A street-legal SUV that is built to withstand bullets and emit a smoke screen to momentarily blind people tailing the vehicle, has gone on sale worldwide.
Packed with defensive systems to protect occupants in an ambush – including electrified door handles – the US$295,000 (NZ$448,500) made-to-order Rezvani Tank Military Edition is legally allowed on roads.
The extraordinary vehicle, which has a thermal night vision system built into the windscreen, takes approximately 14 to 24 weeks to build. Developers say it has the latest in Level 7 ballistic armour, capable of stopping high calibre weapons and assault rifles.
External speakers and a microphone allow the driver to communicate threats without the need to open the door or windows of the vehicle, which boasts a 6.4-litre 372kW V8 engine.
The Tank Military Edition has been created by California-based Rezvani and is based on their original Tank XUV (Extreme Utility Vehicle).
The new model features run-flat tyres, front and rear blinding lights, as well as a thermal night vision system. Every Tank Military Edition vehicle includes a survival kit with military-grade gas masks, hypothermia kit and first aid kit, as well as sirens and a full intercom system.
Powering the Military Edition is a gas-hungry 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, which can be upgraded to a 6.2L 707 Horsepower V8 from the Dodge Hellcat.
The company says this makes it 'capable of propelling Tank over any terrain', particularly when combined with an available adjustable suspension system for increased off-road capability. The Military Edition comes with the tagline: 'Designed For Defence, Built For The Road. The Toughest Extreme Utility Vehicle on Earth.'
External speakers and a microphone mean the driver can communicate with external threats without the need to open the door or windows.
The exterior has a matt finish and the colour is called US Army Desert Sand.
Radiator, battery and fuel tank are all wrapped in a heat-resistant and strong synthetic 'bullet proof' Kevlar fibre. The underside is protected against explosive devices. As well as a smoke screen, it also has strobe lights front and back to help drivers deal with unwanted pursuers.
It has magnetic dead-bolts and electrified door handles which provide maximum security against unauthorised access.
The vehicle is 2.1m tall, 4.9m long and 21.m wide. It weighs 4,300 lbs (1,900kg).
An elegantly appointed and customised interior with over 10 seat styles provides a sporty feel yet supple driving experience.
The original Rezvani Tank was a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with a new engine, exterior and a pair of coach-style doors on each side.
'We’ve upped the ante with the new Tank Military edition,' said company founder and CEO Ferris Rezvani.
'After the success of Tank, we decided to build a machine with the ultimate security features while maintaining extreme luxury.
'Designed to withstand urban terrain or apocalyptic attack, Tank is that extreme tactical urban vehicle equipped to handle it all.'
- Daily Mail
