It was built to overcome a host of problems none of us normal people will ever face, but it is interesting all the same. The latest over-the-top creation from Latvian automaker, Dartz, the Prombron Black Shark is, for lack of a better description, a battle-ready limousine. Built around a Mercedes AMG GL platform, the Black Shark is available with two choices of engines, although it seems unlikely any would-be buyer would even think of forgoing the biturbo V12 for the puny biturbo V8. The V12 option has been modified to fit the design theme of the Black Shark which could be summarized best as the pursuit of unmitigated overkill. At 1500 bhp, the hyper-tweaked V12 is claimed to give this behemoth unusually spry road performance.
In creating their trifecta of excess, Dartz place equal importance on power, protection, and pure opulence. The interior of the Black Shark is festooned with posh materials including leathers and skins from a handful of rare and likely endangered animals. Although they did opt out of the whale penis skin leather used in previous models, they are pleased to announce they will offer python, shark, and other exotic leathers. The interior will also feature the other appointments befitting a bespoke coach like 4K display screens, a humidor, champaign flutes, and all of the necessary trappings of a Bond villain on the go.
To keep the occupants of the Black Shark from falling victim to the ill will of the nefarious masses beyond the bullet-proof glass, the vehicle has a long list of defensive features. The retractable door handles repel would-be clingers, and also deliver a mild electric shock if necessary. The shape of the exterior is also designed to thwart grabbers-on, and a series of bright lights are paired to powerful external speakers to blast dangerous crowds with eardrum blasting sirens. There’s even a bomb detection system built into the defense systems as well as bio-metric scanners for the driver to ensure his or her faculties are not impaired. Toss in a few retinal and fingerprint scanners for driver and occupants and you have your own fortress on wheels.
As you can imagine, not many Prombron Black Sharks will be made. Currently they plan to construct only 10 units, the first of which are rumored to be headed to China where Ferraris and their ilk have become as commonplace as Hondas. With a price tag pushing well into the millions, their success is almost assured by the obscene level of excess they are designed to deliver. If anything, the Black Shark proves once again, the world is not only full of intriguing solutions, it has some interesting problems.
Special thanks goes to Expedition Portal’s Dendy Jarrett for bringing this unique truck to our attention. I can’t wait to go for a ride in his Black Shark when he gets it.
