home, it was more commonly known as the Vos'merka ("Eighth") after the last digit in the model code. The export version was named after the Samara River, a tributary to the Volga. The first cars left the production line on 18 December 1984. These, the three-door hatchbacks (the only model available at first), were powered by a belt-driven SOHC inline-four, and were fitted with a four-speed gearbox. The three-door was joined by a five-door, and by models with (a destroked version of the 1288) or (a bored-out 1288) engines. (The head was developed in co-operation with Porsche, though most Western observers assumed Porsche's involvement went beyond just engines, and the carburetors in connection with Solex.) In 1987, the model range was joined by the 21083, with a engine and five-speed gearbox, and the 21081, with a . The 1099 was an export-only variant. Top speeds were (1099), (1288) and (1499); fuel economy was (1099), (1288), or (1499). VAZ also debuted the 2109 five-door hatchback that year, also available with the , , and . In 1989, the 21099 saloon followed, which had a new bonnet, grille, wings, and -longer rear overhang, as well as an improved dashboard. The 21099's front-end styling was adopted on the 2109 in 1992 and the 2108 in 1994. A number of other minor alterations followed, including fuel-injected engines to meet emissions regulations in export markets. On the earlier Samaras the front clip had been a separate piece, surrounding the headlights. On the sedan version, the fenders go all the way up to the headlights and the lip of the bonnet dips between the headlights and meets the slimmer grille. Full production of the 21099 began in December 1990, with models 210993 (1288), 21099 (1499). The saloon, intended as a premium model compared to the hatchback, was given a distinctive branding in some export markets: Diva (Belgium), Sagona (France), Forma (Germany). Belgium also offered a locally built convertible. The 1.1 and 1.3 were eventually taken out of production, having already been withdrawn from export markets. Special models A Wankel engined Samara three-door hatchback, the 2108–91, powered by a two-rotor VAZ-415 (with two rotors) was sold in Russia only, and only in very small numbers. With a five-speed gearbox, it was priced at 56,000 rubles. Due to severe reliability problems, this remained rare, most commonly bought by police and other agencies to use as a pursuit vehicle,