AvtoVAZ presented a new generation of 1.6 and 1.8-liter gasoline engines, which have become more powerful, more torquey, and received several important technical improvements. The new Lada Azimut crossovers will be the first to receive them, after which the power units will begin to appear on Lada Vesta and Iskra.
The base 1.6-liter engine now develops 120 hp instead of the previous 106 hp, and the maximum torque has increased from 148 to 154 Nm. The larger 1.8-liter engine received an increase from 122 to 135 hp, and its thrust grew from 170 to 175 Nm.
Production of the new engines will begin in September, when the Lada Azimut crossover will receive them. In October–November, they will also become available for Lada Vesta and Lada Iskra models. At the same time, the current power units will remain in the lineup: Vesta will continue to be offered with a 106-hp engine, and Iskra — with a 90-hp version of the 1.6-liter engine.
The main technical innovation of the new 1.6-liter engine is the variable valve timing system on the intake. For VAZ naturally aspirated engines of this volume, this technology is used for the first time. It should improve engine elasticity at low and medium speeds, as well as reduce fuel consumption.
The 1.8-liter engine has also been significantly redesigned. Engineers modernized the cylinder block, crankshaft, piston group, and cooling system. In addition, the engine received phase shifters on both the intake and exhaust camshafts.
Both power units are equipped with a new intake manifold, which improves traction in the most demanded RPM range. Another important feature is the non-interference design: special recesses in the pistons prevent valves from colliding with pistons even if the timing belt breaks. Additionally, engineers reduced the mass of the connecting rod-piston group, which allowed reducing internal losses and increasing engine efficiency.