When you saw the photo you thought it was a regular VW Golf GTI, but it’s not. This is a specially modified VW Golf GTI converted into an armored car by SVI Engineering, South Africa.
SVI Engineering produces armored vehicles, but also converts civilian vehicles into armored vehicles. This VW Golf is one of the examples of a civilian car equipped with 3.5 mm thick steel armor (B4+) resistant to fire from pistols and rifles up to 7.62×39 mm caliber, and lightweight ballistic glass that can stop three Kalashnikov hits within 300 mm . The glass on the driver’s side can be opened halfway while the other windows are fixed. High grade steel was used for the doors, pillars, fenders, roof and custom rear bulkhead.
After the modifications, which last three months, the car is 340 kg heavier than the standard Golf, and this is contributed by the additional protection of the engine and battery, resistant to bullets. Of course, this required additional suspension tuning, so this battleship now weighs 1,770 kg. This also affected its performance and fuel consumption.
When it comes to the powertrain, it is not known if there have been any changes. It should be noted that this armor is also compatible with the Golf R, and the protection costs $35,000.
Source: SVI Engineering
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