If this Russian Humvee concept looks like a futuristic tractor to you, you’re not far off.
ZiL, the manufacturer of the angular combat vehicle, got its start in 1916 building 1.5-ton Fiat trucks. In the years since, the Moscow-based automaker has produced agricultural vehicles, military transports, and even propeller-powered aerosani snowmobiles.
The aptly named EnglishRussia reports that the Humvee concept, which has yet to be named, could be headed for Russian military service as soon as next year.
Adventurous would be one way to describe the styling, with the aesthetics of a 1980’s science fiction prop and the silhouette to go with it. Of course, looks don’t matter on the battlefield, so what really matters is how it performs.
The concept is reportedly based on the U.S. Humvee chassis (although it features radically different design language), with an antiquated 4-cylinder Cummins diesel providing 185 horsepower. It carries 10, has six video cameras to eliminate blind spots, and can utilize its two rear seats as gunner platforms with a weapons hatch nearby.
Despite the space-age look, the 4.5-ton vehicle equips some serious outdated technology, such as large, exposed windows, drum brakes, and leaf springs. That’s not exactly Batmobile tech.
It does look pretty neat though, with the blast-deflecting armor looking mighty intimidating, albeit a bit thin, from some angles.
Clearly, this is only a prototype, so ZiL has plenty of time to get this beast combat ready. Plenty of the components could be switched out or upgraded by the time it gets its camo paint.
You may have heard the ZiL name before in reference to the brand’s position as Vladimir Putin’s personal transportation provider. His high-end limousines typically feature luxurious, Maybach-style cabins, armor plating, and are usually produced in extremely limited qualities.
And from the inside, it seems like the Cold War never ended.
(Photos via EnglishRussia)
