GAZ-31107: general characteristics

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The Gorky Automobile Plant started production of the next restyled Volga model 31105 in 2003. The machine was based on many design solutions and components from the 24th model, which was developed back in the distant 60s. Many of them required an urgent replacement, which was planned for the next version, which received the designation GAZ-31107.

General data

The date of appearance of several prototypes of this machine is 2003. At the same time, the plant set itself the goal of launching mass production at the very end of 2005. However, the plans were quickly adjusted, postponing the launch to 2006. This was due to the desire to install a new cabin interior, which was developed jointly with German design firms.

The main emphasis in the creation of the GAZ-31107 "Volga" was on the rear suspension, which was planned to be deprived of archaic rear springs. But the beam of the bridge remained practically unchanged. In connection with the rejection of spring mounts, the appearance of the rear part of the body, as well as some solutions in the cabin, changed significantly. In addition, it was supposed to increase comfortinterior by improving workmanship and introducing new options.

First version

The first version of the GAZ-31107 was created by a small design company "Avtodesign", based in the city of Naberezhnye Chelny. At the same time, the designer of the GAZ plant also offered their own version. These prototypes used front lighting from the Opel Vectra C.

In addition to the two sedan cars, there was at least one station wagon equipped with taillights from the standard 31105. All of these cars were repeatedly shown at exhibitions held from mid-2003 to summer 2004.

Second version

The next batch of experimental GAZ-31107 samples was presented in July-August 2004. These cars had standard front optics and a redesigned trunk lid and taillights. On all samples of the machine, the same 130-horsepower motor from 31105 was used, which complies with EURO-2 standards. The only difference was a decorative black plastic cover that covered more than half of the engine compartment.

Design differences

The most important difference in the power structure of the body was the removal of the rear spars, which were previously attached to the earrings of the rear leaf springs. Instead, they used more durable side reinforcements of the body structure. In the rearmost suspension, a standard stabilizer remained, supplemented by two longitudinal and transverse Panhard rods. The suspension of the bridge was performed on vertical shock absorbers and springs placed in parallel. Andthe attachment points of the racks were located under the bridge, but they were still above the lowest point of the machine - the crankcase of the bridge. Rear fender reconfiguration has reduced the rear overhang by 30mm.

Changing the body made it possible to place the fuel tank in the left niche behind the rear wheel. At the same time, its volume had to be reduced to 60 liters - it was simply not possible to install a more capacious one. The big advantage of this placement of the trunk was its greater corrosion resistance and improved weight distribution of the car.

The tank cap was brought to the middle part of the rear wing. Exactly the same solution was used at the very beginning of the 80s on the early releases of the 3102 model. Since the tank was gone from under the boot floor, there was a spare wheel and a tool bag. The very height of the trunk floor has grown somewhat, since under the bottom it was necessary to install more overall suspension elements. Partially offset the height of the trunk by increasing the height of the wings.

For more intense air exchange in the trunk and removal of condensate from there, the ventilation system was changed. The air outlet was carried out through grilles in the lower part of the rear fenders, closed by a bumper. Regular holes on the rear pillars have been abolished. Several additional channels for the passage of air were used in the body structure, which made it possible to improve the resistance of parts to corrosion. A photo of GAZ-31107 is shown below.

Due to the change of pillars and trunk panels, the slope of the rear window has increased by several degrees. In the back of the rear seat there was a folding hatch,installed behind the armrest. Both rear seat cushions have received a more ergonomic profile. The trunk lid itself did not recline with torsion bars, but with gas stops. This decision made it possible to compensate for the reduced height of the compartment.

In the interior of the cars there are new front seats with height adjustment, a modified light switch with improved ergonomics and a completely new climate control unit.

Conclusion

All these improvements were not included in the series, as there was a steady decline in demand for the 31105 model, and the new Volga promised to be even more expensive. To master serial production, considerable financial investments were required, which the plant management did not approve. Therefore, the project was curtailed. The fate of the prototype vehicles is unknown.