- The Aurus Senate is getting a thorough refresh just in time to attend Vladimir Putin’s inauguration event.
- The sedan features a new exterior design and better technology inside.
- Only Putin (and others in his motorcade) will be able to see the updated Senate until it enters wider production in 2025.
Although the Aurus Senate was impressive enough to attract the attention of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, it was a bit outdated for Russian President Vladimir Putin. At today’s inauguration ceremony, which followed an election whose legitimacy has been questioned, Putin received a revamped version of the imperious limousine as he begins his fifth term in office and six more years as Russian leader.
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The first thing you notice when looking at the exterior is that the radiator grille has been modernized, with wider slat spacing and a decorative ruffle on the top. The chrome contour on the underside now extends outwards on both sides and emphasizes the side air inlets. In addition, the headlights at the top of the front apron have been expanded to include L-shaped daytime running lights and Matrix LED technology.
Read: Putin gives Kim Jong Un a lavish Aurus Senate limousine, UN sanctions be damned
At the rear, the overall look is more harmonious, with rectangular taillights crowned by a chrome strip that extends across the entire width of the vehicle. The Senate’s license plate holder was also moved further down to the bumper. The result? The sedan now looks more like a Bentley Flying Spur than a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Well, at least they stay true to the British aesthetic.
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Inside, Putin’s chauffeur will benefit from a new NAMI MM infotainment system with a huge, customizable touchscreen. The chauffeur also benefits from improved cameras around the vehicle (including one aimed at him) as well as a night vision system to monitor the road when the sun goes down.
The Senat continues to be powered by a hybrid drive with a 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 598 hp (446 kW / 606 hp). This engine sends power to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Whether you appreciate the updates or not is rather academic at this point, since the Senate isn’t available for purchase anyway. Currently, Aurus produces these vehicles only for Putin’s motorcade. However, if you’re reading this from, say, the upper reaches of the Korean peninsula and yearning with envy, Tarantas reports that fuller production is expected to begin in 2025 at a former Toyota plant in St. Petersburg.
Thanks to Mikhail for the tip!
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