Perhaps the most notable takeaway is that alongside a premium version, a more affordable model aimed at consumers is in the works. The principal designer guiding the Aurus Merlon project is Sergey Molodenov, a figure who previously contributed to Ducati and has leveraged Italian design sensibilities and industry connections to shape the Russian initiative. The Merlon team built essential components from the ground up inside the research corridors of NAMI, creating a bespoke framework, suspension geometry, powertrain, transmission, battery stack, inverter, and thermal management system. Only standard off‑the‑shelf items such as brakes, bearings, drive belts, fasteners, and a few other parts were sourced externally as needed.
Key specifications have emerged: the electric motor delivers 140 kW (about 190 horsepower) with 350 Nm of torque. A 21 kWh battery pack supports a driving range up to 220 kilometers, while the chassis weighs roughly 350 kilograms and the drive configuration is rear‑wheel. Performance figures include a zero-to-100 km/h acceleration in around four seconds and a top speed near 200 km/h. This combination positions Merlon as a compact, agile machine suitable for urban use and longer weekend rides, marrying efficiency with spirited acceleration.
A pre‑production variant appeared in 2022, and a sequence of prototype units has since been completed. Current plans indicate that production could take place within the facilities of a Moscow design institute, highlighting a strategy that blends in‑house engineering with the support of established design ecosystems in the region. The targeted production milestone originally set for 2024 remains a moving target as the program evolves, with ongoing tests and refinements aimed at ensuring reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction across the enterprise. Observers note that the project has progressed from concept to testable hardware, signaling a careful transition toward scale while preserving the distinctive attributes of the Merlon line. Drawing on a network of official and semi‑official channels, the latest updates emphasize the collaborative nature of the effort, the integration of modern battery technology, and the emphasis on practical usability for riders in both city and highway scenarios.