Available now in the UK at prices starting from +é-ú199,000 OTR, Jaguar expects the Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase to become the choice for heads of state, high profile business people, diplomats and celebrities throughout the world.

This luxurious British product protects its occupants from firearms and blast attack, robbery, kidnap and car jacking.

The Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase is virtually identical externally to the standard XJ saloon car bringing absolute discretion to owners. However, the Armoured XJ's appearance is deceptive. It features significant modifications including bullet-resistant laminated glazing, under-body protection, steel and titanium armour and run flat tyres.

The Armoured XJ's chassis has been extensively adapted to suit the car's unique occupational requirements. Despite the Armoured XJ's additional weight, the car remains agile and responsive to a more aggressive driving style with strengthened Eibach springs manufactured from a special silicon alloy and Bilstein B46 dampers replacing the otherwise standard air suspension.

More specific to the Armoured XJ's bodyguard role, the variable assisted steering system (VAPS) has been tuned in play with the car's increased mass to provide balanced input feel and response to the driver.

The Armoured XJ's resume also includes a substantial pair of six-piston Alcon mono-block brake callipers at the front and four-piston Alcon mono-block callipers to the rear. The callipers grip larger ventilated brake discs to substantially increase stopping performance.

The Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase features bullet resistant borosilicate glazing 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 Kevlar fibre material.

The Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase has been designed to offers protection against high velocity assault rifle rounds and a side blast by preventing any penetration of the passenger cell by shrapnel and blast fragments.

Jaguar and Centigon integrated their design and engineering operations to produce the Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase which is supported by extensive prototype testing and Jaguar's stringent quality control and sign off standards. Centigon, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is well respected for its vehicle armouring expertise.

The vehicle has undergone extensive ballistic and blast testing by the independent test agency QinetiQ and has been accredited to European standard EN 1063 levels BR5 and BR6. 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 vehicles life.

Jaguar's Global Aftersales Support program 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 50 kilometres at speeds of 80km/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

Nick Youdan, Global Armoured Vehicle Sales Manager, commented: "Dealing with real security risks in our everyday lives is becoming more commonplace. The new Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase 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, and with a V8 engine providing powerful acceleration, and tyres with run flat capability as standard, getting out of trouble fast will never be an issue."

Owners of the armoured XJ are offered tailored armoured driver training to help them understand the unique handling characteristics and abilities of the Armoured XJ.

Notes to editors:
Due to the nature of the security vehicle market and the purpose for which these cars are designed, Jaguar will not release sensitive information or technical detail about its security cars.

Issued by:
Todd Hallenbeck
Public Affairs Manager
Jaguar Australia
65 Epping Road
North Ryde, NSW 2113
Phone: (02) 9020 1613
Mobile: 0412 259 635
Email: thallen2@jaguar.com