Edited photos of the earliest Aurus prototypes have made it online. The source claims this is how the Russian automaker had originally intended to style its Komendant SUV and Arsenal MPV.
Stylistically, both cars tend to lean towards the ZIS-110, an executive limo reserved for higher-ranking Communist Party officials in the post-WWII USSR. Aurus has already issued a statement confirming that the ZIS was its chief source of inspiration for both projects.
The mockups were built in 2015 and 2016 using the Audi Q7 chassis, plastic bodywork, and stainless steel parts. Neither had wheels or any kind of interior finish. The design was only finalized in 2018.
Aurus will be bringing its upcoming Komendant SUV to the Moscow International Auto Show later this year. The car has recently been spotted outside during tests (watch the video for a brief slideshow).