General information about the car (VAZ-2108)

Since 1984, the Volga Automobile Plant named after the 50th Anniversary of the USSR has begun a gradual transition from the production of various models of "Zhiguli" to the production of second-generation cars, the first and basic model of which is the VAZ 2108 ("Lada-Sputnik-1300"). This is a completely new car, not related to the "Zhiguli" in design and manufacturing technology (figure 1).



The AZ-2108 has a front-wheel drive layout. The engine is located in front across the car and is combined into a single unit with a clutch, gearbox and final drive, from which torque is transmitted to the front wheels through constant velocity joints. This layout solution, combined with the original shape of the body, made it possible, in comparison with cars of a classic layout (engine in the front, drive wheels in the rear), under other equal conditions, to obtain a low tare weight of the car, a large useful volume of the cabin, low noise and vibration levels and, in general, increased comfort of the car. The use of an improved carburetor with additional systems made it possible to increase the efficiency of the engine and reduce the toxicity of exhaust gases compared to previous models.

The design and execution of the VAZ-2108 car and its components meet the safety requirements of the UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe). The interior equipment of the body and the steering column significantly reduce the likelihood of injury to the driver and passengers in the event of impacts. The external shape of the car without sharp protruding elements, energy-absorbing bumpers, a dual-circuit braking system in combination with a rear brake pressure regulator - all this meets modern safety requirements for the design of passenger cars.