As the Sochi Olympics and the
crisis in the Ukraine demonstrate, Vladimir Putin knows few limits in
his drive to strengthen Russia's standing in the world. That push
extends to even the smallest details; just last week, he banned cursing
in all Russian movies, books and concerts. And for the past couple of
years, Putin has personally overseen another effort at building a symbol
of Russian strength: a new series of Russian-engineered limousines for
himself and other potentates that would project the same kind of power
that President Barack Obama's Cadillac does.
Known as "Project Cortege," the
plan involves several Russian automakers and, according to reports in
Russia last week, engineering input from Porsche. Putin's managers have
laid out plans for a whole series of vehicles — limousines, vans and
SUVs — built in Russia from a Russian-engineered chassis. While the
first prototypes won't be on the road until later this year, and the
first vehicles aren't expected to be built until 2016, Russian officials
showed off mockups a few weeks ago, complete with massive Russian seals
on the doors and steering wheels
Currently, Putin and his
entourage rely on stretched Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans for official
transportation. Obama's Cadillac — known as "The Beast" in diplomatic
circles — is actually a rebodied Chevrolet Kodiak medium-duty truck
retrofitted with armor panels and other protection by General Motors
under the Secret Service's directives. (Cadillac has provided the
presidential limo since 1993).
While Russia has several truck makers and smaller car manufacturers
who partner with Western firms, Project Cortege requires a new level of
engineering resources — enough so that the Putin government is estimated
to have dedicated somewhere between $150 million and $400 million to
develop the new vehicle line.
In the Soviet era, leaders rode
around in squared-off ZIL sedans, and while the company is one of those
involved with the new design, Putin has made clear that Soviet-era
thinking won't be allowed, reportedly rejecting early designs that were
too squared off. By 2016, Putin will only have two years left on his
term as Russian president to enjoy riding in the outcome of Project
Cortege, although history suggests he'll find a way to keep rolling in
power well beyond that deadline. LINK
Posts
