Many of us are accustomed to thinking that the Soviet automobile industry did not particularly spoil citizens with a variety of models. However, in reality, all Soviet automobile factories were developing promising car models, most of which remained on paper.
For various reasons, design engineers limited themselves to a couple of released experimental copies, which now stand in museums as a rarity. Today we will talk about domestic cars that never reached Soviet car enthusiasts.
History: The Lada Museum can display many interesting prototypes
Among global automakers, domestic cars do not have the best reputation. Lada is an inexpensive car with no frills. The classic Lada of the late 80s, 90s and early 00s of the 21st century evoked all kinds of feelings, just not sympathy (we don’t take into account privately tuned models, some of which really looked very good).
But in fact, the history of our automobile plant is much more multifaceted, more interesting and varied than it might seem at first glance. The factory museum confirms this. Where dozens and dozens of production models and prototypes, unique sports and unified automobile models are preserved forever. Some of them did not have the opportunity to reveal their potential, others managed to reach heights in big-time sports, and others became “workhorses” in millions of families not only in the CIS, but also abroad.
Exhibits
VAZ 2101 and Fiat 124
The first model, as we know, was the VAZ-2101, which went into production in 1970. This was a modified version of the 124th Fiat model, which was launched in 1966.
It is noteworthy that VAZ honors traditions and the progenitor from whom it all began, so next to the first-born VAZ-2101 its Italian predecessor, the 124th Fiat model, proudly stands.
Externally, the models are practically indistinguishable, but technically they are really different. An ordinary Fiat would not have withstood the realities of that time and would have collapsed. VAZ’s “Unit”, on the contrary, lived and did not sneeze. Aluminum drum brakes were installed on it, the suspension was raised, and additional reinforcements were installed in the body. Under the hood there was also a new, Russian-made, 1.2-liter engine.
The car became a hit in the USSR, and soon began to be exported to other markets. The Kopeyka went on sale even in the UK in 1974, including engine options exotic for the Soviet Union, including the GM-built 1.7. Prices in Britain started at £979. The model was also sent to other countries; the geography was large-scale.
The VAZ-2101 was produced with minimal modifications until 1982.
Lada Priora 3 as a frame SUV
They helped Viktor Stepanov come up with an extreme and no less bizarre tale about a Priora in a new body, this time an off-road one. The ideological inspiration was again designer Nikita Chuiko, who drew renderings of the new Priora as an SUV for the Mail.ru portal - the body here is standard, and the suspension and components are new. The idea is to create an inexpensive and reliable SUV based on a familiar and proven model for the Russian market.
Photo of Lada Priora 3 with frame body
And so, what do we have in terms of technology? Ground clearance increased to 22 cm, frame design, under the hood is a modernized VAZ engine with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 90 “horses”. The gearbox is a standard five-speed, the transfer case is reinforced from the Niva, and the rear is a continuous axle. According to the author of a humorous video blog, this should be more than enough for off-road trips to the country.
Salon of Lada Priora 3 with frame body
In the cabin, there are already two airbags in the base (optional - two additional side airbags), as an option - air conditioning, power accessories, height adjustment of the driver's seats, an audio system, heated steering wheel, windshield and seats. How about without a price? According to the visionary, the price of such a machine will be 850,000 - 1,100,000 Russian rubles, depending on the design, and the new product was supposed to enter the market in 2022. However, like other projects of the blogger from an alternative reality.
As you can see, Viktor Stepanov has no problems with imagination. But, perhaps, that’s enough St. Petersburg bloggers for today, let’s look at other projects on the “Priors” theme in a new body.
Lada "Riva" and "Samara"
Do you know this model - “Riva”? How do you not know?! But this is a direct successor to “Kopeyka”! The more famous one here is 2105. The model was produced under different names: Nova, Kalinka, Laika, Matriuska, Signet and Sputnet for different international markets. It went into production in 1980, but behind its angular shapes the VAZ 2101 could be seen.
The “Five” was offered in three versions: the VAZ 2105 sedan, the VAZ 2104 station wagon and the “luxury” version – the VAZ 2107 (pictured on the left), which could be distinguished by its chrome radiator grille.
Initially, the VAZ 2107 was offered with 1.3 or 1.6-liter engines.
The VAZ 2108 (right) was another model with many names: the model was called "Samara" in Western Europe, "Sputnik" in Russia and a number of other names elsewhere.
Launched in 1984, this front-wheel drive hatchback was designed to appeal to the mainstream domestic and European markets. Produced from 1984 to 2013.
What to do
According to Avtostat, the management of AvtoVAZ has already prepared a plan to resume production losses and reach previously established vehicle production volumes. To implement it, the plant workers will have to work very hard.
First of all, instead of eight-hour work shifts, they will have nine-hour shifts. The plant also plans to oblige them to work on Saturdays.
Forced downtime will be compensated; workers will be compensated with payments in the amount of two-thirds of the average salary. But all this awaits the workers only after the problems with the components are resolved, and no one knows exactly when this will happen.
