Unlike the United States, Germany and Italy, Russia is not normally associated with producing luxury cars. Although the world’s perception of Russia’s road fundamentally lacking in anything considered remotely ‘luxurious’ may soon to be changing thanks to Marussia Motors.

The small Moscow-based car manufacturing company, employs less than 300 people, but is believed to be changing the face of the luxury car industry in Russia.

Nikolai Fomenko, an ex-racing car driver and entrepreneur is the founder of Marussia Motors, and believes that the Marussia, the first luxury sports car to have been produced in Russia, rivals the likes of Lamborghini and Ferrari.

But does Facconable give the Marussia a Ferrari or Lamborghini stamp of approval? We have to admit, with its curvilinear yet aerodynamic design, ‘cat-eye’ headlights and effervescent tone, aesthetically the Marussia is guaranteed to get hearts racing, as it certainly looks as stunning as any other luxury sports car you can care to picture. Although what it really boils down to, is the engine, the ‘guts’ of a car, the power.

We learn that the Marussia’s engine has similar features to some of the best Italian sports cars – sounds promising. The fact it can reach 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds gives the luxury Russian sports car even greater credibility. Whilst the fact it can effortlessly reach speeds of 340 km/h positions the Marussia directly with the luxury sports car manufacturing ‘big shots’.

Achieving such sublime speeds requires acute aerodynamics, a feature that is at the heart of the Marussia. Door handles do not exist on this beautiful creation, likewise neither do mirrors – both of which have been removed and replaced with more aerodynamic options to lessen the lug. What could possibly replace a car’s mirrors, you may ask? Video cameras that transmit directly to the LCD screens inside the car, of course.

And the price? The Marussia comes with a price tag of approximately $132,000. All in all, not bad for Russia’s first dabble in producing a world-class luxury sports car.