Kim Jong Un Flaunts New $170-Billion Aurus Gift from Putin Amid Global Tensions

Kim Jong Un, After Receiving the Aurus,
Russia’s Most Prestigious Vehicle,
Utilizes It for the First Time

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently received a luxury Russian car, the Aurus, as a gift from Russian President Vladimir Putin. On the 15th, North Korean media outlets reported on Kim Jong Un’s appearance in the Aurus. He was seen descending from the Aurus with a bright smile, revealing his satisfaction.

Kim Yo Jong, the Deputy Director of the North Korean Workers’ Party, stated, “He used it for the first time at today’s event.” She added, “The special features of the official car are perfect and can be thoroughly trusted.” Despite UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea, which prohibit gifting such expensive imported cars, North Korea and Russia showed no concern.

Kim Jong Un Shows Interest and Inquires about Putin’s Aurus

During the September North Korean-Russian summit, Kim Jong Un took a keen interest in Putin’s Aurus. He tested the rear seat comfort and asked Putin about the vehicle. After receiving the Aurus as a gift, Kim Jong Un actively used the car, showcasing his close relationship with Putin.

The Aurus Senat, known as Putin’s car, is a state car that costs $143 million to develop and manufacture. The production began under Putin’s directive, who needed a bulletproof car made with Russian technology. Since 2012, the Russian government has been leading a project to develop vehicles for Putin and other key figures. This led to a competition among several prototypes.

Manufactured Under Putin’s Directive
Price Starts at $420K

The final selected prototype was manufactured by the Central Scientific Research Automobile Engines Institute of Russia and became the Aurus Senat. The Aurus brand is a premium brand that produces super-luxury cars in Russia. The Aurus Senat is sold in the Russian market at prices ranging from 40 million to 80 million rubles (approximately $420,000 to $840,000), depending on the options.

The Aurus Senat that Putin uses is a long-wheelbase model.
The car’s size is 261 inches in length, 80 inches in width, and 67 inches in height, and the wheelbase is 169 inches, making it suitable for use as a state car. The engine is divided into a V8 naturally aspirated 4.4-liter gasoline engine and a V12 naturally aspirated 6.6-liter gasoline engine.

Delivers 598 Horsepower Performance

It has an automatic 9-speed transmission and operates as a full-time four-wheel drive.
The 4.4-liter gasoline model delivers a maximum output of 598 horsepower and a maximum torque of approximately 600 ft-lbs. It has recorded a top speed of 250 km/h (approximately 155 mph) and takes 4.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph) from a standstill. The 6.6-liter gasoline model delivers a higher performance of 848 horsepower.