Weighing more than 6 tons and equipped with bulletproof technology, the Aurus Senat limousine protects President Putin on every trip, no different from a tank.
President Vladimir Putin on September 13 invited North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to experience his luxury limousine Aurus Senat as the two leaders toured Vostochny Cosmodrome, Russia's most modern spaceport in the Far East.
The armored Aurus Senat has been Putin's main mode of transportation since 2018, when he took office for his fourth term as Russian president. It replaced the German-made Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Guard that the Russian leader previously used.
Russian President Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sit in Putin's limousine at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's Far East on September 13. Video : Sky
The car was developed by the Russian State Research Automobile and Engine Institute (NAMI) and manufactured by Russian luxury car brand Aurus Motors. The car was specially designed for President Putin, making him the first Russian leader to use a domestically developed and manufactured car.
The entire development of the Aurus Senat took about five years. The armored vehicle is about 6.6 meters long and weighs about 6.5 tons, equipped with a 4.4-liter V8 engine with a capacity of 598 horsepower and a 9-speed automatic transmission system.
The interior of the Aurus Senat is designed with glossy wood and white or tan leather, along with a modern infotainment system. The rear compartment has reclining seats and a separate entertainment screen. The interior and exterior design is inspired by many luxury car manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler.
Passengers can also view live images of their surroundings through an advanced real-time camera system. The car also has a champagne refrigerator and curtains.
According to Russian media, the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6 seconds, before reaching a maximum speed of 250 km/h. The car can automatically recognize traffic signs and limit its speed when necessary to ensure safety.
In the event of an unavoidable collision, the Aurus Senat can automatically move the passenger seat to a safer position, fasten all seat belts and close all windows. In an emergency, the rear trunk opens from the inside, providing an additional escape route for passengers.
The Aurus Senat impresses with its maximum safety features. The armored body is resistant to armor-piercing bullets, sniper bullets and grenades. The glass is 6cm thick tempered glass that can withstand bullets, and the pneumatic system inside the car can withstand chemical attacks.
The tires were specially made so that even if hit by bullets, it could still run to take the leader to safety.
The driver was likely an experienced member of the Russian special forces, capable of quick reactions, proficient use of weapons, and excellent driving skills.
“The special thing about this design is that it was built like a tank from the start,” said Franz Gerhard Hilgert, CEO of Aurus Motors.
According to the company's website, the Aurus Senat is rated at VR8/VR1O, which is recognized as an international safety standard. The Aurus Senat is also equipped with a number of assault weapons, but there is no detailed information on the types and capabilities of the weapons.
In addition, the car is also capable of floating when completely submerged in water, inspired by Russian submarine technology. The Russians call the Aurus Senat a "mobile bunker", due to its ability to protect VIPs on board at the maximum level.
President Putin's Aurus Senat limousine during a visit to Helsinki, Finland in July 2018. Photo: Reuters
Moscow Times said that Mr. Putin has 2 Aurus Senat, one is used for daily activities and one is used as a backup car. Russian leaders often use this car during foreign trips.
During Putin's official trips, the Aurus Senat is transported by an Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft. The Russian President's motorcade is often accompanied by Ural or BMW motorcycles, along with many other support vehicles.
Mr. Putin used the Aurus Senat in Helsinki, where he met with his US counterpart Donald Trump in July 2018. Many observers believe that Mr. Putin's Aurus Senat armored car could be a rival to the White House owner's "Beast" special vehicle.
Thanh Tam (According to Insider, VOI, Eurasian Times )
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