At the Gorky Automobile Plant, assembly of Volgas equipped with a Chrysler power unit has started. This appears to be one of the last attempts to revive buyer interest in passenger cars from Nizhny Novgorod.
The long-standing dispute between GAZ and the Zavolzhye Motor Plant, which is part of the Severstal-Auto structure, is forcing the Nizhny Novgorod enterprise to look at other suppliers. The essence of the conflict is that GAZ considers ZMZ's prices unjustifiably high, and Severstal's management is unwilling to compromise.
As a replacement, GAZ engineers chose a 16-valve Chrysler engine with a displacement of 2.4 liters — the same one used, for example, in the Chrysler PT Cruiser. The engine fit under the Volga's hood without much trouble, so the project costs were minimal. In addition to the new engine, the 2006 model year Volga got a fresh instrument panel: two large dials — a speedometer and tachometer, as well as auxiliary gauges for fuel level and antifreeze temperature. The layout of the scales and needles almost exactly replicates the BMW dashboard from the nineties.
We turn the ignition key — it still hides in an inconvenient place, right in front of the driver's knee. Inside, the engine noise is barely audible. Body vibrations also remain within normal limits. The clutch, however, is not very informative, but it is possible to pull away without jerking. At start, the rear wheels easily break into wheelspin, and the Chrysler engine roars desperately. From the outside, the picture looks frightening, but the driver is not laughing at that moment. The steering wheel, which is pleasantly light in the parking lot, is completely devoid of feedback. It feels like you are controlling a joystick in a computer game.
Volga
When the speedometer needle passes a hundred, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep the car on track. The maximum this American-Russian hybrid is capable of is 178 km/h. However, the instinct of self-preservation did not allow me to accelerate faster than 140. It's scary! The car stops obeying. It seems that the Volga can only drive straight. You won't be able to sharply avoid a sudden obstacle. Braking is also a problem: the pedal has to be pressed with great effort. All this once again emphasizes how outdated the chassis is.
How much will you have to pay extra for a Volga with an American engine? At GAZ, they promise that the new engine will add only $400 to the price. But there is a catch. The 2006 model year car will get an updated instrument panel and a different interior, which was worked on by specialists from the German studio Herman Ravema. In total, the engine and improved interior trim will raise the price by $1500.