Normally Russian cars and trucks are about as exciting as, well, as watching paint dry. But just a hint of these shadowy photos found on Carscoops should be enough to convince even the most skeptical that for once the other half is getting it good. As you can plainly (sort of) see, the rugged SUV lurking in the shadows is the hither-to unseen concept for the new Chevrolet Niva (sound familiar, as in Lada Niva) and it’s headed for its world premiere at the Moscow Auto Show this month.

There exists a current, first generation Chevrolet Niva that is made by a manufacturer as part of a joint venture in Russia between General Motors and AvtoVAZ, known as GM-AvtoVAZ. The vehicle is based on the chassis and mechanicals of the Lada Niva, a tough little vehicle that has been running around on the roads and throughout the countryside of Russia for decades.

Sources at General Motors say the concept yields a sneak-peek at the second generation of the Chevrolet Niva for the domestic market, and what we might expect it to release in the States for 2016. The new model will be a more modern proposal, according to GM-Autovaz general director Jeffrey Glover, who said, “The design of the new car will be much closer to our new line of Chevrolet models. At the same time, the concept’s tougher appearance and characteristics suggest that it will continue to be a real Niva.”

How strange would it be to have the wave of autos coming from Russia? Remind you of the early Japanese auto invasion? Many thought that would never take hold, but look at the beachhead those vehicles have made. If it was sturdy and strong, would you drive a Niva?