Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump are sharing an affinity for high-class limos. Putin reportedly spent $192 million on his new fleet of limousines and showed them off during his inauguration Monday. The homemade, bulletproof automobile is reportedly equipped with a 6.6-liter V12 engine and capable of hitting 860 horsepower, according to its manufacturer. The vehicle is officially called “Aurus,” which combines “aurum”—the Latin word for gold—and “rus” for Russia, as Maxim reported.
The Aurus, part of Russia’s Project Cortege, resembles U.K.-built luxury limousines Rolls Royce Phantom or Rolls Royce Ghost, but Russia’s Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute reached out to German car companies Porsche and Robert Bosch to assist in developing Putin’s custom ride, according to The Drive. The new Russian-made limousine carrying Russian president-elect Vladimir Putin drives prior to an inauguration ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow on May 7, 2018. Called “Aurus,” the custom vehicle is said to be based on a Rolls Royce Phantom or Rolls Royce Ghost.
