“Valdai 12” – with YaMZ-534, sleeping bag and without “Plato”

The car was first shown to the general public last fall at the Comtrans-2023 exhibition. At first glance, the car resembles the previous model “Valdai 8”: the difference lies in the presence of a berth. But this is only external: the “filling” of trucks is different.


The G2,5 is equipped with a 21 liter Photon engine. This engine was developed by the Chinese, not without the participation of Western auto engineers. Then diesel was localized and began to be produced at GAZ under the symbol G8B. The Russian-made Valdai XNUMX has a six-speed gearbox: the same as the GAZelle NN. In comparison, it turned out to be a quieter truck with lower fuel consumption.

"Valdai 12"

Its release was determined by the wishes of customers to have a car similar to the G8, but with a larger tonnage. To achieve this, the designers had to significantly update the units. “Valdai” with a “sleeping bag” received them from a bus produced by PAZ “Vector Next” (internal combustion engine, gearbox, rear axle, air suspension). The front beam was modernized: lengthened and different springs were installed.


In the “twelfth” there is a Yaroslavl YaMZ-534 turbocharged diesel engine with a volume of 4,5 liters, developing from 170 “horses” (there are also more powerful forced versions). The possibility of equipping the Valdai with a 535 liter YaMZ-5,1 engine (the same “XNUMX”, only with larger cylinders) is also being considered.


It has more power and higher torque. There is no final decision yet: there is an opinion that the “twelfth” is quite enough for the “534”, and the “535” will only increase fuel consumption.

Other Features

The main advantage of the car is that with a carrying capacity of up to eight tons, its total weight is 11,9 tons. This means that the car can travel on federal highways for free: there is no need to use the Platon system. The truck is based on a straight spar frame with a constant (Valdai 8 has a variable) cross-section, which made it possible to abandon stamping and make the structure stronger. It has several length options. So the buyer can choose a car with a wheelbase that is most suitable for specific purposes of use. The car has disc brakes with pneumatic drive and ABS, which increases travel safety.

PPC

The gearbox is borrowed from the G8, mechanical, with six gears, made in Russia. In fact, this is a modification of the five-speed gearbox from GAZon.


However, GAZ noted that if there are a large number of orders, the plant is ready to equip the truck with a six-speed automatic transmission developed in the company’s workshops. Although Russian drivers still prefer manual transmission, even in the city.

Cabin

It is the same as that of Valdai 8, only with a sleeping bag. Moreover, the handbrake lever is moved back so that a second person can rest on the two folded front seats.


The rest includes an adjustable steering column and driver's seat, a nine-inch multimedia screen, electric windows, air conditioning and cruise control.


The central chair folds and transforms into a small table. For two people on long trips the space is quite comfortable.

Modifications

There will be many of them. Basic versions are chassis with side or tilt platforms. Valdai 12 will also appear with a regular or isothermal van. The company is ready to produce special equipment to order: machines with manipulators, tow trucks, etc.


The Valdai line of vehicles today is a more localized commercial vehicle compared to its closest competitor KAMAZ Compass, which remains heavily dependent on the supply of components from China. The “twelfth” has not yet appeared in dealer showrooms, but if the “eight” is sold for 4 million 060 rubles, it is logical to assume that the new product will cost about 5 million rubles.