AvtoVAZ has temporarily begun assembling Lada Granta Sport models without airbags, a move disclosed by Avtograd News and circulating publicly on the VKontakte social network. The measure stems from a shortage of components affecting the supply chain.
According to the post, the Lada Granta Sport was once again built without airbags, matching the status of other vehicles on the main assembly line. This development follows ongoing material constraints impacting production lines across several sites within the company.
Visually, the Granta Sport stands out with its unique bumper designs and a radiator grille accented by red stripes. The model carries a Sport badge on the trunk lid, along with red-accented door sills and gloss black caps on the side mirrors. In wind-tunnel testing at AvtoVAZ, the body kit contributed to a 45% reduction in the lift coefficient, an aerodynamic improvement noted by observers. Inside, the cabin offers seats with enhanced lateral support and a leather-wrapped steering wheel that features red zero markings. The interior color scheme continues on the instrument panel and the bumper coverings, where red accents provide a cohesive sporty look.
The Granta Sport is powered by a 16-valve engine delivering 118 horsepower. Changes were made to the intake and exhaust pathways, the fuel system, the gas distribution mechanism, and the engine controller programming to optimize performance under the new configuration.
Recent industry updates indicate that AvtoVAZ plans to lift its 2024 production target by nearly a quarter, signaling a strategic push to increase output amid ongoing supply and demand dynamics. [Source: Avtograd News via VKontakte]