This is an installment in a series of posts looking back on show cars that we feel deserved a little more attention than they got. If you have a suggestion for a Forgotten Concept topic, please shoot us a line or leave a comment below.
VAZ-X Concept Concept
First Seen
N/A
Description
Futuristic family-oriented people mover
Designer
N/A
Sales Pitch
“Raisa wants one!”
Details
A late-Eighties concept vehicle developed by Russian carmaker AvtoVAZ (generally referred to as just “VAZ”), the VAZ-X van concept drew design inspiration from a number Western vehicles, including American-style minivans and the futuristic Renault Espace.
People Mover
The Soviet concept vehicle was envisioned as a family “vehicle of the year 2000,” with a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, versatility, and packaging efficiency. Development of the “X” reportedly began around 1986, with the project continuing into the Nineties.
Design Study
The VAZ-X was a non-running prototype, and was never fitted with a drivetrain. There are rumors that the concept drew interest from high-profile figures, such as Raisa Gorbacheva—wife of then Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev—but the project was abandoned due to period political upheaval, and the eventual collapse of the soviet Union.
AvtoVAZ
Headquartered in Tolyatti, Russia, right on the Volga River, AvtoVAZ was the product of a joint venture between the Russian government and Italy’s Fiat. The AvtoVAZ factory in Tolyatti is still among the largest car plants in Russia, and is expected to assemble almost 400,000 vehicles in 2026.
CG Says:
Given that so many Soviet concept cars had the general look of high-school welding-shop projects, it seems a shame that the VAZ-X concept, with its aerodynamic design and thoughtful cabin layout—would see its development cut short due to political uncertainty.
Russian cars are mostly imported into the country now, or heavily influenced by global automakers by way of joint ventures or licensing. We’ll never know if the Russians had a hit on their hands, but we appreciate the effort.
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VAZ-X Pictures
(Click below for enlarged images)
