Crossover KamAZ Ulan 2022-2023
In March, it was reported that Mercedes-Benz was forced to abandon further cooperation with KAMAZ after several years of work. By that time, the Russian company managed to complete work on a new truck created using German technology. However, the lack of support from Mercedes and the acute shortage of components could lead to serious losses for KamAZ, which has been profitable for many years. This, in particular, is evidenced by a recent statement that KamAZ will produce trucks with Euro-2 engines.
Although the decision is temporary and the cars will be assembled in small batches, it indicates that KamAZ may find itself in a serious financial situation. In addition, the Kama Automobile Plant may suspend or “freeze” several promising projects that it has begun to develop recently. However, KamAZ can find a way out of this situation. And the solution is pretty simple.
The fact is that the Chinese company Dongfeng has long been planning to gain a foothold in the Russian market. Like Mercedes-Benz, it also specializes in the production of large trucks and long haul tractors. In other words, by teaming up with Dongfeng, KamAZ has again got a partner who can bring something new to future Russian models. In addition, cooperation will reduce the dependence of the Kama Automobile Plant on scarce components. However, the cooperation between the two companies will not end there.
Dongfeng is one of the largest and oldest companies in China, producing various types of vehicles. In addition to trucks, it produces cars, crossovers, military and special equipment. With such a wide range of products, Dongfeng is becoming "crowded" in today's Chinese market. Today in China there is a lot of competition in the commercial vehicle segment thanks to the activities of Geely and many other manufacturers. As a result, by partnering with KamAZ, Dongfeng will be able to increase the production of affordable vehicles. And the Russian company, having access to Chinese technology, will be able to develop several promising models.
One of them may be the first crossover KAMAZ Ulan 2022-2023, the appearance of which in the KAMAZ lineup will be possible thanks to a partnership with Dongfeng. The Chinese company is likely to focus on the development of a number of commercial vehicles in the first days after the start of cooperation with the domestic concern. KamAZ also intends to use the crossover to open a completely new market, thereby improving the company's financial position in the shortest possible time. An independent designer showed on video what the new Kamaz Ulan might look like.
The new Ulan is a mid-size car with a length of 4690 mm, a width of 1850 mm and a height of 1727 mm. That is, in terms of dimensions, the Russian model is comparable to the Hyundai Tucson. In addition, it will cost less than Creta - according to preliminary estimates, KamAZ Ulan will cost about 1,2-1,4 million rubles. Despite the declared amount, the presented model will in many ways resemble the Hyundai Tucson. More precisely, Ulan will compete with this crossover.
Cooperation with Dongfeng will give KAMAZ access to a number of inexpensive technologies. So, the new Ulan will be equipped with a 12,3-inch touch panel that will be connected to a virtual instrument panel, climate control and other devices. Moreover, these options will be available already in the basic version. Lane keeping, speed control and other systems will be offered as an option for the Russian novelty. In addition, the built-in multimedia complex will support 5G communication, which makes KAMAZ Ulan 2022-2023 one of the most technologically advanced not only in the Russian market, but also among mid-size crossovers in general.
It will be powered by a 1,5-litre supercharged engine which is available in two versions: 150 hp. and 190 hp Both models are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. This combination, according to the results of previous test drives of Dongfeng crossovers, provided a fairly fast acceleration, giving the cars dynamism. What's more, the 1,5-litre engine produces the highest torque in its class at 2 rpm. In practice, however, this feature will not be noticeable, except that the gearbox will not change gears. In other words, the driver will not feel a perceptible push when actively driving the car. This means that the new Lancer will be a comfortable urban crossover for many, providing equally pleasant handling in both calm and fast driving.
Another advantage of the 1,5-liter turbo engine is the lack of perceptible jerk at high speeds. In addition, this unit, combined with a robotic gearbox, consumes an average of 6,6 liters of fuel, which is one of the best indicators among analogues. Even the more compact Creta consumes more fuel.
Although the new Ulan will be built with the direct participation of KamAZ engineers, the presented model will be a full-fledged urban crossover. This is due to the fact that the Kama Automobile Plant will have to shorten the development time of the car as much as possible. For this reason, the future Uhlan will be deeply united with its Chinese counterpart. In other words, the Russian novelty will use not only Dongfeng units, but also steering and suspension settings.
Accordingly, KAMAZ Ulan 2022-2023 will be a somewhat soft crossover for domestic conditions. This means that the suspension of the Russian model will not cope with the unevenness of the road: the driver and passengers will be able to “feel” many asphalt defects in the cabin. However, over time, KAMAZ engineers will eliminate this drawback. For the same reason, the new Ulan will not have sufficient stability. The body of the crossover sags a little when braking and maneuvering due to inadequate suspension settings. On the other hand, the management of the Russian novelty will be easy. As a result, even novice drivers will have no difficulty driving the Lancer.
The 7-speed "robot" will play an important role in driving comfort. A test drive showed that this gearbox changes gears almost imperceptibly even under active acceleration, which, combined with minimal turbocharging, should satisfy enthusiasts of active driving. In terms of speed, KAMAZ Ulan 2022-2023 will be similar to expensive German crossovers.
Studies have shown that the Russian novelty will have one of the most comfortable interiors in the class. First of all, the interior has an ergonomic design. Most of the controls have been moved to a wide touch screen. In addition, the novelty will receive a compact and convenient gear lever, above which the climate control washer is located. Landing on the second row of seats is not at all difficult. A passenger up to 185 cm tall will not rest their feet on the front seats. In addition, Ulan boasts an abundance of small niches and drawers for storing small items. In addition, the Russian model will have another feature: excellent sound insulation. Measurements showed that inside the engine sound is almost inaudible.
The sporty character of the engine is supported by the appearance of the new Lancer. The crossover is distinguished by a massive grille, which is combined with wide side air intakes, giving the car a more aggressive character, and an enlarged central air vent. In the rear part of the body, "through" lights will be installed, which are currently very popular with Chinese manufacturers.
As mentioned earlier, the new Lancer is a typical urban crossover. This feature is enhanced by the lack of all-wheel drive. However, with the development of this model, it is possible that KAMAZ engineers will introduce such a transmission.
