Volga GAZ-3106 - a promising development that never became a production model

The history of the appearance of the first SUV GAZ-3106

The first GAZ-3106 “Ataman-2” was assembled in 1999. This SUV received many components from the previous GAZ development, which had the GAZ-3108 “Ataman” index:

• Shortened chassis from "Ataman";
• Bridges;
• Steering;
• Front suspension;
• Brake system and wheels.

Some design solutions were borrowed from Sobol. Looking at the success of UAZ SUVs and the complaints of their owners about the overly archaic appearance of SUVs, the management of the Gorky Automobile Plant decided to rely on the appearance, which the Ataman of 1996 was so lacking.

The new passenger SUV from GAZ received full differential locking, since the design of the rear axle made it possible to do this. Due to this, it was possible to achieve excellent traction on all four wheels. Having analyzed the situation with UAZs, which in those years could not be called comfortable cars for driving around the city, Gorky designers decided to exclude intermediate shafts from the car’s design. This ensured silence in the cabin. Since cross-country ability decreased as a result, it was decided to make the front and rear suspension dependent.

Specifications

Design features of GAZ-3106

The new Volga GAZ-3106 jeep 4x4 is a real frame SUV. The car shown to the general public created a real sensation with its appearance. Representatives of the Gorky Automobile Plant said that serial production of the GAZ-3106 is just around the corner, and promised that the new SUV will be assembled using components and engines from Toyota and Iveco. The first sample, presented at the Moscow exhibition in 2000, had a GAZ-561 diesel engine.

The rear suspension of the new Gorky SUV has lost the Watt mechanism. Now the Panhard system has appeared there. This is due to the fact that the creators took into account the complexity of the GAZ-3108 suspension and decided to significantly simplify the new promising car. The new suspension was able to provide the car with excellent road stability. The Gorky Automobile Plant emphasized in every possible way that its new SUV has a certain “luxury” quality. Even the suspension was initially tuned for use on public roads, but this did not prevent the GAZ-3106 from feeling great in off-road conditions.

In addition, the Gorky SUV has the following design features:

• Passenger seats received headrests. Although this has long been the norm for foreign SUVs, domestic SUVs have so far managed without them;
• Each seat in the cabin received its own seat belt;
• The fuel tank was installed inside the frame, which reduced the likelihood of damage in the event of an accident;
• We managed to lower the floor in the cabin, although we couldn’t talk about perfect evenness.

The spectators who managed to see the new product vigorously expressed their emotions, and everyone was sure that the new Volga would soon be on the production line.

Suspension

The new Volga 3111 sedan was equipped with an original front wishbone suspension instead of the outdated swivel strut on ball joints.

The levers located below in this design rested on a subframe, and the levers mounted on top were attached with an axis to a cast bracket. The rear suspension was distinguished by the presence of an anti-roll bar and a different shock absorber installation scheme.

Such changes made it possible to increase the stability of the car and reduce longitudinal deformations of the springs.

The appearance of the second generation of the GAZ-3106 car

Despite the excellent start of the GAZ-3106 project, it had to be curtailed in 2001, since the plant was unable to allocate a sufficient amount of money to finalize the project and put it on the production line. But in 2004, looking at how sharply sales of domestic SUVs UAZ and Chevrolet Niva had risen, the management of the Gorky Automobile Plant decided to revive their project.

Design engineers created a new car that had the old GAZ-3106 index. It was decided not to use the name “Ataman-2” so as not to associate the buyer with associations with the unsuccessful development of GAZ - “Ataman” in 1996. The price for the updated SUV was planned to be around $10,000.

GAZ-3106 2004 was distinguished by the following design features:

• The car received a spar frame, which is a sign of a real SUV, although the appearance of the GAZ-3106 makes one think of crossovers;
• Five-door body;
• Front and rear independent suspension;
• Four-wheel drive;
• Lockable center differential;
• Two-stage transfer case.

