The armoured Range Rover that could save your life

It has been described as “a mobile fortress” and this very special Range Rover is being made in Coventry.

Aimed at everyone from politicians to Russian oligarchs and Middle Eastern sheiks, the Range Rover Sentinel is an armoured variant of Land Rover’s flagship vehicle and the latest version has today been unveiled.

Produced at Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, it features the latest in occupant protection – including armoured glass, roof blast-protection and an emergency escape system

The new armoured Range Rover will make its debut at the Home Office Security and Policing show tomorrow, Tuesday, March 5.

Land Rover bosses say it is offers more power and “unparalleled refinement” while also retaining the marque’s legendary all-terrain capability.

At its core is a protection cell built to exacting standards and in accordance with full ballistic and blast certification.

The reinforced body is engineered to face modern and unconventional forms of attack, including improvised explosive device (IED) fragmentation blasts.

The chassis, suspension, braking and electronic stability systems have all been optimised to combine the Range Rover’s on-road dynamics with extreme off-road ability.

Land Rover says it has the ability to tackle deep water crossings and challenging terrain with ease.

Specially manufactured wheels incorporate a run-flat system so the vehicle can be driven for up to 30 miles at up to 50mph if a tyre is damaged.

The Sentinel is also fitted with armoured glass in order to help protect occupants from attack. Further security systems includes the option for a specially configured front window, which drops a maximum of 150mm for document delivery, and a public address system allowing occupants to address people outside the vehicle.

Siren and emergency lighting packs are also available.

Despite its added weight – it carries more than a ton of armour plate and glass – the Sentinel can still accelerate from 0-60mph in just 9.8 seconds.

That is thanks to the latest version being fitted with Jaguar Land Rover’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine.

Increased power

The new 380PS engine gives a 40PS power uplift over the V6 petrol fitted previously.

Its top speed is limited to 120mph.

Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations managing director Michael van der Sande said: “The Range Rover Sentinel delivers the exceptional protection and security required by our VIP clients without compromising the superior refinement of the latest Range Rover.

“The addition of the more powerful 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine and a redesigned interior ensures a heightened level of performance and occupant safety.”

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