Volkswagen Auto Group, as a multi-national corporation, produces vehicles of all sorts, many of which we're unlikely to ever see here in North America. From various commercial vehicles to tiny city cars to its high-end products, like the Touareg R50 and Phaeton, VW has a varied product portfolio.
The automaker's Brazilian arm has just added to that roster with something that's destined to raise eyebrows.
Without the large, VW bus-sized Volkswagen logo that fills its tall, five-slot grille you'd never know that the 9.150 ECE was a Volkswagen.
This angular, primer-gray, heavily armoured vehicle was designed for riot police and military use, not what most would associate with Volkswagen. Inside, it's a pretty stark place, although it does have special ventilation filters, and there are mounts for industry specific gear.
Powering the 9.150 ECE is a four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that's a whopping 4 ¾ litres in displacement. It doesn't sound like much, but it generates an impressive 405 lb.-ft. of torque and 150 horsepower, which should be more than enough to move the van, which features bulletproofed body panels and glass.
If you're the driver, you'll need to know how to operate a clutch and a stick shift, as the 9.150 ECE only comes with a five-speed manual.
If you're ever in Brazil and happen to see one of these, it's best to move out of the way - its occupants are probably focused on keeping the peace.
Cool.