POTUS Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Helsinki for a summit that, according to Trump, will change the face of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Such a historic occasion was just the place for Putin to show off his brand new presidential limo, the Aurus Senat known as Kortezh. Often compared to Trump’s Beast, it is actually longer but also lighter, but its main security features remain a secret.
This is the second time the Kortezh is seen since inauguration, and the first time Putin has taken it out of Russia. The car is Russia-made but includes an engine that represents a collaboration between Porsche and Bosch.
According to reports, it can be fully submerged in water and is (obviously) bullet-proof. It is part of a larger project that has been in development for 6 years, with investments of over $300 million that will bring smaller, less military-ready versions (a sedan, a minivan and a 4x4) to the streets and to regular drivers. These are currently included in Putin’s official motorcade.
Meanwhile, Putin’s Aurus runs on tires reinforced with steel to prevent them running flat in case of punctures, and includes a 15-millimeter armor plating with a reinforced chassis. It has a built-in communications system, which means Putin is reachable no matter what.
The Kortezh can act like an “armored capsule,” able to withstand gunshots and landmine explosions, as auto expert Vyacheslav Subbotin once told the local media.
“The defense system is also top level; should there be a chemical attack, the car can shut its windows and remain for long time underwater, just like a submarine,” Subbotin said. “The limo has its unusual gear shift. It is automatic, and it's hybrid with a generator that can work both as an electric engine and as a generator.”
“The body of the car is Russian invention as despite its size and heavy protection it turned out to be quite light,” Subbotin explained. “The construction deals really well with torsion and bending, there was a lot of strong boron-containing materials used. The car is almost seven meters long, it is a very serious work indeed.”
At this length, the Kortezh is actually longer than Trump’s Beast, but it’s also lighter, coming in at just 6.5 tons.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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