Vladimir Putin's future all-Russian limousine revealed

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