Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon LAPV 6.X Concept

The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Light Armoured Patrol Vehicle 6.X CONCEPT is setting the standard in armoured patrol vehicles

Monday, we brought you information on the new Nagel Dakar, from Latvian manufacturer Dartz.  Dartz is renowned for their Prombron, in part because one of the model’s interiors was upholstered entirely of whale penis.  Thankfully, whale shaft never made an appearance in the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Light Armored Patrol Vehicle 6.x CONCEPT, but it does note some kick-ass armor.

We received a lot of  mail yesterday asking about the Nagel Dakar that we wanted to remind you of what Mercedes has to offer in the armored department.  The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Light Armoured Patrol Vehicle 6.X CONCEPT, Mercedes-Benz set the standard in armoured patrol vehicles.

Improving on its cousin, the LAPV 5.4, the new Mercedes-Benz LAPV 6.X Concept now boasts greater agility, higher protection and a greater payload capacity. Weight has been minimised to increase agility while still not compromising on protection and payload capacity.

Running a high torque common rail diesel engine, the 6.X is capable of 150km/h speeds while being able to transport 1.3 tonnes of cargo with its impressive payload.

The monocoque full steel body provides ballistic protection and sits upon a compact 2850mm wheelbase. This gives an astounding angle of approach / departure of 50?/ 45? for increased mobility and off road performance.

The vehicle’s modular armour plate system allows damaged plates to be removed quickly and be replaced with new or extra plates, and includes a mine deflector plate on the vehicles floor.

The variable lift front and rear coil-over air shock absorbers which are adjustable while driving, help lift the LAPV 6.X to an unprecedented 450mm of ground clearance. Coupled with the performance hydraulic braking system and four ventilated disc brakes no up or down hill slope will pose a problem.

Based on the G-Class’s proven axles, the LAPV 6.X ensures thrilling off-road capabilities and low drive train wear. An individual tyre inflation system is also able to detect ground conditions and adjust accordingly for best traction.

Mercedes-Benz in collaboration with EADS, a leading supplier of military technology brings a host of innovative high performance systems to the LAPV 6.X.

This includes:

  • EADS vehicle data recorder system to automatically document vital mission data such as position, data link and vehicle usage status.
  • EADS integrated communication system for UHF or VHF bands including a mobile Tetrapol base station for radio coverage out of a range of other networks
  • EADS integrated mobile command, control and information system for seamless relay of commands through all levels.
  • EADS jamming system for greater security, flexibility and scalability.

With the LAPV 6.X Concept, Mercedes-Benz has created the ultimate “go anywhere” vehicle.

Dartz Nagel Dakar to Source AMG Engine

The Nagel Dakar comes from the Latvian manufacturer that once brought us the exceptionally unique armored Prombron

From the Latvian car manufacturer that once brought us the Prombron and subsequent variants of arguably one of the most unique armored cars in the world.  If you are unfamiliar with Dartz, they are a privately held Latvian-based corporation, that designs, manufactures, and sells high performance armored vehicles. Dartz is based out of a renovated, former Russo-Balt factory in Riga, Latvia, where they built their previous model, the Prombron.  Dartz and the Prombron received notoriety, impart because it was originally available in upholstered leather made from the foreskin of whale penises.

Now, Dartz is back with yet another creation: the Nagel Dakar. If the name strikes a bell, it is because the Nagel Dakar is named after Russian racing driver Andrew Nagel, the second place finisher at the 1912 Monte Carlo Rally.

Just like the Prombron, Dartz is wasting little time building up the Nagel Dakar, even going to the curious length of introducing it under a new class of cars it’s calling B.N.U.D.S.

What is B.N.U.D.S.

Bespoke – Every car is made specially for the customer. You can even decide what it looks like externally.

Noble – Dartz say they’re one of the oldest car names.

Urban – as it’s claimed to have an excellent ride for the city. As we found out when we gave a Dictator a lift, this means going over anything that’s in your way.

Desert – If you live in the desert, that’s fine. Dartz says the car works great there too.

Safety – Because of the use of a titanium tubular farme and the company’s previous exploits into bulletproofing.

Exterior and Interior

It’s pretty safe to say that the Nagel Dakar will be built along the same principles of the Prombon. The body will feature a titanium tubular frame chassis that will be standard for base models of the vehicle. If that material is a little too simpleton for your liking, the Latvian-based company can offer a Carbon Kevlar chassis. Quite a nice upgrade, right?

In all, the Nagel Dakar measures 4,620 mm in length for the two-door version and 4,920 mm for the four-door variant. The vehicle is also 2,000 mm wide, 1,700 mm high with a 250 mm clearance, and has a wheelbase of 2,910 mm for the two-door and 3,210 mm for the four-door.

No immediate details have been revealed about the interior, but expect Dartz to offer a customizable interior that includes a plethora of “unique” materials.

Performance

The Nagel Dakar will be powered by an AMG-sourced 5.5-liter bi-turbocharged V8 engine that produces in excess of 650 horsepower and 626 lb/ft of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed double-clutch transmission and is being pegged at possessing a top speed of 155 mph.

Pricing

Dartz’s sales plan for the Nagel Dakar will include 10 units sold in 2013, followed by 20 units for 2014. From 2015-2017 that number doubles to 40 units per year. As for pricing, the automaker has priced the car from €250,000 – €300,000 for the base model, which converts to around $390,000 – $468,000. Source: TopSpeed.