Just when you thought the Ineos Grenadier would win the title of 2020’s ugliest car, Aznom comes out of nowhere and introduces the Palladium. In a two-pronged attack, the Palladium is an assault on your vision and the sensibilities. It’s billed as a “hyper-limousine” that is “capable of traversing any terrain” thanks to its four-wheel drive system.
Of course, it’s most notable for its
unique and questionable design. There’s a lot going on with the exterior, but
the front end looks like a Rolls-Royce knock-off as there’s a bright grille
with horizontal slates that is flanked by slender LED headlights. Moving
further back, fans will notice a lot of Ram 1500 in the design as the model is
based on America’s second most popular pickup. This shouldn’t be too surprising
since the Palladium is a more luxurious take on the Ram-based Aznom Atulux from
2018.
Putting its origins aside for a moment,
the Palladium has plastic body cladding, chrome accents and bulging rear
fenders. Designers also installed a “horizon window” on the rear pillar which
allows passengers a glimpse outside while maintaining their privacy. Continuing
out back, there’s a sloping rear window and a distinctive rear end which
eschews a traditional drop-down tailgate. Instead, the model has a power
retractable drawer which extends horizontally.
The Palladium’s origins are clearly
visible in the cabin as the front row is little more than a Ram 1500 dressed up
in fancy leather, wood trim and aluminum accents. However, there is a new touchscreen
on the driver’s door which controls the interior lights, on-board refrigerator
and trunk as well as the opening and closing of all drawers and compartments.
Rear seat passengers are far better off as
they’re treated to a sofa-like bench which is covered in leather and accented
by stylish wood trim. As previously teased, the seat is flanked by drawers
which open to reveal a liquor cabinet.Other highlights include a Harman Kardon
audio system, two Microsoft Surface Pro X tablets, and a handmade clock which
incorporates gold and palladium. In an interesting touch, the clock can be
removed and used as an “elegant piece of home furniture.”
Power is provided by a 5.7-liter V8 engine
that has been equipped with two turbochargers. This enables it to produce 700
hp and 950 Nm of torque, putting it in Ram 1500
TRX territory. The engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission
and a selectable four-wheel drive system. This setup reportedly enables the
Palladium to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, before
hitting a limited top speed of 210 km/h.
When it comes time to stop, the 2,650 kg truckousine relies on a high-performance Brembo braking system which
resides behind 22-inch aluminum wheels. It features six-piston calipers which
grab onto 16 inch (408 mm) ventilated discs up front. Out back, there are four
piston calipers and 15 inch (380 mm) discs.
While the truck weighs nearly three tons,
the Palladium features a carbon fiber roof and hood. There are also composite
bumpers and a handful of aluminum components. Production will be limited to ten
units and buyers will be able to customize “every detail” of the model. There’s
no word on pricing, but the company expects sales to come from China, Russia,
the Middle East and the United States.