Lada 110 (VAZ-2110, VAZ-2111, VAZ-2112)
Remember him? This company car was produced from 1995 to 2009, the aerodynamics were developed with the assistance of Porsche engineers. The model was first shown in 1991, but well-known events in the country and the accompanying economic crisis delayed the start of production of the model with a 1.6-liter engine. The sedan was followed by a station wagon (111) and a hatchback (112), later the model was modernized and renamed Priora.
Unprecedented situation
AvtoVAZ has previously faced the need to suspend production at the plant in Tolyatti. For example, the auto giant had to take this step in July 2022.
However, at that time only the first assembly line stopped working, and then only partially. On this assembly line, the Largus, Logan, Sandero, Xray, as well as Granta and Niva models are being assembled, and the restrictions affected exclusively the last two.
AvtoVAZ reported for the first time that the entire plant was completely shut down due to a shortage of electronic components. This is an unprecedented situation for the manufacturer.
VAZ-2151
VAZ-2151 is a car created in 2002.
The outdated VAZ design inspired the plant specialists to develop a new car. Thus, at the beginning of the 21st century, the Lada-Classic was released. The universal VAZ-2151 was developed on the basis of the VAZ-2104. Leaving the chassis from its predecessor, experts updated the fuel supply system, power steering, and suspension. However, despite some improvements, the car was not allowed into mass production, as there were no sponsors willing to invest in this project.
VAZ-2151 is a station wagon that replaced the “four”.
Popular cars
1. Lada Roadster
(
Lada Roadster
) is a concern of the VAZ automobile plant, not allowed for production. For the first time, the Roadster was noticed at the MIMS 2000 car exhibition in the year 2000. The fundamental idea of the Roadster was the ability to retract the roof of the car into the trunk. Unfortunately, the demand for cars like the Lada Roadster is not great. But car manufacturers have always strived to have a stylish car with improved dynamic performance. AvtoVAZ wanted to implement a similar model on the basis of the 2108 car, which could be called “Lada Studio”. The car had a separate trunk and a removable roof. In the end, the car was completely redesigned, and approximately 500 cars were produced, which were delivered only to Europe and sold only there. Because of this unsuccessful model, a new one emerged - to release a high-quality car of the same class, which the Roadster should have been.
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2. Lada Siluet
,
Lada-Silhouette
,
VAZ-2116
- a concept car of a front-wheel drive sedan on the Project C platform, first demonstrated at the Moscow Automobile Show in 2005. A completely new front-wheel drive platform and a two-liter engine are being developed especially for the project. In the future, Diesel and automatic transmission variants are planned for production. It is alleged that this larger family car will feature an interesting exterior and interior design, high comfort, high-quality materials, neat assembly, enhanced safety, and that it is planned to launch the VAZ-2116 into production in 2015. Currently, crash tests of the prototype have been carried out, showing 13 points out of 16 possible according to the EuroNCAP system. In addition to the VAZ-2116 sedan, the Silhouette family includes the VAZ-2117 station wagon and the VAZ-2118 hatchback.
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3. New modification of the base model VAZ-2110
is a 4-seater limousine with a fairly high level of comfort characteristic of cars of this type. Various options for completing and finishing the interior of the VAZ 2110 “Consul” car allow you to use it for long tourist and business trips, as a representative car, as a taxi, it is possible to create a modification of the car for celebrations, as well as a version of the car with increased security. The design of the car interior provides a lot for comfortable accommodation of the driver and passengers. A soundproof partition allows you to create an autonomous compartment in the rear with a wide range of additional equipment and services. By increasing the length of the rear doors, free entry and exit of passengers is ensured. The aeroclimatic unit maintains a comfortable temperature regime for the cabin even with significant fluctuations in ambient temperature. Fatigue from a long stay in a static position is reduced by adjusting the position of the rear seats.
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4. Project LADA C
— A joint project of AVTOVAZ OJSC and the Canadian company, providing for the creation of a series of C class cars. Existed in Russia from 2006 to 2009.
“Project Lada C” provided for the joint creation of ten series of car models under the Lada brand at the existing facilities of AVTOVAZ. The launch of new models into mass production was scheduled for 2009. It was planned to create a joint venture, which would be headed by one of the Vice-Presidents of Russian Technologies, Maxim Nagaitsev.[1]
On December 22, 2006, a framework agreement was signed between the state corporation Russian Technologies and the Canadian company Magna International on cooperation in the production of auto components for the new project C.[2]
In 2009, cooperation with the Canadian company Magna International was frozen in favor of the Franco-Japanese Renault Nissan Alliance; the French company Renault acquired a 25% stake in AvtoVAZ. The Alliance provided its B platforms, which in 2012 were installed on the first line of the AVTOVAZ main conveyor. The head of the Russian Technologies company, Sergei Chemezov, said that the developments with Magna International remain valid and will be used to create new cars.[3]
Since 2009, due to the difficult economic situation of AvtoVAZ OJSC, Project C has been suspended.
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5. Unknown model
.
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6. Lada Karat
- Russian concept from AvtoVAZ. Introduced in 2002. The first development of the Lada Karat began in 2001. The dimensions of the Karat are not much different from the Oka. Its length is 300 mm longer and it is slightly taller than the Oka.
