The first “Gran Turismo” was made at VAZ in the mid-90s - “Lada-110 2.0” with a two-liter Opel engine. The experience turned out to be successful, therefore, while developing the Coupe Sport, along with the original technical solutions, the previous developments were widely used, which proved themselves not only in normal operation, but also in motorsport. The hatchback was chosen as the base body for the new product; it lost the rear doors - they are not needed by the Gran Turismo. Without them, but with additional power elements (in the rapids, between the rear pillars and along the edge of the trunk), the torsional rigidity of the body has increased markedly.
Under the hood is a 1.8-liter engine from the long-wheelbase Lada Premier. True, it was slightly modified for the GT: they changed the calibrations of the control system, the receiver of the intake system, installed nozzles with increased performance and a larger throttle pipe. Reduced the mass of parts of the crank mechanism.
To implement the increased capabilities of the engine, changes were made to the transmission. Instead of the standard clutch - LuK, the gear ratios of the box are brought together, the synchronizers are strengthened.
The front suspension mounted on a stretcher is similar to that on the Lada-110 2.0. In the rear there is a stabilizer bar, stiffer silent blocks and spacers to expand the track (by 50 mm) and achieve a negative camber angle. Shock absorbers - “Koni Sport” with adjustable stiffness. In the braking system, a vacuum amplifier with increased efficiency, 15-inch front and 13- or 14-inch rear mechanisms with ventilated discs.
Let us leave the story about the interior, leather steering wheel, seats with lateral support and a swift silhouette - everything here corresponds to the image of the GT.
The most “delicious” in this car is driving performance. The coupe starts off easily, accelerates confidently - the engine, along with a pleasant voice, demonstrates a successful combination of high power and traction. In the fifth gear (in which the standard “tens” reach their maximum speed) we managed to accelerate “only” to 190 km / h, but in the fourth at 6500 rpm the arrow easily overcame the 200-kilometer mark.
The upgraded brakes are very good, but the 1956 / 55R15 Pirelli P6000 tires block too early. In our opinion, for such a dynamic car it was worth picking up more suitable ones. The modified chassis favorably distinguishes the coupe from the usual “dozens,” however, with high-speed maneuvering, the tires again begin to slip early, leading to a pronounced insufficient understeer. The suspension itself made a very favorable impression - the coupe holds the road perfectly even at very high speeds, while the smoothness of the ride is quite comparable to standard cars of the Lada-Samara family.
Not so long ago, we tested the “top ten” and “twelfth” with 1.8 liter engines (ЗР, 2005, No. 4) and found that in addition to these engines it would be nice to have a box with its gear ratios, more efficient brakes, and other characteristics suspension, and yet - Power Steering and air conditioning. It's nice that in the new car all this has already been taken into account.
