Cooper’s Rezvani first of its kind

0 0 September 02, 2023 Edit this post

by Bill Buys

MOST motoring enthusiasts like to have something special in the driveway, not that there’s anything wrong with a Hyundai, Toyota or whatever -- but hey, your car says a lot about your good self.

However, it’s not clear what American football star Amari Cooper wants to convey through his latest set of wheels.

The wide receiver of the Cleveland Browns is described as ‘a very special customer in the Lone star state of Texas’ since he’s just bought the first Rezvani Vengeance – and to prove it, the vehicle has ‘001’ emblazoned across its bonnet.

The world will never be the same, the Orange County manufacturer says.

“Rezvani Vengeance takes drivers from the imaginary joystick to their driveway,” whatever that may mean.

The company, founded by Ferris Rezvani in 2014, has been building military-themed vehicles for several years, but the Vengeance is the first of its kind.

Amari Cooper’s model is in Swat Blue paint with a satin finish.

“The vision was to offer a fresh design inspired by armoured vehicle concepts not typically seen on the road,” Ferris Rezvani said.

“The goal was a daily driveable vehicle that is purpose-built, rugged, off-road capable with a design that is muscular and well proportioned; as exciting to the eyes as it is to drive.”

What Mr Cooper paid for his Vengeance has not been disclosed, since the vehicle can be had with a great many options.

It has a starting price of $449,000 Aussie dollars.

There’s a Military Package that adds $195,000 and includes desirable features such as bulletproof glass, body armour, underside explosive protection, run-flat tyres, electrified door handles, smoke screen, a thermal night vision system and reinforced suspension.

But wait, there’s more. It also has electromagnetic pulse protection, ram bumpers, strobe and blinding lights, magnetic deadbolts, a pepper spray dispenser, siren and hooter options, a hypothermia kit, seven bulletproof vests, helmets and gas masks.

For a few dollars more, you can also get explosive device detection.

If that’s a tad too pricey, Rezvani offers a cheaper Security Package for $97,000 that loses the body armour, explosive protection, and bulletproof glass, but retains the smoke screen, run-flat tyres, sirens, strobe lights, and pepper spray dispenser

Out of sight below the tough exterior of the Vengeance is the platform of a Cadillac Escalade, which includes the luxury SUV's luscious interior.

It has all the bells and whistles you'd expect to find in a Caddy, like heated and ventilated seats, navigation, a head-up display, panoramic roof, and a long list of driver-assist systems.

Buyers can add two reclining executive seats with a bar and driver partition for another $195,000.

Seven seats are the standard configuration, but eight-passenger seating is a $5500 upgrade.

For power, you can specify the Caddy’s 6.2-litre V8 or a 3.0-litre GM Duramax turbo-diesel.

The diesel pumps out 203kW, compared to the V8’s 308, with a 10-speed automatic gearbox between the engine and the road.

The company also offers a 478kW supercharged 6.2-litre V8 as an $86,000 upgrade.

If that's not enough power, a 595kW version is available, but it costs $195,000 on top of the $449,000 starting price for the base vehicle.

As the saying goes: You pays your money and you makes your choice.