The Gorky Automobile Plant is not only the Volga and the GAZelle. In addition to these cars, the factory produces a ton of other, no less interesting models. One of these is GAZ Vector Next. See photos, specifications and more in our article today.
Characteristic
What kind of car is this? GAZ Vector Next is a bus designed for suburban and urban transportation. It was first presented to the public in 2015 at the Moscow exhibition Crocus Expo.
Serial production started a year later. The machine is available in several versions. So, there are versions of 7.1, 7.6 and 8.5 meters. What is noteworthy, the model was developed at the Gorky Automobile Plant, but is produced at Pavlovsky. GAZ Vector Next is intended to replace the obsolete PAZs of the 3205 model, which have been produced since the days of the USSR.
Design
Design can rightly be called successful. Finally, the Russian manufacturer has reached the European level and can compete with such companies as MAN, Scania and others. The appearance of the car deserves respect. Compared to PAZ, this is a huge step forward. Nothing left of the PAZ here. The machine is built on the new Lawn Next platform and has its own unique design. The car uses modern optics, fog lights and a large windshield that extends all the way to the wide chrome grille. The mirrors on the GAZ Vector Next car are painted in body color and placed on top - like on all modern buses. Regarding the quality of body painting, the manufacturer gives a ten-year guarantee of protection against corrosion. By the way, its lower part and the roof are made of plastic.
Dimensions
As for the sizes, the width of the GAZ Vector Next bus is 2.45 meters, the height is 2.9 meters. But the length can be different. As we said earlier, there are modifications on 7.1, 7.6 and 8.5 meters.
The bus is highly maneuverable. Even with the longest body, he can maneuver through narrow streets. The wheelbase of the car is almost 4 meters. Naturally, there is no question of any impassability here. This is a pure city bus.
"Vector" inside
The driver's seat has a rotated panel and multi-wheel. By the way, the steering wheel was borrowed from the Gazelle "Next". The center console is quite simple - there are buttons to control the stove, doors and a small multimedia display.
By the way, the deflectors were also taken from the Gazelle "Next". According to reviews, GAZ Vector Next has a good arrangement of controls, a comfortable chair and high-quality noise isolation. Compared to PAZ, this is a real breakthrough. By the way, the engine is partially located in the cabin. Access to it is through a plastic decorative cover. As for the seats for passengers, everything here is also thought out and ergonomic - from the landing to the seats. By the way, the latter can be equipped with seat belts.
Of course, the seats themselves will already be with more pronounced lateral support. The manufacturer offers factory tinted windows. But the ventilation system, unfortunately, is only of a natural type (a mechanical sunroof is provided in the roof). Also in the cabin there are three heaters that do an excellent job with Russian winters. As an option, the Russian GAZ Vector Next bus can be equipped with air conditioning and a video surveillance system. The cabin can accommodate from 17 to 25 people, depending on the length of the body. Taking into account standing places, up to 53 people are accommodated. For this, convenient handrails and handles on the backs of the seats are provided. The cabin is quite comfortable. The machine can be used not only on the city route, but also at longer distances.
GAZ Vector Next: technical specifications
An engine from the Yaroslavl Motor Plant is used here as a power unit. As you know, in Yaroslavl do not make gasoline engines. Therefore, GAZ Vector Next is equipped with a 4.4-liter diesel in-line 4-cylinder engine. The engine is distinguished by a direct injection system and the presence of an oil-cooled turbocharger. An exhaust gas recirculation system is also used here . Previously, it was equipped with GAZ trucks . In the reviews, the owners say that this system is not very reliable. The control lamp often lights up on the instrument panel, and the engine starts to work intermittently. The essence of this system is quite simple - all the dirt that goes into the collector is returned back to the inlet. Thus, excess soot is re-burned in the cylinders. This has a positive effect on the environmental friendliness of the exhaust, but it does much harm to the engine. In the reviews, the owners say that for normal operation, you have to “cut” this system software, and install plugs in the motor.
But let's continue about our Yaroslavl motor. The environmental emission standard is Euro-5 (thanks to the recirculation system). The maximum power of the Yaroslavl motor is 150 horsepower. Torque - 500 Nm at 1,500 rpm. The engine has a simple cast-iron block and has a high resource. However, due to the introduction of technological innovations, problems may occur with it. The YaMZ engine is paired with a mechanical gearbox C40R13 manufactured by the Gorky Automobile Plant. The transmission was previously installed on the Lawns, so it has long been proven to be reliable. There is no electronics in the transmission - all changes are made mechanically. The average fuel consumption of the GAZ Vector Next bus is 20 liters per hundred kilometers. Acceleration to hundreds by the manufacturer was not regulated. But the maximum speed is exactly 100 kilometers per hour. In the future, the manufacturer plans to expand the range of power units by including gas-fueled engines.
Chassis
The bus has a similar platform to the GAZon Next truck. This is not surprising, because the old PAZs were also built on the basis of the Lawns. However, here on this bus, the suspension is a bit modernized. In front, a spring beam with a transverse stabilizer is used, but in the back, a full air suspension is used. The body itself is a semi-supporting structure. The steering system is an integral type, supplemented by a hydraulic booster. Brakes - pneumatic, Belgian company Wabco. The reviews say that this system is very reliable. Front and rear discs are used. Also, the brakes are equipped with ABS sensors and have automatic clearance adjustment.
Cost, equipment
The initial price for the Russian GAZ Vector Next bus in 2017 is 2 million 622 thousand rubles. As an option, the car can be equipped with:
- Autonomous prestarting heater.
- Air conditioned.
- Tinted glass.
- Electronic flight indicators.
- Metallic body painting.
- Luggage shelves.
- Seats with seat belts for passengers.
- Digital tachograph (in case of using a bus on interregional flights).
- Fire extinguishing system.
- Navigation system "Glonass".
- CCTV and DVR.
In the maximum performance, the cost reaches three million rubles.
Conclusion
So, we found out what GAZ Vector Next features, design and cost are. "Vector Next" is a new generation of buses that meets all the most modern standards of comfort and environmental friendliness. The machine will also replace the old grooves, which were supposed to be discontinued ten years ago.