Tag Archives: Lada

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2027 Lada Niva Legend

Recently, Russian manufacturer AvtoVAZ presented several prototypes, the most notable of which was the new Lada Niva. These prototypes were developed thanks to the equipment left behind by Renault after it abandoned its plants in Russia.

The Russian automotive industry is trying to get out of the difficult situation that arose after the invasion of Ukraine and after all foreign manufacturers withdrew from the Russian market. This market was the second largest for the French carmaker, where Renault was the majority owner of Lada Holding with 67.61 percent. It also controls almost a third of the Russian car market and employs about 40,000 people.

After Renault withdrew from Russia, Lada took over everything that was left behind. They wasted no time and presented three Lada prototypes, two crossovers and a station wagon, at the beginning of this year. The first of them, which will debut next year, will be the Lada B-Cross, based on the Vesta architecture. In terms of style and equipment, it will be very similar to European models.

However, the most attention has been drawn to the new Lada Niva Legend. This off-roader will be a complete refresh of the previous Lada Niva. At first glance, it resembles the new Dacia Duster, which is not a surprise because it was previously planned that this model would be presented under the umbrella of the Renault Group. It has more angular shapes on the body while retaining key design details such as characteristic indicators on the hood and even round headlights.

When it comes to the powertrain, some rumors say that the Russians have also been working on a new engine. Some say that it is a 1.8-L gasoline engine with 135 hp, which will be installed in the Niva, but also other models.

Source: Reuters

News

2026 Lada Iskra is ready for ice racing

Before the new Lada Iskra goes into production, Russian manufacturer AvtoVAZ has unveiled a version designed for motorsport. This car is built to conquer icy tracks, and it debuted at the 27th “Race of Champions” in Samara.

At first glance, this version is indistinguishable from the standard Iskra. The only differences are the new livery with the prototype of the factory Lada Sport Rosneft team with yellow, orange, red and black graphics, and new rims with studded snow tires. The cabin features a roll cage, a multifunctional electronic control panel mounted on the steering column, and a hydraulic handbrake. The car is slightly lighter than the standard version, which means that the rear seats have probably been removed, as well as most (if not all) unnecessary ones.

The car is equipped with new shock absorbers, stiffer springs, reinforced mounting points and ball joints instead of blocks. The factory front brakes have been retained, while the rear brakes have been taken from the Vesta model.

As for the powertrain, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine has been increased in displacement to 1.8-liters, and the engine has received a new crankshaft, reinforced connecting rods, improved intake and exhaust systems, and a modified ECU. The result is 175 hp (130 kW) and 147 lb-ft (200 Nm) of torque, significantly more than the standard version, which has 106 hp. Power is sent to the front wheels via a sequential gearbox with a limited-slip differential.

Source: AvtoVAZ

News

Renault will shut down some production lines in Russia

The current situation caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has created not only a security and political crisis, but also an economic one. Affected by the restrictions of Western countries, many companies that have plants in Russia have found themselves in a difficult situation. One of them is Renault, which announced that some production lines in AvtoVAZ will have to be shut down.

Renault will shut down some production lines in Russia
Photo: Renault Group

AvtoVAZ is part of Lada Auto Holding, which also manages a number of factories, with Renault being the majority owner with a 67.61% stake. Russia is Renault’s second largest market, just behind France. “Interruptions are caused by more rigorous border controls and the need to change logistics routes,” their official statement said. Interestingly, they did not state that the decision has anything to do with the invasion.

Renault is not the only carmaker to have invested in Russia. There are also Volkswagen and Stellantis. Volkswagen said that due to delays in the delivery of parts from Ukraine, the company was forced to stop production at two factories. Stellantis did not make any statements regarding the current situation.

Some companies have opted for drastic measures, such as Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres, which has said it will relocate its production of key product lines to its homeland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21aLDfPVYRo

Russia is also a producer of several essential metals for the auto industry, such as palladium (38%), aluminum (6%), and rhodium (the second largest producer in the world).

Source: Reuters / Renault Group