Today there is more concern for personal safety among regular buyers, and technology has provided solutions for the more extreme concerns. BMW has developed three levels of armor protection, starting with break-in proof windows. Some carjackers are shattering a window relying on the shock to distract the driver while they reach in and open the door. With a very small cost and weight penalty, new windows on BMW 7 Series can withstand even sledgehammer blows. For those who need the next level including bullet proofing, BMW will provide heavier windows and install lightweight kevlar in the doors.
Billionaires can specify the full treatment, capable of navigating Bosnia.
Most importantly, by engineering and installing this protection on the assembly line, there are minimal weight and performance compromises. Porsche won both GT classes, helped by the unexpected early failure of the Vipers, but had solid competition from the new factory Corvette team in GT2. One Vette had a solid lead until a late race engine glitch, but the other team car came in third in a potent field.