“Yellow Shark”. How AvtoVAZ Built a Sports Version of the “Ten”

“Yellow Shark”. How AvtoVAZ Built a Sports Version of the “Ten”

Rally legend: the history of the VAZ 21106 and AvtoVAZ’s cooperation with Motor Sport Developments

In January 1996, AvtoVAZ signed a contract with the British company Motor Sport Developments (MSD) to develop a sports version of the “ten” – VAZ 21106. This cooperation was supposed to take the Russian auto industry to a new level in motorsports, especially in rally disciplines.

Motor Sport Developments: a modest company with a lot of experience

Founded in 1990, MSD was not widely known outside professional circles, but had a solid track record:

  • Participation in the rally program Opel;

  • Preparation of cars for Peugeot and Honda in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
    Thanks to connections in Germany, the choice of engine for the new Lada was made quickly. After consultations with AvtoVAZ engineers, the company settled on the Opel C20XE – a proven 2-liter naturally aspirated engine with forged connecting rods and pistons, as well as a oil cooler. In standard form it produced 150 hp, but in the racing version its power easily exceeded 200 hp.

2110akula3

VAZ 21106: a sports sedan for roads and tracks

The model was produced from 1996 to 2008. The car was first presented at the Moscow International Motor Show (MIMS-96). The show car was equipped with Opel C20XE16V (150 hp), but more affordable versions used Ecotec X20XEV (136 hp) and Lockheed brakes.

Differences from the base “ten”:

  • Extended wheel arches (for wider tires);

    • Optional plastic body kit “Nola” (improved aerodynamics and aggressive design);

  • Reinforced suspension and modified chassis.

  • Rare modifications: VAZ-211061 coupe

    In addition to the 300 sedans produced, there was an exclusive version – two-door VAZ-211061 coupe (a total of 18 copies). This model further emphasized the sporty character of the car, but due to the small circulation it became a collector’s rarity.

    2110akula2

    The legacy of the VAZ 21106

    Despite the limited circulation, 21106 became an important milestone in the history of Russian motorsport. Its engine C20XE was later used in tuning projects, and the car itself remains a cult car among Lada fans.

    Interesting fact: Some examples still participate in amateur races and retro rallies, confirming the reliability and potential of this model.