equipped with an electronically controlled Dynamic Damping Control. The dampers adapt to the road surface as well as to the style of motoring. The high-performance braking system ensures excellent deceleration values in all situations. Inner-vented discs and sliding calliper design for optimum efficiency on all four wheels provide extreme stability and maximum braking comfort. Run-flat tyres are equipped with temperature sensors and a separate tyre pressure monitoring system for each wheel. If the interior protection system is triggered by excess gas levels, all windows are closed automatically, the central locking system is activated, the fresh air valves are closed and the ventilation system is shut off. An additional internal fresh-air supply system ensures that passengers are provided with breathable air. BMW also offers special options for authorities, governments and embassies. The package provides a range of special features such as flag holders, arrangements for radio installations right through to a gun case with compartments for two machine guns in the center console. |
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