Tony Abbot has traded-in his clapped out limo fleet of Holden Caprices with nine pimped out – and heavily armoured – BMW 7 Series High Security vehicles.
The Aussie government bought the beasts under a $6.3 million contract to chauffeur world leaders around Brisbane during the G20. However, over the recent holiday period, the cars have been pimped down into ‘regular’ use, Fairfax Media reported.
The PM’s new (armoured) wheels pic.twitter.com/xpLJKFcfVb
— Frank Keany (@redneckninja) January 14, 2015
According to BMW’s website, Abbott’s sweet new ride was fired at with various weapons from different angles using different types of ammunition. The car is therefore certified for compliance with the classic VR7 ballistic protection standard. Just what every discerning PM needs in these troubled times.
“It is the first vehicle specifically designed to protect against the world’s most widely used firearm, the AK-47,” the website states.
The bulletproof windows come standard and are made from layers of laminated glass and polycarbonate coating – perfect protection from radical extremists and the harsh Australian sun.
The custom armour plating is an impenetrable second skin made from strengthened steel. You so want one, don’t you Jeremy Clarkson.
Further safety features include a self-sealing petrol tank, an intercom system, an attack alarm and tyres that remain inflated when punctured (it understood they have not yet been tested for burn-outs, though).
The high security BMW fleet will be available for visiting VIPs when Tony isn’t taking it for a spin.
British Prime Minister David Cameron rides an armoured Jaguar XJ Sentinel which can apparently release tear gas to disperse crowds, according to Fairfax.
“The Beast” of beasts belongs to President Barack Obama, though. The US commander-in-chief travels rides a customised General Motors Cadillac weighing over seven tonnes. It is rumoured that there are stored litres of blood of the President’s type in The Beast’s trunk.
Top image: Mark Graham/AFP/Getty Images