New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s arrival in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit has brought his high-security motorcade into focus, including the specially configured Aurus Senat limousine that accompanies him on overseas visits.
Putin’s security arrangements typically include a convoy of nearly two dozen vehicles. However, the Aurus Senat remains the most prominent part of the motorcade. The heavily armoured limousine is designed to withstand ballistic and explosive threats, earning it the description “fortress-on-wheels”.
The Russian leader also travels with his customised presidential aircraft, commonly referred to as the “Flying Kremlin”. Unlike many leaders who rely on host countries for official transport, Putin generally takes his own vehicle abroad as part of his extensive security protocol, as reported by The New Indian Express.
The Senat attracted attention last year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled in the limousine with Putin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China.
Russia’s Answer To Luxury Cars
The Aurus Senat is a full-size luxury limousine developed under Russia’s Kortezh project, an initiative launched to create domestically manufactured vehicles for senior government officials. The car was unveiled in 2018 and takes design cues from the Soviet-era ZIS-110 limousine.
Aurus Motors developed the vehicle in partnership with the Russian state research institute NAMI, Sollers JSC and the UAE-based Tawazun Holding. A civilian model is also produced, but its annual output is reportedly restricted to 120 units. It costs about 18 million roubles, equivalent to approximately Rs 2.5 crore.
Power, Protection & Comfort
The presidential version reportedly uses a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine combined with a hybrid system. It produces nearly 598 horsepower and 880 Nm of torque and is paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
The limousine is 5,630 mm long, 2,000 mm wide and 1,700 mm high, with a 3,300 mm wheelbase. Its maximum speed is around 160 kmph, while it can reach 100 kmph from a standstill in about nine seconds.
Inside, the Senat features leather upholstery, wood detailing and sophisticated infotainment equipment. The armoured Aurus Senat is equipped with several safety features, including active cruise control, lane-departure warning, electronic traction control and advanced brakes.
Its cabin has leather seats, wood trim and modern infotainment systems. The car is also built to work in extreme weather conditions.