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2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41
In 1960, the subcompact model ZAZ-965 entered the Soviet market. This 4-seater sedan was distinguished by its ultra-compact dimensions and non-standard engine layout: the power unit was located in the rear of the body. But thanks to its compact dimensions and low-power motor, the Zaporozhets stood out from other Soviet models at a very low price. Production of the ZAZ-965 was carried out until 1969 (during this period, a modification of the ZAZ-965A with a 27-horsepower engine was also produced), after which its larger version entered the market. Remarkably, despite the fact that the car became part of history about 50 years ago, it still attracts attention. This is evidenced by a series of renderings showing how the ZAZ-965 "Zaporozhets" 2021-2022 could look like if modernized.
Design
The presented concept of the updated ZAZ-965 has much in common with the Soviet small car. The similarity between the two versions of the sedan can be traced in the fact that the presented novelty received, in fact, the same body. The car, as before, is distinguished by an elongated front end and a shortened stern, which, moreover, due to the configuration features, also narrows. This design decision is partly due to the fact that the engine is located at the back of the Soviet model.
The body of the ZAZ-965 "Zaporozhets" 2021-2022 still has wavy and rounded shapes. A distinctive feature of the sedan is that its stern for the above reason is located above the front of the body. For this reason, ZAZ-965 is popularly known as "Humpbacked". From the predecessor to the new "Zaporozhets" 2 side doors passed unchanged. Side, frontal and rear glazing retained the same dimensions. At the same time, despite such an impressive resemblance to the classic sedan, the presented model has several unique details.
First of all, the developer who provided these renders has abandoned the old optics. The new Zaporozhets has large lanterns with non-standard graphics in front. Inside the head optics, there are LED strips of various shapes and sizes, which, crossing each other, make the headlights look like precious stones. The polygonal radiator grille of the new Zaporozhets turned out to be larger than that of the Soviet sedan, and is complemented by a relatively fine mesh.
The front bumper has also undergone quite serious modifications. A long neckline has appeared in it, which, due to the characteristic curves on the sides, where the round fog lights are located, forms a kind of "smile". Here, the developer ZAZ-965 "Zaporozhets" 2021-2022 placed a thin air intake, which rather serves as a decorative function.
Specifications
Nothing is known about the technical parameters of the new Zaporozhets. It is more likely that the presented model will receive a motor from the latest Renault Clio. This is supported, in particular, by the fact that the French company is now actively cooperating with the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant. That is, the new ZAZ-965 "Zaporozhets" 2021-2022 can get a 0.9-liter engine, the dimensions of which allow it to be installed on such a compact car. The maximum power of this unit does not exceed 76 hp. The turbocharged version of this engine, developing up to 90 hp, is unlikely to appear in the new Zaporozhets.
Time to market
The return of the classic "Zaporozhtsev" is not planned either now or in the near future. The presented model is nothing more than an attempt by an independent designer to imagine what a modernized Soviet sedan might look like.