Volga (automobile) - GAZ-31105

GAZ-31105

Faced with the failure to enter the foreign-dominated Executive car market with the GAZ-3111, GAZ learning from its mistakes, opted to continue with modernising its Volga series. Introduced in 2004, the GAZ-31105 replaced the -3110. Many features of the -3111 such as the front headlights and grille were incorporated into the new Volga. Inside most of the car's transmission and suspension received necessary upgrades, as did the interior. In 2006 the standard engine selection was added with a Chrysler DOHC 2.4 litre engine.

In 2005 GAZ introduced a long-wheelbase 311055 luxury model, with a new interior that included wooden trim. The latter feature became standard on models produced from 2007 onwards when GAZ gave the car a minor facelift. Among the changes were completely new taillights and a conversion to Euro III standard with the introduction of its new 2.4 litre 123 hp ZMZ-40525 engine, complementing the Chrysler engine, with which the archaic ZMZ-4021 and 4062.10 were phased out. The 31105 was available only as a saloon, with the estate continuing with the old 3110 styling.

Following the introduction of the Volga Siber in 2008 GAZ hoped to fully finish production on both the -3102 and the -31105 by 2010. The base design of both cars still traced its roots to the GAZ-24, thus ending a successful production run of 40 years.