The ZMZ-405, which developed 147 l/s, was installed as the base engine for the SUV. The choice of engine was not very successful. Although it has proven itself well on passenger Volgas, its capabilities were clearly not enough for a heavy frame SUV. In addition, the engine, forced to operate at high speeds, was prone to overheating.

As for the level of comfort and safety, the modernized GAZ-3106 received an adjustable steering column, power steering, ABS and airbags. In this respect, the car was not inferior to middle-class foreign cars. As for the design of the car, it still aroused admiration. Even now the GAZ-3106 SUV looks quite modern.

In 2005, a luxury version of the GAZ-3106 was presented at an international exhibition. The new modification, which received the prefix “VIP”, had the following features:

• Full power accessories;
• Leather interior;
• Separate rear row seats with electrical adjustments;
• Wooden elements of the dashboard;
• The new ZMZ-4052 engine, which was a serious modification of the standard ZMZ-405 engine. This turbocharged long-stroke engine was capable of developing 205 hp.

Unfortunately, the GAZ-3106 modification of 2004 also did not make it into mass production.

Design

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The new Volga 2022 differs not only in technological parameters, but also in design from previous models produced by GAZ. At first glance, the car will be no different from expensive European cars.

It's no secret that the models of the domestic automobile industry are unremarkable: they have a standard design that cannot please the driver in any way, and also a not very comfortable interior. Here everything is different - the new generation Volga was supposed to open another stage in the production of Russian cars.

Experts believe that the model in the photo is similar to the famous Chevrolet Volt. At the same time, it is impossible to get a complete picture due to the fact that the estimated dimensions of the model were not even stated.

Exterior

The new Volga GAZ will have an attractive appearance. Photos provided by the manufacturer clearly demonstrate that this is a true model of the future. The exterior of the new Volga is so modern due to the fact that the development was carried out by young specialists who keep up with the times and feel the needs of society in terms of consumption of such products.

The Volga 5000 GL is a domestically produced car, which many consider sports due to its unusual body shape. If we talk about what distinctive features the model is endowed with, then it is worth highlighting the following main design modifications, in comparison with other Russian-made cars:

• harmony of smooth lines, combining both a sporty aggressive style and classical restraint;
• the body is made in an original futuristic style;
• The headlights are positioned high, further emphasizing the sporty design. The same effect is achieved thanks to the cut roof line; dual exhaust duplicates luxury Lexus cars;
• Smooth lines help achieve excellent aerodynamics of the car. Because of this, the aerodynamics of the model are at the highest level. This has not only an aesthetic, but also a practical purpose - it helps to achieve ideal comfort while driving (avoid shaking), as well as reduce fuel consumption and achieve greater speed in a short period of time;
• Titanium wheels on 21-inch tires, protruding from the sides, create the effect of super-power of the model.

If we judge the future design of the car, we can say that there is a noticeable trend: the designers have collected all the most original popular solutions among models of world-famous brands, effectively combining them in one car.

The release of the car was previously planned in 4 colors: classic black, bright yellow, dark blue, gray. The manufacturer has not officially announced the planned palette of shades, so the information became available on the basis of advertising photographs.

According to unofficial data, it is also planned to release a bright red model, because sports cars are often produced in this color, and this is the image planned for the car. For now, we only have the following photographs at our disposal.

Interior

Unfortunately, the interior of the cabin has not yet been presented by the manufacturer, so there is no exact information. The photo of the new model was provided from the outside, so the design accurately describes the exterior. There are rumors that the car will have a real new generation interior with all the modern newfangled trends.

It is planned to use expensive materials to decorate the interior of the new Volga to create an atmosphere of status. The manufacturer promised to create a car that would not have to be modernized in any way to obtain ideal comfort.

Between the rear seats there are folding armrests. The front seats can be adjusted in height and also in angle of inclination. It is also possible to separately ventilate the rear row of seats or heat them.

The front control panel has impressive dimensions for the location of the touch display, which will display all information about the operation of the car. In addition, an additional control panel and multimedia system are provided.

