ZIL "Tapir" - "swan song" of the plant

When they start talking about a possible competitor of GAZon from the side of the Plant. Likhachev (in the past), the first thing that comes to mind is "Bull". However, on its “last gasp”, the company managed to create a more advanced, with better carrying capacity, but almost completely unknown model - “Tapir”. Or, according to the factory ZIL-433180 (first "4362"). At that time, the situation at the plant was already critical: aging "Bulls" were reluctant to buy because of poor quality and poor assembly. It was easier to buy a pair of Gazelles or Lawn. That's when ZIL decided to "make a knight's move."


The experimental truck, based on the ZIL-4331, was shown to the general public back in 2006. Next, it was supposed to put the car on the conveyor and start producing its modifications. In addition to the basic model, it was planned to produce an isothermal van, a garbage truck, a dump truck and much more.


However, well-known events did not allow the project to be implemented. However, what is interesting about Tapir?

Technical features

The car is equipped with a MAZ diesel engine with a volume of 4,7 liters, developing up to 136 "horses". The installation of this engine was due to its reliability, high maintainability and a large selection of spare parts, plus their affordable cost. Fuel consumption with this unit was 14 liters per 100 kilometers at speeds up to 60 km/h. Options with Yaroslavl engines were also considered. In the future, they wanted to use a stronger (155 "horses") Minsk D-245.30E. Its other advantage is compliance with the Euro 3 environmental class. The transmission is a five-speed "mechanics", which also does not cause any complaints. The truck is capable of taking on board up to four and a half tons of cargo (“Bull” - only three). It is curious: the headlights were taken from a competitor - the Gazelle.


The brake system is hydraulic, with discs "in a circle", there is ABS. In the future, a more efficient and reliable option for using pneumatics was considered. It provided better grip on the road surface during an emergency stop, which has a positive effect on overall safety. And the design of the pneumatic system is simpler. The rear axle has become more reliable thanks to a reinforced beam. However, the differential lock was supposed to be installed on order. They also improved the cooling system by including another radiator in it. The height of the onboard platform was left, like that of the Bull, small, which is convenient for loading / unloading.


After the launch of the series, the car was planned to be delivered primarily to Latvia. Although, the main customer was the capital's Department of Science and Industry. Therefore, several specialists worked on the design at once, not only from the Baltic Republic, but also from Russia and Belarus.

Cabin

It is built according to the frame scheme and is a steel base on which plastic body elements are fixed. This technology was an innovation for Russia and had not been used before. However, inside everything is traditional, in the old way: it was difficult for the “Zilovites” at that time to get away from stereotypes. So the cabin turned out not modern and not comfortable. Most of its elements were taken from the "relative" - ​​"Bull". Although, unlike him, the driver's seat, for example, was better adjusted in all respects: backrest inclination, length, height. In the future, they wanted to modernize the interior, but did not have time.


There was another modification of the ZIL-4362 called "Centaur". This is the same Tapir, but shorter in length, thanks to the cabover layout (the engine is the same). Serial production is scheduled for 2009-10. But even before that time, the plant had already entered a steep "peak", from which it was not destined to get out.