An unarmored variant of the Russian Strela SUV, built for rugged road conditions, was showcased at the Army-2022 forum.
The program is conducted by the Military Industrial Company, known as VPK, which last year revealed the first prototype — an armored army version — signaling a shift toward expanding the family of Strela vehicles for diverse missions.
According to Russian Automobile, the structure of the second Strela model moves away from relying on the modified cabin of the GAZelle Next that anchored the first version. The civilian body style is now a fresh design, clearly distinct from earlier iterations. Yet the project keeps a core link to the GAZ Sobol NN 4×4 family by unifying key units and assemblies, a practical approach aimed at streamlining production and maintenance while broadening the platform’s versatility. This strategic unification stands as one of the project’s notable advantages, enabling shared components across different configurations without sacrificing a unique exterior identity for the civilian version.
With the transition into the new Sable lineage, Strela adopts an independent front suspension using forged wishbones and a rear suspension based on a traditional leaf setup. The drivetrain and power delivery are part of the modernization package, with two engine choices foregrounded to meet varied reliability and efficiency requirements. The Cummins ISF 2.8-liter engine, familiar from the GAZelle lineup, is joined by a promising Sino-Russian YaMZ-Foton turbo diesel. Engine output is planned to range from 157 to 200 horsepower, providing a balance between adequate on-road performance and robust off-road capability. The transmission is a five-speed manual coupled with a plug-in four-wheel drive system, reinforcing the Strela’s capacity to handle challenging terrains and sudden loads in field conditions.
The chassis geometry shows the frame partially echoing the Sable NN 4×4, while the spars maintain their own distinctive layout. Overall dimensions outline a vehicle suited to practical transport duties: a length of 5200 millimeters, a width of 2550 millimeters, and a height of 2400 millimeters. The wheelbase stretches to 2700 millimeters, and a generous ground clearance of 270 millimeters supports off-road mobility, cargo handling, and rough-road stability. This combination of measurements suggests a vehicle designed to balance interior space, payload capacity, and maneuverability in varied operation theaters.
- By the way, Behind the Wheel Strela has already undergone testing to validate its handling and performance in realistic driving scenarios.
- Behind the Wheel can be seen on RuTube, offering audiences direct access to the vehicle’s test footage and first-hand impressions.
The Strela program appears positioned to respond to evolving requirements in both civil and defense-oriented contexts. The unarmored version prioritizes a blend of practical transport utility, civilian appeal, and the potential for rapid adaptation to protective upgrades if market demand or security considerations warrant such an evolution. The ongoing development signals a broader strategy to leverage common mechanics and proven subsystems across multiple variants, reducing development time and keeping the family of Strela vehicles aligned with current automotive and defense engineering trends. As the project progresses, observers will be watching for updates on payload capacity, fuel efficiency, and the performance envelope of the two engine options in real-world conditions. [Cited from industry sources and test coverage, attribution provided for context]
- [Cited from industry sources and test coverage, attribution provided for context]