What is known about the most expensive Russian limousine Aurus. This is what President Putin rides on

There are many cars produced in Russia, most of which are familiar to us.

However, there is one brand about which there is little information and which is rarely seen on the roads. We are talking about Aurus.

Since 2012, the company has been developing executive cars that are part of the fleet of the Russian President. They appeared on the public market only in 2019, but despite this, little is still known about them. Let’s try to correct this situation.

Briefly:

• How did Aurus appear?
  What’s unique about Putin’s limousine?
  How the salon works
  How much does an Aurus limousine cost?
  What other cars does Aurus produce?
  Brief summary

How did Aurus appear?

ZIL-4112R, Photo: Izvestia/Alexander Davashkin

Until 2018, Russian presidents traveled in armored Mercedes-Benz limousines of various models. In 2012, the “Cortege” project was launched – a new Russian car for senior officials.

One of the first prototypes was the ZIL-4112R, the prototype of which was presented in 2012. However, he was quickly turned down because even at the moment his car looked too simple and polite.

In 2014, development began on the presidential limousine in the form in which we know it today. The platform for the car was developed by NAMI engineers. It is modular, corresponds to modern trends and allows it to be used for various types of bodies.

The automatic transmission was developed by the Moscow company KATE, the engine was supplied by Porsche according to OUR technical specifications. The engine itself is being assembled in Russia. Cars produced by NAMI and Sollers at the plant in Elabuga.

In 2017, the Aurus prototype was presented to Vladimir Putin and the FSO. On May 7, 2018, the president first arrived at the inauguration of the Aurus Senat Limousine, which was then the official development version of the car.

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What’s unique about Putin’s limousine?

It’s worth noting right away that we know all the information about Putin’s Aurus from official sources and based on one car from the Special Purpose Garage Museum.

Briefly about the technical part of the hybrid:

▶︎ Engine: V8, 4.4 liters, 598 hp, 880 Nm of torque
▶︎ Electric motor: 62 hp
▶︎ Maximum speed: 100 km/h
▶︎ Acceleration from 0-100 km/h: 10 seconds
▶︎ Weight: ~7 tons
▶︎ Length: 6.6 meters
▶︎ Clearance: 20 cm

The length of the car is designed in such a way that the transport aircraft can accommodate three cars: a limousine, a sedan and a minibus.

The limousine has an armored body and wheels. Protection class – BR5, maximum. Thick metal plates on the roof currently prevent grenades from exploding.

Aurus Senat Limousine glass thickness right

One car window weighs about 200 kg and has a thickness of 6.7 cm.. It can withstand a shot from a sniper rifle, not to mention a pistol.

Due to the heavy layer of armor and thick glass, the doors turned out to be quite massive. Engineers solved this problem by installing a gas lift that opens and closes in a timely manner. This also involves partially opening the doors.

On the sides of the limousine, between the front and rear windows, there is an additional window hidden behind hidden armor. There are cameras installed outside that display images of the street on the side screens in the cabin..

What else is interesting in Putin’s limousine:

▶︎ Rear window emergency exit system
▶︎ Impact-resistant wheels that can travel 80 km with a loss of pressure
▶︎ Protected fuel tank
▶︎ External intercom that allows conversations between people sitting inside the car and going outside.
▶︎ Additional battery for emergency exit from the main structure
▶︎ Alarm system to attract attention to the car in case of emergency.
▶︎ System for providing clean air from a special tank.
▶︎ Automatic fire extinguishing system under the hood and during the day of the car

These are all features that have been announced publicly. It is quite possible that the head of state has additional capabilities that are not discussed.

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How the salon works

There is a lot of free space in the back of the limousine. As already mentioned, there are two screens on the sides that broadcast the image from the external camera.

Between the seats there is a small screen on which the car’s functions are created. Basically the hidden screen is raised, but if necessary it rises automatically. His wisdom is unknown. Visually it resembles a 32-inch TV.

CarPlay and Android Auto are missing for security reasonsso that there is a risk of data leakage when connecting the phone to the car

At the back there are two main seats, separated from each other. Opposite them are two folding seats that unfold at the touch of a button. According to some reports, three seats were installed in another Putin limousine so that no one would sit opposite the president. The rear seat backs recline 45 degrees.

The rear part of the cabin is separated from the driver by glass. The President can raise or lower the window, as well as “blur” it so that the driver does not see what is happening in the cabin.

Folding tables are hidden under the center armrest, which are easy to reach if necessary.

In addition, the cabin provides two full sockets, USB connectors and HDMI.

Another interesting reason is the absence of footrests: the floor throughout the entire width of the cabin remains in English, including the side areas. This became possible thanks to the car’s high ground clearance.

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How much does an Aurus limousine cost?

Armored Aurus limousines are produced to order. It’s hard to say how much they cost now.

In 2021, Avto.ru sold two such cars at a price. 106.9 million rubles. But over three years, the price and probability have increased. Official prices are unknown.

The Russian government returned more than 12 billion rubles for the development and production of Aurus cars.

The company talks only about the following dealership centers in Russia: two in Moscow and one in St. Petersburg. In the same cities, official service centers monitor.

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What other cars does Aurus produce?

Aurus has a large model range consisting of the following cars:

▶︎ Aurus Senat – standard sedan
▶︎ Aurus Senat Long – extended version of Senat
▶︎ Aurus Komendant – crossover
▶︎ Limousine Aurus Senat – limousine

The Senat, Senat Long and Komendant models are available in both complete and armored versions. Senat Limousine is available exclusively in an armored version.

All Aurus cars have a similar design, transmission and chassis.. The main difference between them is the level of comfort for rear passengers and the degree of safety.

Photo: Alexey Mayshev/RIA Novosti

Also based on the Senate, the company produced convertibles for the Ministry of Defense, but they cannot be purchased. They were used only at the Victory Day parade.

There is also Aurus Arsenal – this is a minibus, which was also produced only for the president’s garage. It is regularly used as an escort vehicle.

Aurus Senat and Komendant are separate 44.9 million rubles. In showrooms they sell for an average of 50 million rubles. The final price depends on the selected options.

Prices for armored versions are not officially disclosed. But on Avto.ru there is one offer from an official dealer for 92 million rubles.

A used Aurus Senat with a mileage of about 100 thousand kilometers costs on average 27-30 million rubles.

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Brief summary

Aurus produces sedans, limousines, crossovers and even minivans, most of which are available in armored versions.

The main vehicle of the company is the armored limousine Aurus Senat Limousine, which is used by the President of Russia. It is distinguished by a high degree of protection, a powerful engine, significant weight and a wide range of options that are not found in conventional cars.

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