I’ve all the time had a fascination with armored vehicles, significantly ones which might be supplied from the auto producers instantly. Companies like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have supplied armored variations of assorted fashions for many years, with just a few styling cues differentiating them from a standard automobile. Whether the occupants be heads of state, CEOs, mobsters or celebrities, these armored luxurious vehicles can shield them from bullets and bombs alike.
Movie franchises like “James Bond,” “Mission: Impossible” and “The Transporter” additional elevated my dream of driving an armored automobile. The heroes of these films are normally sizzling and doing cool stunt driving in a cool automobile whereas getting pursued by baddies and saving the day. Who wouldn’t need a automobile that might shield you in case your actual life turns into an motion film? Now BMW is launching a Security Vehicle Training program that can educate you to correctly drive armored vehicles and keep away from threats.
BMW’s armored automobile driving faculty is hosted on the ex-Soviet Groß Dölln air power base in Berlin, Germany, which was became a driving middle in 2002 and is similar location the place police and emergency companies are skilled. Action film jokes apart, BMW says this system is designed for real-life skilled drivers “who want to improve their skills in handling special-protection vehicles in order to be optimally prepared for extreme situations.”
The two-day commonplace course consists of each driving and classroom studying. Armored vehicles like the 7 Series Protection are a lot heavier than the already-heavy commonplace fashions, in order that they have completely different driving dynamics that college students will learn to deal with. BMW says there are “realistic practice scenarios” that embody “escape situations,” with promotional movies displaying scenes like a 7 Series driving by an explosion after which performing a J-turn.
Other actions embody evasive driving in a slalom course at evening, alternating between completely different headlight settings; high-speed evasive maneuvers by twisty corners; and being “confronted with explosions on a confusing forest road.” There are eight college students per group with two passengers per automobile, which provides to the joys of the expertise.
The Level 2 course spans three days and actually brings the adrenaline. You’ll get skilled in escape maneuvers below gunfire and pyrotechnics, defensive driving with automobile contact, nighttime ambushes and “significant bodywork damage also test the mental strength of the training participants.” This course additionally contains off-road coaching with the armored X5 SUV, which is a literal ton heavier than the usual mannequin.
BMW says the brand new 7 Series Protection lineup — which incorporates an i7 electrical model for the primary time — supplies occupants the final word degree of safety whereas retaining “remarkable ride comfort and spaciousness” and BMW’s signature driving dynamics. The 7 Series is within the VR9 safety class, set by the Association of Test Centres for Attack-Resistant Materials and Constructions (VPAM), and its VPAM 10 glass is the best degree of resistance for civilian armored vehicles, a classification that may be prolonged to the doorways too. It can shield towards explosives focused at each the roof and the underbody, like these from drone strikes or hand grenades.
There’s an intercom system, a self-sealing gas tank, an automated fireplace extinguisher, a fresh-air provide system, distinctive suspension tuning, and particular Michelin PAX runflat tires. And but it’s additionally nonetheless supplied with all the 7 Series’ luxurious trappings, from BMW Individual paint colours and cashmere massaging seats to Level 2 driver-assist options. From the skin, except for units of hidden lights and thicker glass surrounds, you’d by no means be capable of inform.
The web site for the coaching program doesn’t listing costs, that are definitely within the “if you have to ask…” vary. Both programs embody the in a single day stays and insurance coverage. And sadly, the location additionally says that the programs are “only for professional drivers of security vehicles.” BMW, please, for those who’re studying this, make an exception only for me.
Source: jalopnik.com