VAZ-21123 - almost a coupe of domestic production

AvtoVAZ from the moment of its existence produced simple and relatively budget cars. Initially, these were popular sedans in the USSR, occasionally station wagons. But already in the second half of the 80s, the Soviet manufacturer decided to please the youth with a hatchback - VAZ-2108.


The car for its time, and it was 1984, struck with a stylish body. That's just the three-door model was not very popular among family people. It was inconvenient for them to travel to dachas and villages. And young people in those early years could not count on their own car at all.

Although, in the USSR, cars were still considered a shortage, especially the new Ladas. So the "Eight" was also bought with pleasure, if there were no five-door "Nines" available. All the same, I had to stand in line for years, waiting for the treasured postcard.


The next car in the coupe was one of the modifications of the "tenth family". In 2004, Russian drivers received the VAZ-21123. This is a full-fledged coupe, at least that's what the manufacturer's dealerships assured. In fact, this is nothing more than competent marketing. The new model was converted from the standard "Twelve", so it was more likely to be considered a three-door hatchback.

Who was it made for?

As a rule, cars like the VAZ-21123 were assembled abroad in small batches. They have one characteristic feature - a single platform with boring inexpensive models. Sometimes manufacturers bothered a lot, creating such masterpieces as the Opel Calibra. And it happened that they just made sports coupes, like the first generation Renault Megan.


AvtoVAZ also went this way, but with a local touch. Their new coupe, let's agree to call the hero of our article that way, was intended rather for athletes.

Targeting youth would fail anyway for a number of reasons:

✅ Local boys, if they bought a VAZ, then used and cheaper
✅ Those who were richer preferred foreign cars
✅ Most of the young people in the post-Soviet countries were then enthusiastic about Bekhs, Mercs and other Audiukhs

Therefore, the VAZ-21123 was intended more for professional athletes. They have long chosen the "Eights", which, by the way, were developed with the help of Porsche specialists. But now the car was originally made with a sports bias.

Differences from the VAZ-2112

Although at first glance it seems that the body of the coupe is almost the same as that of the hatchback, this is far from being the case. The model is quite rare. Although it was released from 2004 to 2009, but in small batches.


Initially, even the VAZ-21123 had its own hood and bumper, not to mention the doors and side body elements. So, if someone comes up with the idea to buy such a car, it is better to look for it whole. It is also not desirable to get into an accident, it is unrealistic to find new parts, and you will not meet a model at a showdown. Unless thematic groups and forums can help.

And if we take the appearance of the VAZ-21123 as a whole, then it is somewhat similar to the Saab 9000 coupe. The same specific features and curves. It is not entirely clear whether the designers copied the appearance of the Swedish model, or just happened.

Modifications

VAZ-21123 was constantly refined, so cars of different years of production may differ. But officially the cars were divided into two configurations with different engines.


In luxury and sports versions, the car was equipped with a VAZ-21128 engine. This is a power unit with a volume of 1,8 liters. Power is 98 or 123 liters. With.


Interestingly, the manufacturer offered many additional options. For example, the seats could be standard, bucket or even Recaro. It was possible to order power steering and air conditioning.

It was possible to equip the car with disc brakes on all wheels. There was a time when it was proposed to supply the main cylinder with a vacuum booster from Shnivy. Under the order, the suspension could be equipped with shortened springs and rigid silent blocks.

VAZ-21123 with a 1,8-liter engine received a LuK clutch. The gearbox for this modification was also redesigned - so that it could "digest" the power of the power unit. The secondary shaft was replaced with a reinforced one, the synchronizers were enlarged. Gear ratios have also changed.

But there are almost no cars with a 1,8 engine for sale. If taken as a percentage, then they are no more than 2,5% of the number of VAZ-21123 on the used market.

Appearance and interior

The car is definitely beautiful. If the five-door hatchback looks frankly ridiculous and clumsy, then the coupe still attracts the eye. But the last VAZ-21123 were sold in 2009!


The appearance of the coupe is laconic, but creates a picture of integrity. If you put two cars side by side, it seems that the "Twelve" is some kind of experimental pre-production instance.


The salon looks almost the same as in the standard "Twelve". Now it can already be finalized, especially since it will not require large financial costs. Pedal pads, sports gear knob and that's enough.

Revisions

When creating the VAZ-21123, AvtoVAZ and several companies participating in this project tried to make a kind of blank. So that she "went" to the athletes and their sympathizers. The manufacturer has definitely done it.


For example, take the issue of "rubber". It is far from always possible to put low-profile tires on a standard car. Often you have to cut arches, expanding the space. It's one thing when it's an old "Eight", and another if the car is new. VAZ-21123 is already prepared for the installation of the "correct wheels" from the factory.

The stock coupe suspension is not suitable for sports use - it is too “soft”. To fix this, you will have to increase the rigidity. The budget option is sawing off several turns from the springs. Then you get "TAZ", which pleases the eye.


For lovers of rally and city night racing in the style of the popular computer game Need for Speed, the installation of a crankcase protection is recommended. Otherwise, the next jump or bump can break through it.


There is one common problem for the "ten" Lada family, which was discovered on the Soviet "Eights". This is a weak front beam. If you drive carefully, then it will withstand, but for athletes it is desirable to strengthen the knot. The process is simple - to weld a few stiffeners. At the same time, silent blocks are recommended to be changed to "sports".

The VAZ engine is a testing ground for experiments with power. In Russia, the process of finalizing VAZ engines is developed, even complete turbo kits are sold. They will turn the "vegetable" into an almost full-fledged sports car.

VAZ-21123 has not been produced for a long time. But this model will forever remain in the history of the Russian automobile industry. It clearly demonstrates that AvtoVAZ, if desired and in cooperation with third-party companies, is sometimes capable of bold and beautiful experiments.