Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently gifted a luxury four-wheeler to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
It is a Russia-made limousine Aurus Senat, which is also known as Putin’s official vehicle. Despite being internationally isolated, Russia and North Korea seem to have formed an alliance since the invasion of Ukraine, as reported by HT Auto.
North Korea is known to be helping Russia with high-power weapons and ballistic missiles for the war while it is not allowed due to international sanctions on both countries.
In September last year, Kim visited the Vostochny Cosmodrome in the Russian Far East, which also marks his first foreign trip in the last four years. That’s when the North Korean chief first got to see Putin’s personal Aurus Senat. He even enjoyed a ride while sitting in the back seat of the car.
Kim is recognised as a car enthusiast who has a huge collection of foreign vehicles in his garage. The imported Aurus Senat was delivered to Kim’s top aides earlier on February 25, according to Pyongyang’s state media.
Speaking about the gift, Kim’s sister Yo Jong said that it serves as “a clear demonstration of the special personal relations” between both leaders, North Korean news agency KCNA reported. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, however, has criticised the gesture, referring to UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea which prohibit the supply of certain luxury items including cars to the country.
The Aurus Senat is the first luxury vehicle to be developed solely in Russia. A customised version of the car was initially rolled out for Vladimir Putin. The five-door sedan later made its debut in the global market in 2018. The Aurus Senat Limousine is specially designed as a presidential state car while a shorter variant is available for general customers.
The Aurus Senat comes with a bulletproof exterior. It features reinforced glass on windows while the underfloor is also bomb-resistant, ensuring top-class security. The car has integrated offensive weapons and a dedicated compartment for oxygen that can be used in emergencies. While sitting inside an Aurus Senat, the Russian President uses a secure-line communication system to interact with others.
The cabin is entirely covered with the best-quality leather. It comes with dual instrument pods which have a TFT display in the middle. People seated in the rear compartment can also enjoy movies and shows on separate screens.
The Aurus Senat Limousine runs on a 6.6-litre V12 engine delivering a maximum power of 850 bhp, while the long-wheelbase variant is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 motor, which has been developed by the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engine Institute in Russia. It is capable of producing 590 bhp of power and a peak torque of 880 Nm.
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