In an unprecedented public appearance on March 15th, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un was seen using the Aurus car, a luxurious gift from Russian President Vladimir Putin, delivered on the last day of February 18th. The information was released by North Korea’s state news agency, KCNA.
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The Aurus, a symbol of Russian automotive luxury, was developed at the direct behest of Putin, with the aim of creating a national alternative to foreign luxury vehicles. The brand’s first model, the Senat, began manufacturing in 2018 under the supervision of the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute of Russia (NAMI).
Since 2018, Vladimir Putin has adopted an Aurus Senat as his personal presidential car, highlighting the vehicle’s quality and prestige, which became available to the general public in 2021.
The Senat model is offered in three versions: the standard, the Long, and the Limousine, with the latter being comparable to the luxurious Mercedes-Maybach Pullman in terms of design and features, including an elongated body. According to Aurus’s official website, the Senat Limousine is described as “Russia’s first luxury car,” symbolizing the “rebirth of Russia’s industrial, scientific, and technological potential.” The vehicle is fully armored and equipped with a powerful 4.4-liter V8 hybrid twin-turbo engine capable of producing 590 horsepower and 649 lb-ft of torque, with NAMI responsible for the engine’s development, which reportedly involved collaboration with Porsche.
Recently, Aurus expanded its product line with the launch of the Komendant SUV in Russia in 2023, marking a new chapter in the history of the Russian luxury brand.
Photos and video: Release / KCNA