Russia’s Aurus Senat Luxury Limousine Officially Enters Production

The Aurus Senat, Russia’s Rolls Royce-rivaling luxury sedan, has officially entered production at a factory in Yelabuga.

The new limousine was originally scheduled to begin production in 2020, with the Senat making its European debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

The new carmaker is owned by NAMI, short for Russia’s Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engine Institute. Aurus Motors was developed as a prestige project for the Kremlin, with President Vladimir Putin being the main driving force behind it.

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Russia’s Industry Minister Denis Manturov said that around 200 to 300 examples of the Aurus Senat will be produced this year, according to Vedomosti newspaper. The entry-level version of the Senat is priced at 18 million rubles (around $245,000 in current exchange rates), Reuters reports.

Aurus is producing two different variants of the Senat; the bigger L700 model is created for use only by state officials, while the Senat S600 is the model offered to regular customers. The Russian carmaker is also going to offer an SUV and a Convertible model as well.

Power is provided by a hybrid twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 developed in collaboration with Porsche, producing 590 HP and 649 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque, paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel-drive system. Aurus said in the past that they are planning to introduce a V12 option to the range as well.

Customers can opt for a two-sear configuration for the rear passengers, with two individual reclining seats, a mini-fridge, airplane-style tables, and of course acres of leather and wood trim. The dashboard features a twin-display setup under a single glass panel.