ZIS-112. History and characteristics of the model

As you know, in the USSR was represented by a very meager range of cars. There were almost no sports models, since the factories were focused on the production of mass production. Next, one of the few such machines, ZIS-112, history and characteristics is considered.

History

This model appeared in 1951. Then it underwent several upgrades, and in 1956 it was renamed ZIL-112. In 1961, on its basis, ZIS-112S was created. The fastest modification was developed in 1965. Soon after this work on the machine was stopped.

Origin

This car was also created as a test for testing the units and aggregates of the serial ZIS-110 in conditions of increased loads. Therefore ZIS-112 was developed on the basis of this model. From her took the frame and strengthened it. The body was created with this in mind. The engine, suspension and transmission were also taken from ZIS-110.

Body

The designers faced a difficult task: to develop a sports car on the basis of the representative one. Initially, they just put another body on the ZIS-110 chassis. As a result, it turned out a two-seater coupe of unusual shape with a removable hard top. The top was plastic, and the body consisted of steel sheets.

Design

When developing the body as a sample used the American car Le Saber in 1951. He borrowed both some design solutions, and in many respects design. In particular, the proportions of these cars are very similar to the long, hood and trunk widening to the center, the extended wings and the cab shifted to the front. Used even such a characteristic feature of the American model, as located in the center of the headlight. The bumper mirrored. The design of the rear of the ZIS-112 changed more seriously: reduced the height of the rear wings and used traditional lighting equipment (in Le Saber both the front and rear lights are located in the center of the body).

Engine

Initially used a serial engine ZIS-110 with a capacity of 140 hp.

Then, under the leadership of VF. Rodionova created an experimental version specifically for ZIS-112 - the characteristics of the standard were insufficient. This is an 8-cylinder in-line engine with a volume of 6005 cm ³ . From the standard power unit differed, above all, the mixed arrangement of the valves. In addition, the compression ratio was raised to a maximum for operation at 74 gasoline. Also increased the diameter of the intake pipes. Its power was 180 hp.

Compared with the ZIS-110 engine slightly lowered and pushed back. Have added a lubricating radiator. The height of the engine cooler was reduced. Together with the decrease in the location of the water pump and the fan, this was necessary to reduce the height of the front of the car.

Such a motor made it possible to reach 200 km / h.

Transmission

For ZIS-112, the three-speed gearbox ZIS-110 was modified. The gear ratios of both the gears and the main gear have changed.

Suspension

The chassis was also borrowed from ZIS-110 and modified. So, we used perspective springs and springs for the front independent spring suspension, and the rear spring was equipped with a stabilizer of lateral stability.

Modernization

The first modernization was required from the beginning of the participation of ZIS-112 in linear races in 1952. Unsatisfactory controllability, caused by an excessively long base and a non-optimal mass distribution (55-45), resulted in overloading the front end. Therefore, the main improvement was to reduce the wheelbase by 0.6 m to 3.16 m. This allowed not only to reduce the mass of the car by 600 kg to 1900 kg, but also optimally distribute it along the axes. As a result, significantly improved handling. As a result, the length of the machine was reduced by the same amount. Finally, increased the final drive ratio. Together with a reduced mass, this made it possible to reach 210 km / h. ZIS-112/1 was equipped with two fuel tanks of 80 and 140 liters and provided the possibility of switching the engine power between them on the fly.

With the beginning of participation in the ring races, the design flaws again appeared. In 1955 ZIS-112 took part in the races, which was used before in the linear races, almost in the same form. The only change is the cutouts in the front for cooling the brakes. However, this was not enough - the brakes overheated after several intense braking.

On the basis of this, by the next season, a significantly modernized ZIL-112/2 vehicle was prepared. Instead of the usual body, a tubular frame with panels made of glue- impregnated paper honeycomb and fiberglass was used. In addition, removed the removable roof and installed a higher windshield. The height of the car decreased by 0.1 m. The engine was taken from the ZIS-110, but modified and equipped with four carburetors. Power increased to 170 hp. The maximum speed was increased to 230 km / h.

Also created ZIL-112/3. From 112/2 it differed only in design, reminiscent of the Cadillac model and the prototype "Moscow".

By the season of 1957, two cars with fiberglass bodies were developed: ZIL-112/4 and 112/5. They were similar in appearance, but they differed constructively. So, one wheelbase was 2.9 m, the other - 3.04 m. These machines were equipped with a new V8 based on the ZIL-111 engine power of 200 - 220 hp. This engine could have 4 or 8 carburetors. The gearbox was left from ZIS-110. They could develop about 250 km / h.

In 1961, ZIS-112S appeared. The design of its fiberglass body looked like a Ferrari. The car was equipped with 6 l of V8 with two four-stroke carburetors of 240 hp. And a 6.95 l engine with a power of 270 hp, later 300 hp. The gearbox was still used from ZIS-110, but facilitated the crankcase. The front suspension was taken from the "Volga", and the rear one was developed by a new independent spring type "De Dion". The car was equipped with disc brakes and a self-locking differential. The total mass was 1.33 tons. ZIS-112 "Sport" accelerated to 100 km / h in 4.5-5 s and could reach 260-270 km / h.

Sport

From 1952 to 1955 ZIS-112/1 participated in record races and linear races, where he set several records for long distances in class 10, which included cars with engine capacity of 5000 - 8000 cm ³ .

Since 1955 in the USSR began to conduct ring races, and ZIS-112/1 almost in its original form was sent there. Immediately, the shortcomings of the original design were revealed. They were eliminated on ZIL-112/2, thanks to which in 1956 the crew on this car took the third place.

Models 112/4 and 112/5 occupied the third (1957), the second (1961) and the first (1960) seats.

On the model 112C, attempts were unsuccessful for many reasons to establish an all-Union high-speed record, but it set five records on the race tracks.