URAL today is one of the few Russian automobile enterprises that consistently demonstrates positive financial performance. This allows the company to systematically expand its model range, producing increasingly larger trucks. Thus, the Ural-9593 debuted relatively recently, with a carrying capacity of up to 30 tons.
However, the Ural Automobile Plant may change the direction of development over time. The fact is that the modern market forces many companies to expand their presence in different segments. A striking example of this is many Chinese manufacturers and Hyundai. The Korean company is expanding its own model range, adding vehicles that represent completely different market segments. Thus, Hyundai will soon have a full-fledged hydrogen tractor, despite the fact that the manufacturer, according to official statements, is focused on the development of electric cars.
Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that URAL will soon follow the example of foreign companies. The Ural Automobile Plant currently produces highly specialized equipment. Therefore, any changes in this market segment may negatively affect the financial position of the company. Increasing the range of products produced helps to minimize such risks. One of the solutions to the described problem could be the establishment of production of passenger cars.
A domestic designer showed what such a model could be like. He presented a series of renderings depicting the first URAL Next pickup truck 2021-2022. Despite the fact that the car is designed in the style of modern crossovers, it stands out against their background due to its large size. At the same time, the new product will likely receive a number of solutions that will provide it with the characteristics of SUVs.
The URAL brand is known as a manufacturer of cars that can cope with any conditions. Therefore, the production of a pickup truck like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, oriented for operation within the city, is unprofitable for the Ural Automobile Plant. Accordingly, the presented new product should receive at least a plug-in all-wheel drive and a high-torque engine. The role of the latter will most likely be played by a Chinese turbodiesel engine.
Design
The presented new product is a kind of “mixture” of American and compact pickups such as the Ford F-150 and Hyundai Santa Cruz, respectively. Maverick, which has become one of the bestsellers on the American market in 2022, stands out with similar features. The body of the Russian new product, following the example of modern crossovers, has smooth outlines. But a number of details give it a resemblance to SUVs. In particular, on the presented URAL Next 2021-2022 pickup truck, the roof line quite sharply transitions to the rear part. And the hood, due to its protruding side edges, acquired rough outlines.
The new product has an interesting feature. There are compact openings on its hood for additional cooling of the engine. This decision indirectly indicates that the pickup will be equipped with a powerful engine. But it is possible that this insert performs decorative functions.
The head optics of the URAL pickup truck have a standard configuration for many mid-size crossovers. Made in the shape of a rectangle, it stretches slightly along the side of the body. Inside the head optics there are round lights, on the side of which there is an LED strip in the form of an uneven trident.
The fact that the URAL pickup truck is intended for frequent off-road use is indicated by the presence of large front protection, made as a frame made of metal pipes. It covers the bumper, complemented by a wide central air intake. On either side of it, the developer placed niches intended for fog lights, presented in the form of LED strips. The bumper itself is located quite high above the road surface, which also improves the vehicle's cross-country ability.
The new pickup truck has a 4-door body. But its configuration is such that there will be little space on the second row of seats for a comfortable seating. At the same time, the new product boasts a large glass area and the presence of an additional plastic body kit that protects the bottom of the side of the body. Extended wheel arches also indicate off-road capabilities.
The cargo platform of the URAL Next 2021-2022 pickup truck has relatively compact dimensions. But it is quite deep, which expands the scope of application of the Russian novelty. The cargo platform is complemented by a metal structure, which will rather serve as a place for fastening. At the back of the new product there is a relatively large optics. There are 2 large exhaust pipes on the sides of the rear bumper.
Main modifications
Ural-375 chassis without platform
During its operation, the Ural-375 received several modifications:
- Ural-375D - produced since 1964, received an all-metal cabin, is considered the most successful modification of the main model;
- Ural-375A - the chassis had an extended frame for the K-375 van;
- Ural-375E - the chassis was also designed for the installation of additional equipment;
- Ural-375S - a truck tractor, had an increased size of the additional fuel tank taking into account loads on rough terrain;
- Ural-375K is a truck designed for use in the Far North;
- Ural-375T - a prototype for the next model Ural-375N, did not have mass production;
- Ural-375N is a national economic truck.
The last car had external differences from the base model. There was no air intake pipe; the platform was wooden with three opening sides. The wheels did not have centralized pressure control; the spare wheel was located under the platform, and not between it and the cabin.
Specifications
It is still difficult to judge what characteristics the first URAL pickup truck will have. This is explained by the fact that the Ural Automobile Plant does not have its own platform and power units necessary to create such a car. Therefore, if the company does decide to develop such a pickup truck, it will likely borrow the corresponding architecture from a third-party manufacturer.
UAZ and AvtoVAZ can act as such a supplier. Purchasing a foreign platform is unprofitable for URAL, since this will greatly increase the cost of the pickup truck. The choice in favor of these companies is also due to the fact that they produce cars with permanent all-wheel drive, which is necessary for the presented URAL Next 2021-2022 pickup truck.
But the new product will have its own engine range. The main candidate for the role of the main unit is the 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine. This engine previously appeared on the Strela army SUV concept. The maximum output of the engine almost reaches 150 hp. with a torque of 330 N*m. This engine on the Strela is combined with a 6-speed manual transmission.
DIY tuning of Ural 4320
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