In Armavir, within the Krasnodar Territory, a local seller has put up for sale a 2004 VAZ-21099 that has been redesigned to imitate the Ferrari F8 Tributo. The report comes from Avto.ru Magazine and has attracted attention for its bold styling choices and ambitious engineering work.
The vehicle underwent extensive refinements, resulting in the loss of the roof and the addition of a distinctive exterior body kit crafted from plastic. The doors appear to lack interior handles, a design choice likely implemented to preserve the car’s structural rigidity. Inside, the cabin shows noticeable alterations, most notably on the dashboard area where the upper section has been redesigned to echo Ferrari styling while still remaining a Lada interior. These changes reflect a deliberate attempt to blend sportscar aesthetics with the practical footprint of a VAZ sedan.
During the tuning process, the project conscientiously mirrored several signature elements of the Ferrari F8 Tributo Spider. This includes the distinctive side mirrors, the hood and fender air intakes, and the shape of the headlights, all of which were replicated to evoke the familiar silhouette of the model being emulated. Such details demonstrate a clear emphasis on visual parity with the iconic Italian supercar, even as the underlying platform remains a compact Russian sedan.
The listing contains conflicting claims about the powertrain. One section mentions a 78-hp VAZ 1.5 engine, while another suggests a 250-hp 3.0-liter gasoline unit. By contrast, the original Ferrari F8 Tributo, produced in Italy since 2019, is powered by a 720-hp 3.9-liter V8 engine. This disparity highlights the challenges and perhaps the realities of a homegrown conversion, where the performance figures are often a blend of dream and deviation from the factory specification.
From the broader perspective of the market, the story underlines how vehicle customization, even when inspired by high-performance models, can become a conversation about engineering limits, safety considerations, and the economics of aftermarket tuning. The case also touches on how such projects are perceived by enthusiasts and passersby alike, who weigh the charm of a custom appearance against the practicalities of real-world use and maintenance. The discussion around this particular sale remains a talking point for observers of the local automotive scene.
In related industry news, a former head of AvtoVAZ commented on the development of the extended Vesta Aura line, indicating ongoing efforts within the Russian automotive industry to expand model offerings and refresh existing platforms for modern buyers. This broader context situates the Armavir project within a wider trend of customized vehicles and new product iterations that capture public interest and media attention. Source attributions reflect ongoing coverage from automotive press and regional reports, including Avto.ru Magazine, which chronicles both individual projects and corporate developments in the sector.