An interesting story is the birth of this car. On this occasion, such a bike goes that the Arabs ordered its development, either without agreeing with the Americans on the price of their equipment, or trying to put pressure on them. In any case, under this contract GAZ developed the Tiger SUV, the prototypes of which with different body types were shown to the customer. However, either the Americans dropped the price in negotiations with the Arabs, or the Arabs themselves changed their minds, but the agreement was broken.
As a result of all these negotiations and incomprehensible frauds, a full-size Tiger SUV appeared, which was immediately noticed by Russian special services and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The car was ready for production, in its design components and parts from BTR-80 were used. The basis is a powerful frame on which all the nodes are mounted. The body for the military is made armored in the fifth protection class, it withstands an automatic bullet.
In addition to the armored version, the Tiger SUV is made in civilian performance with a conventional body. True, first of all, the military’s applications are being fulfilled, it will take an indefinite time to wait for the civilian machine. But even this does not stop those who want to become the owner of this unique car. Here is a far from complete list of its equipment - all-wheel drive, self-locking differential wheels (on the front and rear axles), a locked center differential, a razdatka with a reduction gear, wheel gears.
And this is not all that the Tiger SUV can offer its owner. Despite its far from small weight, its curb weight is 6100 kg, the car is very mobile and capable of speeds up to one hundred and forty kilometers per hour. Power 205 hp provides a turbocharged diesel engine; it is equipped with either a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed gearbox; the steering is easy to control.
Ground clearance - 400 mm, all-wheel drive and locks allow the driver not to think about the road and go in any direction, even a ford of 1.2 meters will not become an obstacle.
Independent suspension provides excellent handling, its travel is 30 cm, so the car practically does not notice obstacles, and in order to break through the suspension, you have to try very hard, the weight of the entire car causes a suspension drawdown of 30 mm. Ahead are two people, the cabin can accommodate nine passengers. The machine is capable of carrying 1,500 kg of cargo.
But no matter how good the Tiger SUV is, the price for it is also good. Now it is determined at the level of 60 thousand dollars. It is hoped that someday this car will become more accessible, and not only for special forces soldiers, but also for ordinary fishermen and tourists who can discover new places on such a machine.
No matter how you evaluate the contract of Saudi Arabia with GAZ, it can be considered a plus that the Tiger SUV appeared - a car that has excellent off-road characteristics that few foreign cars can compare with. And most importantly, his story is not over yet, he continues to develop and improve.