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7. VAZ-2151 prototype
(aka "
Lada-Classic
") was presented at the 2002 Moscow Motor Show. This was an attempt to modernize the classic Zhiguli: a completely new body was installed on the old rear-wheel drive chassis, the front suspension layout was changed, and a 1.7-liter engine with fuel injection was placed under the hood. The steering with a rack and pinion system was also different.
Initially, the appearance of the car was supposed to echo the old VAZ-2101 and 2102 models, but in the end it was decided to abandon the round headlights and recognizable silhouette.
It was assumed that the VAZ-2151 would not be a replacement, but a complement to the “classic” and would help AvtoVAZ increase production volumes. The start of production of sedans and station wagons was scheduled for 2006... As a result, the project did not receive further development, as it was considered unprofitable.
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8. LADA SAMARA T3
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9. Also an unknown miracle
.
Text © Photo ©
Lada Siluet
Experimental Lada Silhouette, 2004.
VAZ's cooperation with Magna International led to the development of the new Siluet car. The project was quite expensive, but at the end of it several interesting options were proposed. The sedan had not only an interesting appearance, but also a 2-liter engine. However, due to the closure of the project, the cars were not put into production.
VAZ “Project C”, 2006.
Experimental middle-class sedan VAZ “Project C”, 2007.
VAZ-2802-02 Pony
Here is a unique light-duty electric cargo vehicle created at the Volzhsky Automobile Plant. In the 80s, a single copy of the Pony prototype was designed. The original truck demonstrated a fundamentally new approach to the development of light-duty vehicles. In the process of creating it, engineers decided to abandon aluminum and lightweight structural materials. At the same time, they tried to make the steel frame as light as possible.
The main feature of the VAZ-2802-02 Pony was the electric motor located transversely in front of the driving rear axle. The basic package also included a spare wheel. A distinctive feature of the experimental truck's cabin was its vertical walls and large glass area. The instrument panel was located on the steering column. The steering wheel was initially made rectangular, but then changed to a standard one.
The space behind the cabin was used as a cargo platform, on which a closed cargo container of the required dimensions was installed. At the same time, the VAZ-2802-02 Pony had a number of disadvantages. In particular, the elimination of aluminum made the truck's design unreasonably heavy, resulting in a reduction in its load capacity. Among other things, the large glazing area did not allow opening windows. One hatch was not enough for full ventilation, and making an automatic ventilation system was not feasible from an economic point of view. As a result, it was decided to abandon the mass production of the VAZ-2802-02 Pony. The car was placed in the automobile plant museum.
Lada C
Lada C Concept is a 2007 concept sedan.
The Lada C sports car, developed in 2007, was also not released, despite its attractive design and the ability to reach speeds of over 200 km/h.
Hatchback Lada C Concept, 2007
Why there will never be a new Priora
Well, finally, we have reached the conclusion, where we will answer the question “will the new Priora be released in 2022 (or in 2022).” Spoiler: it won't work! Now for the facts why:
TOP 10 ugliest cars of all time: Quasimodo's private car park
- The design of the model is completely outdated . The Priora itself (we are talking about a sedan) is essentially a very deep restyling of the VAZ-2110, the production of which started back in 1995. Despite the different design and thousands of new parts of the Priora compared to its predecessor, the “base” remains from the car of the last millennium. Okay, that's enough.
- Demand for the Priora has fallen over the years —buyers have clearly noticed the car’s obsolescence. Towards the end of the model’s life cycle, only the sedan body remained in the Prior family, whereas previously hatchbacks, station wagons, and even “two-door” versions of this car were on sale. Not the least role in “finishing off” Priora was played by the new Vesta, which was better in everything.
- Competition within the brand . The old Priora was aimed at the budget segment, where the Granta was already presented, the modern restyling in the “X” style of which was presented immediately after the Priora was discontinued. In turn, Vesta is positioned as a more expensive and comfortable car. The new Priora does not fit into this concept, and transferring it to a modern platform was not economically feasible.
- Renault Policy . In 2022, Renault announced a new strategy - now, instead of mass production of new cars, the group will focus on profit. Part of the new tactics was the merger of the Lada and Dacia brands and the hasty sale of Daimler AG shares by the concern. Such decisions are not made overnight. which means preparations for this were carried out earlier. By the way, production of the Priora was discontinued two years after the French “adopted” AvtoVAZ.
These are the main reasons why there will never be a new Lada Priora 3 2022. The only chance for the Priore to be revived is if AvtoVAZ decides to use this name for a completely new model, which, however, is also unlikely, since every new ship requires a new name. Thus, AvtoVAZ already has patents for names such as Aura, Alta, Iskra, Mira, Avira and Sfera. Well, Priora, apparently, remains in history.
Original Lada Priora White Edition
Lada C-Cross
Domestic crossover Lada C-Cross. Moscow International Motor Show MIAS-2008.
The C-Cross crossover, designed during Project C, was not allowed to go into production, despite its high off-road capability.
Conceptual crossover Lada C-Cross Concept, 2008..
