[Mpower]

The bulletproof Ambys that the ministers used were so heavy that they were fitted with some imported Mitsubishi engine. Stock engines cannot move that weight.

[Recompose]

After searching around, I found that the bulletproof Tata Safari has been available from Tata since 2001. It took them 10 years for a refresh

Seem to be clearing old models of the Safari by adding some gloss and a lot of metal prior to the launch of the Merlin

Link to Tata group media report: tata.com : This Tata Safari can withstand an AK-47

[vsk2009]

Originally Posted by Mpower

The bulletproof Ambys that the ministers used were so heavy that they were fitted with some imported Mitsubishi engine. Stock engines cannot move that weight.

Any idea about the price of bulletproof Amby(just for comparison). 40L looks high for us but for people who need such vehicle, it is nothing.
What will be the reply from M&M?

[Diesel9999]

Originally Posted by vsk2009

Any idea about the price of bulletproof Amby(just for comparison). 40L looks high for us but for people who need such vehicle, it is nothing.
What will be the reply from M&M?

Mahindra supplies bullet proof scorpios on personal requests. I have seen them with a few politicians and real estate guys in Hyderabad.I have no idea about their cost though.

Laggar industries is another firm which does aftermarket bulletproof jobs for Scorpios, Safaris etc.

Even The Laggar is not a Clean Player in this business See This :

CNN-IBN exposes bulletproof scam - India News - IBNLive

[Monaro CV8]

Hi guys,
Just came back from the official launch of "the armoured Safari" in Pune, by Tata Motors at The Marriott.
The car is simply amazingly built, specially offered as OE by the manufacturer.

A few facts that I gathered :
1. The car weighs 3.3 tonnes. A real heavy door each.
2. Also available with Airbags and a 4x4 variant
3. Ex showroom Pune price - Rs. 51 Lakh for 4x2 variant & Rs. 52.5 Lakh for 4x4 variant.
4. The floor is lined with kevlar, hence the car can withstand 2 grenades blowing under the body.
5. Looks and feels the usual Safari from the inside.
6. Run flat tyres provided - which can continue running upto 50km, if shot at.
7. The spare wheel is kept in the boot and not affixed on the hatch door, as the door itself being heavy from all that Armour.

Notice the bullet ridden door at display - both at the inside and the out.

[xingamazon]

Well for a rich person on the move, one would surely expect break-down less vehicle as a first step. Some quality which he can rely on for his long trips, if Safari is able to provide that level of quality in performance and service. I am sure its battle half won.

Nevertheless, INR 60L is just too costly for this deal

[AlphaKilo]

Originally Posted by xingamazon

Well for a rich person on the move, one would surely expect break-down less vehicle as a first step. Some quality which he can rely on for his long trips, if Safari is able to provide that level of quality in performance and service. I am sure its battle half won.

Nevertheless, INR 60L is just too costly for this deal

But these(privately bulletproofed) safaris are doing duty with PM escort and in many states serving as VIP vehicles. would be interesting to hear from the workshops that how often these vehicles come for maintenance.

[shortbread]

I guess the power to weight ratio will be closer to the 90 bhp Safaris of yore. It is slow but still manageable.

[Dry Ice]

Originally Posted by Monaro CV8

Hi guys,
Just came back from the official launch of "the armoured Safari" in Pune, by Tata Motors at The Marriott.
The car is simply amazingly built, specially offered as OE by the manufacturer.

A few facts that I gathered :
..
..

Thanks for sharing. Any info on engine specs? Is it in the same state of tune as the regular safari?

[madan80]

I dont think these will be used for Long distance. The VVIPs who buy this will mostly fly from point A- B and use these to go from Helipad to meeting. I wonder if Tata has upped the output.

[nitrous]

They've probably altered the gear ratios to make it move.

[abishek2222]

Originally Posted by xingamazon

Well for a rich person on the move, one would surely expect break-down less vehicle as a first step. Some quality which he can rely on for his long trips

Like you said whats the point if your a sitting duck and the vehicle is broken down even if the run flat can last another 50 km. the most basic thing is to get away from the point of attack as soon and as quick as possible.

[julupani]

Originally Posted by AlphaKilo

But these(privately bulletproofed) safaris are doing duty with PM escort and in many states serving as VIP vehicles. would be interesting to hear from the workshops that how often these vehicles come for maintenance.

Small correction. The PM, President etc have moved on from the Safari, which are now used for other ministers and in certain states for visits by PM or President etc.

In Delhi, and on intenational visits. The PM uses one of his BMW 7-series and the President her Merc S600s. And these are now escorted by BMW X5s, rather than Safaris.

The logic is that the Safaris arent compatible with the BMW 7-series in a convoy. The ability of the BMW to speed away would by handicapped by the fact that all the rest of the convoy of Safaris would be left behind, increasing risk.

So the Safaris are now used by the PM only when he is on visit somewhere within the country in low threat areas, where taking the air is not possible.

So, the point is the Safari is just no good for our PM today.

[DieselAddikt]

Originally Posted by abishek2222

Like you said whats the point if your a sitting duck and the vehicle is broken down even if the run flat can last another 50 km. the most basic thing is to get away from the point of attack as soon and as quick as possible.

Sir ji, the current gen Safari will not leave you stranded. The wipers may not work; the indicator bulbs may not work; but the mechanicals are good enough to take you out of an emergency situation. Please give credit where it is due. Don't just go on ranting. (Nothing personal. I was just saying.)

And from the pics, the fit and finish looks better than the current Dicors. I see even panel gaps and well aligned bumpers. Is it just the pics or is it the sign of better things that might come in Merlin ?