Putin’s Car in Delhi - What Makes the Aurus Senat Special?

New Delhi is gearing up to host the BRICS Summit, with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and several other heads of state, diplomats and VVIPs expected to attend. Against this backdrop, Putin’s official Aurus Senat limousine has become a major attraction on the streets of the national capital. During foreign visits, Putin’s official car is usually transported to the host country in advance on a special aircraft. Designed to withstand bullets and blasts, the Aurus Senat is widely regarded as a moving fortress equipped with advanced security features.

The Aurus Senat was developed by Russian automaker Aurus Motors in collaboration with government research institutions under the Kortezh project. The limousine is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a hybrid system, producing 598 horsepower and 880 Nm of torque. It comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in about nine seconds. Its safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, electronic traction control and advanced braking systems, while the cabin offers high-end leather, wood trim and modern infotainment features. A version is also available for civilian customers, but production remains limited.