Lada returned to the championship in 2012 with James Thompson driving the car in selected events, and in 2013, Mikhail Kozlovskiy joined Thompson in the Granta's first full WTCC season.

Compared to the cup car the WTCC car is fitted with a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine and the body and suspension is modified to comply with the WTCC rules.

The car was tested in Magny-Cours track in April, 2012, and debuted in the 2012 FIA WTCC Race of Hungary in May, 2012.

It was modified for entry into the 2014 World Touring Car Championship under the new TC1 regulations.

It took 2 wins in the hands of Rob Huff, at Beijing Goldenport and Macau.