Russian Marines to test a new Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier

BTR-82AM

Thanks Jonathan for the link!

via Rianovosti.

SEVASTOPOL, April 11 (RIA Novosti) – A new amphibious armored personnel carrier (APC), the BTR-82AM, is undergoing a series of trials at the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s naval infantry facility in Sevastopol, fleet spokesman Capt. 1St Rank Vyacheslav Trukhachev said on Thursday.
During the trials, the BTR-82AM, which is due to replace the military’s workhorse, the BTR-80, will cover “dozens of miles at sea” to test its stability and endurance when afloat, Trukhachev said.
The new APC incorporates an automatic 30-mm artillery system, which “has significantly enhanced the vehicle’s firepower,” he said.
The BTR-82AM is the latest APC modification of the BTR-80 8x8 wheeled carrier, production of which began in 1986.
It features improved armor, is equipped with the Glonass navigation system and has a more powerful engine of 300 hp.

I'm becoming a bit confused on Russian vehicle designations.  The BTR-90 was (at least appeared to be) a nicely advanced follow on to the BTR-80.  To my eye the BTR-70 and BTR-80 had only a few visual differences.  Now a couple of years after the more advanced "looking" BTR-90 was cancelled, they're about to test the BTR-82AM.  Amazing.