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2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41
The ZIL brand is mainly associated with a truck manufacturer. But in the history of the Likhachev plant there were both sedans and limousines, which were used by the first persons of the USSR. And recently it became known that the ZIL brand will soon return to the market in the form of the first Colonel SUV. True, this model will probably not arrive in Russia, since it is being developed for the American army. However, the situation may change in the future. The businessman who bought the rights to the ZIL brand did not rule out the possibility of bringing new SUVs to the market.
There is little information about the Colonel model yet. It is known that it will be based on a platform from Jeep, and the car will be set in motion by means of a 6, 2-liter "atmospheric" engine, which will be taken from Chrysler. It is also expected that the ZIL SUV will be all-wheel drive by default. How much such a model is estimated is not reported.
Despite the fact that the Colonel is still at the development stage (even the concept of this car has not yet been presented), independent designers are already creating renderings of future SUVs, which may also come out under the ZIL brand. One of them posted images of the original model capable of competing directly with the Kia Mohave. The ZIL-157 2021-2022 SUV presented on these renders stands out against the background of modern cars with its angular body outlines and lighting equipment, which seemed to be borrowed from a Korean car.
But in relation to this model, the more interesting question is what technical part it will receive. This SUV probably won't keep Chrysler's 6, 2-liter "aspirated", as it will be very expensive because of such an engine. In this case, the presented SUV is likely to share the engine range with other Jeep products.
Design
The new ZIL-157 2021-2022 SUV has a massive body that combines smooth transitions and rather sharp details that give the car a more "masculine" look. What is noteworthy, the presented model has wide front support legs, heavily piled back. This design, firstly, increases the area of "dead" zones and, secondly, allows you to make the windshield larger, which, in turn, will have a positive effect on visibility from the passenger compartment. Large side windows also contribute to this.
Judging by the dimensions of the presented model, there are at least 7 seats in its cabin. This is also supported by additional glass placed next to the stern. But, as with the A-pillars, the rear ones were too wide. That is, on the third row of seats, visibility will be artificially impaired.
The presented novelty has received a hood with three pronounced "steps". This configuration visually increases the size of the vehicle. This is also facilitated by a noticeable difference in the size of the body metal and the part of the body on which the windows are located. The new ZIL SUV, following the example of Kia Mohave and several other similar models, is equipped with a rectangular radiator grille, which is slightly recessed inward, with many small vertical slats. Its upper and lower edges are covered with decorative overlays.
The novelty is equipped with a large head optics, divided into 3 horizontal sections and complemented by a bright edging that runs along the entire perimeter. The bumper located below protrudes slightly, which once again emphasizes the "masculine" design of the presented model. Its central part is occupied by a large air intake with intersecting vertical and horizontal slats. There are additional ventilation holes on the sides of the front bumper.
Specifications
Most likely, the presented SUV, like the Colonel, will be built on the basis of the Jeep platform. But unlike the first model of the revived ZIL brand, this new product will not receive a 6, 2-liter "atmospheric" engine. This assumption is due to the fact that the presented SUV ZIL-157 2021-2022 is likely to debut in the segment, which includes the Kia Mohave and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Otherwise, this model will become a direct competitor to the Colonel.
If this assumption is correct, then it is more likely that the presented novelty will share the engine range with the Jeep Cherokee. Accordingly, by default, the SUV will receive a 2.4-liter "naturally aspirated" engine that produces up to 177 hp. power. Optionally, the new product is equipped with another naturally aspirated engine with a volume of 3.2 liters with a maximum output of 272 hp. Each of these engines is combined with a 9-speed automatic transmission and electrically controlled all-wheel drive.
Time to market
The presented ZIL SUV is nothing more than an attempt by an independent designer to show in which direction the revived Soviet-Russian brand can develop. Accordingly, this model will never hit the market.