Do you ever survey the crossovers and SUVs shuffling around public roads and wonder, “Where’s the bravado?” What you really should be asking is, “Where’s the Rezvani Tank?”
Even rugged production utility vehicles like the Ford F-150 Raptor fall short of the swagger of military-grade equipment. The Oshkosh L-ATV, for example, has a tube-launched missile system. Where’s that option on a Honda Pilot’s spec sheet?
Tragically, if you want to buy an L-ATV, you’ll need a million bucks and a government hookup to drive it on the street. There is another option, though, courtesy of a California-based specialty automaker.
Rezvani made headlines two years ago when it introduced the Beast sports car. Weighing just 1,650 pounds and with 500 horsepower on tap, the Beast is an outright super-car with ridiculous styling to match. This year, the company launched a hardtop version called the Beast Alpha. With a more manageable 400 hp, additional creature comforts, and a cheaper starting price, the Alpha dives into the heart of the performance car market.
Rezvani has proven it can make a raucous sports car, but its latest endeavor has a very different center of gravity. Leaving nothing to imagination, the Rezvani Tank is a tactical urban vehicle within what Rezvani calls the “extreme utility vehicle” (XUV) class. The goal of the Tank is to look like a military rig, drive like a luxury SUV, and have the capability of a hardcore off-roader.
Based loosely on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the Rezvani Tank pulls suspension, body, and powertrain components from high-end suppliers. The final product is a futuristic-looking, matte gray behemoth with plenty of attitude.
All Tanks come equipped with 4×4 drivetrains, a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with 500 hp and 430 pound-foot of torque, and an LED lightbar. For extra off-road performance, buyers can equip a 6.0-inch lift, 37-inch tires, Dynatrac 44 or 60 front and 60 or 80 rear axles, bigger brakes, air lockers, an air compressor, an electronically locking differential, beefier driveshafts, and Fox shocks.
Satisfying the assault vehicle requirements are a handful of options like bulletproof glass, military-grade run-flat tires, Kevlar armor in the body panels, and Kevlar protection around the fuel tank, floorpan, and radiator.
Interior highlights include hand-stitched leather seats, a microsuede headliner, 7.9-inch infotainment system, a head-up display, and, most importantly, thermal night vision.
As you might imagine, all this machismo doesn’t come cheap. Prices start at $178,500 and a few options will quickly push the Tank into the $200,000 range. That’s a lot of coin, but still a fraction of the cost of a military vehicle. Whether you think the end is near, or you just want to scare small children, the Rezvani Tank is ready for action.
