Editing Lada Samara (section)

==Development==
VAZ had made their first front-wheel drive prototype, the VAZ-1101, in the early 1970s. The engine from the [[Fiat 127]] was used. Further development of this project led to the {{convert|900|cc|cid|0|abbr=on}} ''Ladoga'' three-door [[hatchback]] prototype in 1976.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://modeli.vazik.ru/vaz/vaz-e1101.htm |script-title=ru:Модель ВАЗ-1101 |publisher=Modeli.vazik.ru |access-date= 24 August 2010 |language=ru}}</ref>{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=251}} The decision to build the Samara was taken on 16 September 1978, the intention being to build a car with strong potential sales in Western European export markets.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=251}} Proposals for a distinctive saloon, four-door, and both three- and five-door hatchback were considered; it was decided instead the saloon should share the three-door hatchback's sheetmetal forward of the C-pillar.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=251}} (Design work on the four-door went toward the [[VAZ-2110]] instead.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=251}}) During its development, VAZ [[Automotive design|designers]] paid careful attention to the contemporary [[Renault 9 & 11|Renault 9]], [[Volkswagen Golf Mk1|Volkswagen Golf]], [[Ford Escort (Europe)|Ford Escort Mark III]], [[Opel Kadett#Kadett D (1979–1984)|Opel Kadett]], and [[Volvo 300 Series|Volvo 340]], which would be the new VAZ-2108's main competitors.<ref>Thompson, p. 251, mentions only the Kadett, 9, & Escort.</ref> Front suspension was [[MacPherson strut]]s, rear by [[torsion bar]].{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=252}} It also had [[rack and pinion]] steering, another Soviet first.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|pp=252–253}}

On 31 December 1979, the first VAZ-2108 prototype was completed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://modeli.vazik.ru/vaz/vaz-2108.htm |script-title=ru:Модель ВАЗ-2108 |publisher=Modeli.vazik.ru |access-date=24 August 2010 |language=ru}}</ref> It strongly resembled the earlier Ladoga, and the VAZ-1106 [[Sedan (car)|saloon]].{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=251}} While named ''Sputnik'' at home, it was more commonly known as the Vos'merka ("Eighth") after the last digit in the model code.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=252}} The export version was named after the [[Samara (Volga)|Samara River]], a tributary to the [[Volga]]. The first cars left the production line on 18 December 1984.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=252}} These, the three-door hatchbacks (the only model available at first), were powered by a belt-driven [[single overhead camshaft|SOHC]] 1,288&nbsp;cc [[Straight-four engine|inline-four]] with {{cvt|65|hp-metric|kW|0}}, and were fitted with a four-speed gearbox.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=252}} The three-door was joined by a five-door, and by models with 1,099&nbsp;cc (a destroked version of the 1.3) or 1,499&nbsp;cc (a bored-out 1288) engines.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|pp=252-253}} (The head was developed in co-operation with [[Porsche]], though most Western observers assumed Porsche's involvement went beyond just engines,<ref name="l'automobile">{{cite journal |title=Lada Samara: L'anti-Seat |journal=L'Automobile Magazine |page=69 |first=Jean-Claude |last=Letrou |issn=0758-6957 |date=January 1986 |language=fr |publisher=Societé des Editions Techniques et Touristiques de France}}</ref> and the [[carburetor]]s in connection with [[Solex Carburetor|Solex]].{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=252}})

<gallery widths=200 heights=140>
File:Lada_%287906566374%29_%282%29.jpg|VAZ 2108 Samara (3-door), shorter hood and fender of initial design
File:Lada_Samara_1500_S_1995_%2815270177066%29.jpg|Lada Samara 1500S five-door hatchback, later version with longer hood and revised fenders
File:Lada Samara (VAZ 21099) Ваз 21099.jpg|Rear view of the VAZ 21099 (Lada Sagona) four-door saloon
</gallery>
{{stereo image
 |image   = Auto Lada Samara Moscow Volgogradsky Prospekt Р095РС799 2025-03 1742667612.JPG
 |caption = VAZ-2109 in Moscow.
 |width   = 300
 |height  = 500
}}