There are rumors that in the future, by the time the model is released, the possibility of installing a panoramic roof will be added, so that you can admire the beauty while driving. But this information has not yet been officially confirmed.

The main point is that everything in the cabin should be no worse equipped than in the most expensive foreign cars. If you suddenly need something additional, it will be possible to order it after purchasing the car in order to make your stay in the car even more comfortable and enjoyable.

The third generation of GAZ-3106 and its difference from previous modifications

In 2005, the last, third development of the long-suffering GAZ-3106 debuted, which was doomed to success. The body of the SUV, which received the GAZ-31061 index, was increased by 40 mm. The rear doors have also increased in size, making it more comfortable for passengers to get in and out.

Externally, the car began to look more attractive, as the radiator grille became chrome-plated. In addition, the bumpers and headlights also began to look more modern. The interior of the modernized Gorky SUV has become something between the basic modification of the GAZ-3106 and the “VIP” model. It has become much simpler, but the standard electrical package, including electric windows and electric mirrors, has been preserved. The engine used was a GAZ-5602 engine. This is a turbocharged diesel engine that is economical.

Options and prices

It is quite difficult to find Volga 3111 on the secondary market due to the fact that not such a large number of them were produced. The minimum cost of a sedan is 300 thousand rubles.

The GAZ-3111 is distinguished by high-quality and reliable electronic equipment, which was represented by a central lock, power windows on all doors, an electric antenna with speakers and audio preparation, and fog lights. The operation of individual systems is aimed at servicing car windows: electric drive, washers and heating.

The on-board electronic system monitors the main parameters of the car and notifies the driver of possible problems by displaying a message on the dashboard. Some versions of the Volga were equipped with a trip computer.

Depending on the configuration, the sedan can be equipped with an electronic unit and a climate control system that automatically regulates the temperature in the cabin. Radio, air conditioning and some other functions are optional and must be ordered separately.

Place of GAZ-3106 in the domestic passenger car industry

If the Gorky Automobile Plant had been able to put the GAZ-3106 on the assembly line at one time, the SUV would have occupied a niche between the Chevrolet Niva and the UAZ Patriot. It is the niche of comfortable crossovers in the Russian automotive industry that is now empty. The GAZ-3106 would make an excellent crossover, since the frame and dependent suspensions are rarely found on cars of this class.

GAZ-31061 cars received five-seater seats equipped with airbags, belts and headrests. If the Gorky Automobile Plant can return to the development of the GAZ-3106 and put it into mass production, then at an adequate final price, these SUVs will be able to compete with the UAZ Patriot, which many do not like because of their huge size.

GAZ-3106 is one of the most interesting projects of the Gorky Automobile Plant, which never managed to become serial. If until 2010 many were waiting for the appearance of an SUV from GAZ, now almost everyone has forgotten about it.

Salon

Owner reviews note that, despite the high ground clearance, getting into the car is quite comfortable thanks to the step. As for the interior itself, for the most part it resembles a GAZ-3307.

There is still the same archaic instrument panel with round dials, steering column switches, a flat center console, on which there is only one radio and a small glove compartment that can be locked with a key. The dashboard trim is wooden. However, some versions used matte black plastic. The steering column is borrowed from the GAZelle and has the same range of adjustments. The pedals are also borrowed from this light-duty truck. The steering wheel is more “civilian”, taken from the Sobol. The car has two fabric seats without pronounced support.

A distinctive feature of the GAZ-2308 “Ataman” car is three levers between the driver and passenger seats. This scheme was previously used on Nivas. This means that in addition to the main gearshift lever, the car also has a transfer case (with reduction gear), as well as a differential lock.

Seat adjustment is only mechanical. Owner reviews note that the GAZ-2308 “Ataman” has a sufficient range of backrest adjustments. The seat itself rides on a “sleigh.” In a short period of time, you can select the appropriate position for the steering wheel and seat. The ceiling height allows you to accommodate even tall passengers. Another feature is the large glazing area. This has a positive effect on visibility. Also, the Ataman SUV (GAZ-2308) has comfortable cargo mirrors. They look harmonious against the general background and are quite informative for the driver.

