Russia's Dartz Prombron creates a 2,000-hp armored yacht hauler

Looking to make a statement at the yacht club? This will do it.

Russian armored-vehicle manufacturer Dartz Prombron has teamed up with Eduard Gray of Swedish luxury-vehicle design firm Gray Design to create the 2012 Sportback, which is made to haul yachts and maybe scare small children.

The Sportback's release will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Monte Carlo Rally win of Andrey Nagel and Vadim Mikhailoff, who drove the C24/55 Monaco RussoBalt sports car in the event. RussoBalt was later reborn as Dartz Prombron.

The Sportback pays homage to Monte Carlo's yachting tradition. Built on the Dartz platform, the armored car can tow boats that weigh up to five tons and are 49 feet in length. Its engine reportedly makes a staggering 2,000 hp and has a projected top speed of 155 mph.

By Julie Alvin