Porsche limo for Putin

Although it's unlikely we'll see Porsche's signature 911 Carrera headlights on Russian president Vladimir Putin's new limousine fleet, the controversial Russian leader has enlisted Porsche Engineering to develop his next cars.

Amid significant global events unfolding in Eastern Europe, the Russian government released a press statement outlining Porsche Engineering's deeper involvement in "Project Cortege", the name given to the new fleet of high-tech armoured vehicles.

The Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov, said Porsche Engineering will help fast-track a brand-new "family of vehicles" for top officials. Project Cortege was originally scheduled to be ready in 2018, but has been accelerated for deployment in 2017.

The exterior design has not been confirmed yet, but several concepts have been put forward, such as from Marussia (pictured). The new models will be built in Russia and the range will include limousines, SUVs and minivans, all of them expected to have armour-plating, bullet-proof windows and several other protective measures.

Former KGB chief Vladimir Putin is not the only world leader expected to be chauffeured in German-engineered armour-plated luxury, with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott rumoured to have put in orders for bulletproof BMW 7 Series limousines and X5 SUVs.

The move would end the Australian government's long-time contract with Holden, with government sources saying the current fleet of nine armoured Holden Caprices didn't meet international standards.

Armoured BMW 7 Series are priced at around $525,000, and can withstand gas and ballistic attacks. Audi and Mercedes are also understood to have submitted tenders to supply the Australian government with armoured limos.