ZIS-112. History and characteristics of the model

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

As you know, a very meager range of cars was presented in the USSR. There were almost no sports models, as the factories were focused on mass production. The following is one of the few such machines, ZIS-112, history and characteristics.

History

This model appeared in 1951. Then it underwent several upgrades, and in 1956 it was renamed ZIL-112. In 1961, the ZIS-112S was created on its basis. Its fastest modification was developed in 1965. Shortly after that, work on the machine was stopped.

Origin

This car was created, among other things, as a test vehicle for testing components and assemblies of the serial ZIS-110 under conditions of increased loads. Therefore, the ZIS-112 was developed on the basis of this model. They took the frame from her and strengthened it. The body was created with this in mind. The engine, suspension and transmission were also taken from the ZIS-110.

Body

The designers faced a difficult task: to develop a sports car on the basis of a representative car. Initially, they simply placed another body on the ZIS-110 chassis. The result was a two-seater coupe of an unusual shape with a removable hardtop. The top was plastic and the body was steel sheets.

Design

When developing the body, the American car Le Saber of 1951 was used as a model. Some design solutions were borrowed from him, as well as design in many respects. In particular, the proportions of these cars are very similar with a long hood and trunk expanding towards the center, stretched wings and a cabin shifted to the front. They even used such a characteristic feature of the American model as a headlight located in the center. The bumper is mirrored. The design of the rear of the ZIS-112 was changed more seriously: the height of the rear fenders was reduced and traditional lighting equipment was used (in Le Saber, both front and rear lighting devices are located in the center of the body).

Engine

Initially, they used a serial ZIS-110 engine with a power of 140 hp

Then, under the guidance of V. F. Rodionov created an experimental version specifically for the ZIS-112 - the characteristics of the standard were insufficient. This is a 6005cc in-line eight-cylinder engine3. It differed from the standard power unit, first of all, by the mixed arrangement of valves. In addition, the compression ratio was increased to the maximum for operation on 74 gasoline. Also increased the diameter of the intake pipes. Its power was 180 hp

Compared to the ZIS-110 engineslightly lowered and moved back. Added oil cooler. The height of the engine radiator has been reduced. Together with lowering the location of the water pump and fan, this was necessary to reduce the height of the front of the car.

This motor allowed to reach 200 km/h.

Transmission

For the ZIS-112, the three-speed gearbox ZIS-110 was modified. The gear ratios of both all gears and the main gear have been changed.

Pendant

The chassis was also borrowed from the ZIS-110 and modified. So, they used promising springs and springs for the front independent spring suspension, and the rear spring was equipped with an anti-roll bar.

Upgrades

The first upgrade was required from the beginning of the ZIS-112 participation in line racing in 1952. Unsatisfactory handling became obvious, due to an excessively long base and non-optimal weight distribution (55-45), leading to an overload of the front end. Therefore, the main improvement was to reduce the wheelbase by 0.6 m to 3.16 m. This made it possible not only to reduce the weight of the car by 600 kg to 1900 kg, but also to distribute it more optimally along the axles. As a result, handling has improved significantly. As a result, the length of the machine was reduced by the same amount. Finally, the gear ratio of the main gear was increased. Together with the reduced weight, this made it possible to reach 210 km / h. ZIS-112/1 was equipped with two fuel tanks with a volume of 80 and 140 liters and provided the ability to switch the engine power between them on the go.

With the beginning of participation in circuit racing, design flaws again appeared. In 1955, the ZIS-112, which had previously been used in line racing, took part in the races, almost in the same form. The only change is cutouts at the front for brake cooling. However, this was not enough - the brakes overheated after a few intense braking.

Based on this, a significantly modernized ZIL-112/2 car was prepared for the next season. Instead of a conventional body, they began to use a tubular frame with panels of paper honeycombs impregnated with BF glue and fiberglass. In addition, the removable roof was removed and a higher windshield was installed. The height of the car decreased by 0.1 m. The engine was taken from the ZIS-110, but modified and equipped with four carburetors. Power increased to 170 hp. Top speed increased to 230 km/h.

Also created ZIL-112/3. It differed from 112/2 only in its design, reminiscent of Cadillac models and the Moskva prototype.

For the 1957 season, two cars with fiberglass bodies were developed: ZIL-112/4 and 112/5. They were similar in appearance, but somewhat different in design.

So, one wheelbase was 2.9 m, the other - 3.04 m. These cars were equipped with a new V8 based on the ZIL-111 engine with a power of 200 - 220 hp. This engine could have 4 or 8 carburetors. Gearboxleft from the ZIS-110. They could reach about 250 km/h.

In 1961, the ZIS-112S appeared. The design of its fiberglass body was reminiscent of a Ferrari. The car was equipped with a 6 liter V8 with two four-stroke carburetors with a capacity of 240 hp. and 6.95 liters with a 270 hp engine, later 300 hp. The gearbox was still used from the ZIS-110, but the crankcase was lightened. The front suspension was taken from the Volga, and the rear suspension was developed by a new independent spring type "De Dion". The car was equipped with disc brakes and a self-locking differential. The gross weight was 1.33 tons. The ZIS-112 "Sport" accelerated to 100 km/h in 4.5-5 seconds and could reach 260-270 km/h.

Sports

From 1952 to 1955, the ZIS-112/1 participated in record races and line races, where he set several long-distance records in class 10, which included cars with an engine capacity of 5000 - 8000 cm 3.

Since 1955, ring races began to be held in the USSR, and the ZIS-112/1 was sent there almost in its original form. Shortcomings of the original design were immediately identified. They were eliminated on the ZIL-112/2, thanks to which in 1956 the crew on such a machine took third place.

Models 112/4 and 112/5 ranked third (1957), second (1961) and first (1960)

The 112C made two unsuccessful attempts to set the All-Union speed record, but it set five records on the race tracks.