The 2000 Lada Roadster was a notable concept prototype car developed by the Russian manufacturer AvtoVAZ

Posted by Venkie2Maybach@reddit | WeirdWheels | View on Reddit | 14 comments

Designed by Olivier Moret-Bailly for Sbarro, it was built on a shortened chassis from the Lada 110 (VAZ-2110) and featured a unique folding roof system that tucked into the trunk.

Equipped with a 2.0-liter VAZ-21203 16-valve engine producing approximately 105-106 hp.

It could reach a top speed of 200 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 9 seconds.

The car featured a distinct "wedge" shape with a long hood, very short rear, and a wide stance.

One of its most innovative features was an electrically operated hardtop that slid over the trunk lid rather than folding inside it, preserving some luggage space.

Despite its positive reception at international auto shows like the 2000 Moscow International Motor Show and the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, the Roadster remained a prototype. It never entered serial production due to financial constraints and the factory's focus on higher-volume models like the Lada Kalina.

Inspired from this post (second slide):

https://www.reddit.com/r/WeirdWheels/comments/1sdebwl/photos_of_prototypes_concepts_custom_made_and/

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SuedtirolerRotzleffl@reddit

106 hp out of a 2L 16 valve is pretty weak. I wonder why that might be. Was it detuned on purpose?

MoreThanComrades@reddit

Exactly what jumped out to me as well. I got a carburated 1.6 from 1982 that makes 92hp. The carburated 2 liter that PSA sold in france into the 90's (yes, you could buy a poverty spec XM with a carburated engine as late as 1992) made around 106-110hp.

A fuel injected 2 liter, with 16 valves no less, making 105hp is just mind boggling. I don't know how much power it seeps off to tune an engine for low octane fuel, but I am shocked it would be that much. Considering in 2000 the 16 valves 2 liters on offer were putting out 140-155hp throughout various manufacturers.

Vladimir_Chrootin@reddit

I think it's a combination of it being an updated version of an old engine (1960s AFAIK), and a requirement to be tolerant of low-octane fuel.

Castor_23@reddit

The front reminds me of a shrunken R34 whilst the rear let's me think about the Ford Streetka.

I like this little concept..

BarryBafmaat@reddit

I saw the R34 front as well, but the back half of the car reminded me of a MR2 mk3

Venkie2Maybach@reddit (OP)

I felt Ford in the front.