Surviving copies

Memorial in Orsha at the ZiS-6 BM-13-16 at the ZiS-6 base in Kyiv at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. 2008 BM-13-16 based on ZiS-6 in Rudnya. 2005 BM-13-16 of the 12th OGVMD on the STZ-5 chassis. Novomoskovsk BM-13 “Katyusha” on the chassis of a Studebaker US6 truck received under Lend-Lease at the Museum of Russian Military History in the village of Padikovo near Istra Almost all “Katyushas” assembled on the basis of domestic ZiS-6 trucks were destroyed by the war. To date, only a few copies of them have survived throughout the CIS:

• In the Museum of Artillery, Engineering Troops and Signal Corps in St. Petersburg
• At the 116th km of the Moscow-St. Petersburg highway, at the turn to the road to the city of Konakovo, the Katyusha monument was erected. The monument was built in 1965. At this line, the offensive of the troops of the Kalinin Front began in December 1941, where fierce and bloody battles took place. Our troops repulsed numerous enemy attacks, delaying his advance towards Moscow. On the pedestal there is a memorial plaque with the inscription: “Here there were battles, here a faithful son, engulfed in flames, stood to the death of Russia. From here began the soldier’s path, the difficult path to victory in Berlin.”
• In Zaporozhye.
• A mortar based on the “Polutorka” stands as a monument in the Ukrainian Kirovograd (now renamed Kropyvnytskyi),
• Monument near
  in Sumy region
• In the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin.
• In the open-air museum "Military Hill" in Temryuk.
• In Moscow, on the territory of the Research Center named after M.V. Keldysh (based on ZiS) [ source not specified 975 days
  ]
• In Kubinka VPPKiO "Patriot" aerospace forces sector, pavilion No. 11. Katyusha based on the ZIS-151. Previously stored at motor depot 147 of the Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow
• Two mortars are located on the territory of the Sevastopol diorama in Crimea.
• In Armyansk in Crimea at the entrance to the city from the Crimea. (map)
• In Novosibirsk, on the monument of glory there is a BM-13 based on the ZiS-6.
• In Kyiv at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.
• In Odessa at the Memorial of the 411th Coastal Battery.
• In the city of Korsun-Shevchenkovsky, Cherkasy region, in the museum of the Korsun-Shevchenkovsky battle.
• In Izium, as a monument in the Memorial complex.
• In Mtsensk, like a monument.
• In the Novomoskovsk Historical and Art Museum (city of Novomoskovsk, Tula region), as a monument. On the move, led the Victory Parade on May 9, 2022 (the only one preserved on caterpillar tracks).
• In Kirov, on the territory of OJSC “Kirov Machine-Building Plant 1 MAY”, as a monument.
• The Museum of Russian Military History in the village of Padikovo, Moscow Region, displays an early production Katyusha BM-13-16, the so-called “non-normalized” one, on the chassis of a Studebaker US6 truck received under Lend-Lease.
• In Belgorod, in the open-air museum.
• In Seoul in the military museum (trophy captured during the Korean War)
• Monument-memorial in the city of Tula
• On the territory of Izmailovsky Park in Moscow.
• In the city of Rudnya, Smolensk region. During restoration in the eighties, it turned out that the shells on the monument were live.
• In the village of Ugransky district, Smolensk region. Pedestal on the field of memory.
• In the town of Verkhnyaya Pyshma, Sverdlovsk Region, as exhibits of the UMMC Museum of Military Equipment: model 1943 on the chassis of a Studebaker US6 truck received under Lend-Lease, model 1941/1951, BM-13NM model 1958, BM-13NMM model 1966.

According to the Military Balance 2014 yearbook, in 2014, 2 BM-13 vehicles remained in service with the Ukrainian Army.