ZiL military vehicle

Russian truck maker ZiL has released images of its new prototype military vehicle that could be the former superpower's modern-day interpretation of the Humvee – or Australia's own Hawkei.

Although it's not clear whether ZiL will ever produce a civilian version of the five-tonne vehicle, nor whether it could be fitted with 24-inch alloy wheels (with spinners) and a Jacuzzi in the back like some Hummers, the company will build the new vehicle for the Russian military.

Commissioned in 2010 and due to be battle-ready by 2015, the vehicle was requested at the behest of the Russian Defense Ministry and is likely to be a workhorse for the country's military in operational theatres.

Styled in a way that not only looks futuristic but is designed to have a psychological effect on the battlefield, the prototype version of the new vehicle boasts aggressive lines, a maw-like grille and a faceted insectoid-style body.

In its current form the 6330mm long vehicle can carry up to 10 troops including the driver, and is powered by a Cummins four-cylinder diesel engine producing 136kW, driving through a five-speed ZF manual gearbox. It also gets a dual range transfer case, rides on leaf springs and features heavy duty underpinnings. It weighs almost five tonnes and has a payload of up to 2500kg.

Some of the rugged car's systems revealed by ZiL include a surveillance system with infra-red vision and six external cameras, providing an all-round view of occupants' surroundings day, night and in low visibility scenarios.

As the photos show, the ZiL-designed military vehicle also features horizontally-hinged side doors, or wings if you will. This is meant to make troop entry and exit more rapid. The rear section of the vehicle's body opens up in three sections too.

It’s not clear whether the vehicle can be fitted with external weapons, but it's likely, and other Russian law-enforcement and defence departments are likely to take delivery of the new model.

ZiL is famous in Russia for building heavily-armoured diplomatic vehicles primarily for Russian heads of state. However Russian president Vladimir Putin has recently signed up Porsche Design to help craft his next luxury limousine.