Jaguar's first ever armoured car makes worldwide debut at Middle East International Motor Show

The luxury saloon vehicle now has capabilities far and beyond the needs of day-to- day transportation with added security that offers protection from firearms, blast attack, robbery, kidnap and car jacking.

From the exterior the Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase is virtually identical to the standard XJ bringing absolute discretion to owners. However appearances can be deceptive as the vehicle is armoured to European standard EN1063 levels BR5 & BR6, featuring significant modifications like bullet-resistant laminated glazing, underbody protection, steel-armouring and run flat tyres.

Although the Armoured XJ closely resembles the road going XJ, its chassis has been extensively adapted to compensate for additional weight and a potentially more aggressive driving style with reinforced springs and dampers. This ensures that it is just as agile and safe to drive as the production version as well as being lighter than its armoured competitors.

A fully re-tuned variable assisted steering system (VAPS) with an increased pressure flow power steering pump re-aligns the increased mass of the armoured vehicle to the steering effort inputs of the driver.

The car is also fitted with opposed 6 piston alcon mono-block brake callipers to the front of the vehicle and 4 piston alcon mono-block callipers to the rear, along with the performance friction material brake pads and larger ventilated brake discs to substantially increase braking performance. Original air suspension has been replaced with passive suspension to account for the additional mass. The vehicle is equipped with specially strengthened and tuned Bilstein B46 dampers and bespoke.

Bullet resistant glazing is designed to withstand a comprehensive range of hand guns and assault rifles. The armoured body shell is reinforced with ballistic resistant steel and underfloor protection is provided by high-tech Kevlar fibre material.

The Armoured XJ LWB offers protection against high velocity assault rifle rounds and also side blast with the overall design preventing any penetration of the passenger cell by shrapnel or blast fragments.

Development work on the Armoured XJ Long Wheel base has been carried out by Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations working closely with the world's leading armouring specialist company, Centigon, an Armor Holdings Company.

"Dealing with real security risks in our everyday lives is becoming more commonplace. The new Armoured XJ Long Wheel Base has been designed to combine the design and engineering of a luxury car with the technology and security features for the most demanding business needs. Everything is in place to make each journey a safe one,"

said Andy Gawthorpe, Managing Director of Jaguar, Middle East and Africa.

As the first ever fully engineered and warranted armoured vehicle from Jaguar Cars, prospective customers have the assurance of full factory support during purchase and throughout the vehicle's warranted life. Jaguar's optional Global After Sales Support programme offers a high level of support in the most remote territories. Four scheduled visits per year by a dedicated Jaguar technician ensure complete customer satisfaction, and reassurance that their vehicle is maintained to the very highest possible standard.

Tyres with run flat capability allow the driver to travel safely up to 30 miles (50 kilometers) at speeds of 50 mph (80 kp/h), when punctured or deflated. Security features include a tamper proof exhaust, intercom system, self sealing fuel tank, cabin with its own oxygen supply and a titanium armoured roof.