In 1987, the [[model range]] was joined by the 21083, with a {{cvt|72|hp-metric|kW|0}} 1,499&nbsp;cc engine and five-speed gearbox, and the 21081, with a {{cvt|53|hp-metric|kW|0}}, 1,099&nbsp;cc engine. The 1.1 was an export-only variant.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=253}} Top speeds were {{convert|87|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} (1.1), {{convert|92|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} (1.3) and {{convert|97|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} (1.5); fuel economy was {{convert|7.9|L/100km |mpgimp mpgus|0|abbr=on}} (1099), {{convert|9.3|L/100km |mpgimp mpgus|0|abbr=on}} (1288), or {{convert|9.5|L/100km |mpgimp mpgus|0|abbr=on}} (1499).{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|pp=253–254}} VAZ also debuted the 2109 five-door [[hatchback]] that year, also available with the 1.1, 1.3, and 1.5-litre engines.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=255}} In 1989, the 21099 saloon followed, which had a new [[Hood (car)|bonnet]], grille, [[Quarter panel|wing]]s, and {{convert|200|mm|in|abbr=on}}-longer rear overhang, as well as an improved [[dashboard]].{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=255}} The 21099's front-end styling was adopted on the 2109 in 1992 and the 2108 in 1994.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=255}}

A number of other minor alterations followed, including fuel-injected engines to meet emissions regulations in export markets. On the earlier Samaras the front clip had been a separate piece, surrounding the headlights. On the sedan version, the fenders go all the way up to the headlights and the lip of the bonnet dips between the headlights and meets the slimmer grille. Full production of the 21099 began in December 1990, with models 210993 (1288), 21099 (1499).{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=255}} The saloon, intended as a premium model compared to the hatchback, was given a distinctive branding in some export markets: Diva (Belgium), Sagona (France), Forma (Germany).{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=255}} Belgium also offered a locally built [[convertible]].<ref name="Thompson, p. 257 caption">Thompson, p. 257 caption.</ref> The 1.1 and 1.3 were eventually taken out of production, having already been withdrawn from export markets,{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=255}} while the 1.5's power increased to {{cvt|75|hp-metric|kW|0}}.

===Special models===
A [[Wankel engine]]d Samara three-door hatchback, the 2108–91,{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=259}} powered by a two-rotor [[VAZ-415]] (with two 654&nbsp;cc rotors) was sold in Russia only, and only in very small numbers. With a five-speed gearbox, it was priced at 56,000 rubles.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=259}} Due to severe reliability problems, this remained rare, most commonly bought by police and other agencies to use as a pursuit vehicle, for which its {{cvt|200|km/h|mph|0}} top speed was ideal; it was capable of {{cvt|0|to|100|km/h|mph|0}} in eight seconds.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=259}} The subsequent 2109-91 five-door hatchback had the same VAZ-415 and gearbox.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=259}}

[[File:Lada_Samara_T3.jpg|left|thumb|Lada Samara T3]]
[[File:VAZ-210934 - front.jpg|thumb|right|Lada Tarzan (VAZ 210934)]]

There was also a rear-engined Samara 4x4 rally car,<ref>[https://archive.today/20130817230359/http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/3277100a.jpg (1985)]</ref> also known as the NAMI 0290, built for the 1985 Soyuz Rally; it had permanent four-wheel drive and a {{cvt|150|hp-metric|kW|0}} 1,568&nbsp;cc [[Zhiguli (car brand)|Zhiguli]]-based engine, over the rear axle.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|pp=258–259}} It was nicknamed Appelsin ("orange", for its paint), and used [[ZAZ-1102]] doors (though the body was mostly fiberglass, weighing only {{convert|960|kg|lb|abbr=on|0}}) and still using factory Samara wheels.<ref>Thompson, p. 258 caption.</ref>

The 1987 mid-engined Samara-EVA had a [[Turbocharging|turbocharged]] 16-valve 1,860&nbsp;cc engine (with electronic fuel injection) of {{cvt|300|hp-metric|kW|0}}; a naturally-aspirated version produced {{cvt|160|hp-metric|kW|0}}.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|pp=257–259}} The only component left untouched was the original Zhuguli 2106 block.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=259}}

An even more powerful Samara S-Proto appeared in 1989, putting out {{cvt|350|hp-metric|kW|0}}.{{sfnp|Thompson|2008|p=259}} Most notably, the Samara T3 came seventh in class in the 1990 [[Paris-Dakar Rally]] and fifth in 1991, piloted by [[Jacky Ickx]]. The T3 did not contain many Samara parts however, using the [[Porsche 959]]'s four-wheel drive system and a 3.6-litre Porsche flat-six.<ref name="Thompson, p. 257 caption"/> It was developed by French concessionaire Lada-Poch together with NAMI and the [[Tupolev]] aircraft factory.<ref name="Thompson, p. 257 caption"/> In the mid-1980s Lada developed its first ever convertible car on its own, then actually entering production and quickly exported to most European countries, called the Lada Natasha Cabriolet, a four-seater convertible that was based on the popular Samara 1300/1500 models with a manual opening and closing canvas roof. Also in some European car markets the LADA Niva 4X4 1600&nbsp;cc engine was also available for both the Lada Natasha and Lada Samara cars during the 1990s.

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