Siheyuan: I eat melons while doing scientific research

Chapter 1392 I Can't Trust Anymore (5k)

"Suspension?" The diagram didn't show any suspension, and the comrades hadn't thought of that aspect either.

Gao Zhendong nodded heavily: "Yes, actually, I'm planning to put a MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent rear suspension on this kind of car, which sounds similar to a sedan, right?"

The comrades all nodded: "Yes. However, according to our actual tests, the travel of this suspension is not as large as that of the front and rear solid axle suspension of the Beijing 63 off-road vehicle. Its off-road performance is also somewhat inferior."

Gao Zhendong laughed and said, "It was originally designed for comfort. As for off-road performance, we tried to use a multi-link independent suspension design to extend the travel as much as possible. But as I said before, the main goal of this car is to be a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. It is multifunctional, sporty, comfortable, and spacious. True off-road capability is not its main focus."

"Well, if that's the case, with a differential lock, a slightly larger suspension travel, and a slightly higher chassis height, it's not the best, but it's not the worst either. At least, neither sedans nor station wagons can compare to it in terms of versatility."

The chief engineer also figured it out: no matter how rich foreigners are, they can't all afford to own several cars for the time being. This kind of car is very attractive for a family's first car.

"But why promote it as a separate vehicle type? Wouldn't it have a better target audience if it were promoted as an enhanced station wagon?" the chief engineer asked.

This is something he didn't understand: why not use the existing foundation?

Gao Zhendong shook his head: "No, if we do that, it will just blend into the crowd and won't make any waves. In that case, those interested will be the basic audience for station wagons. The fact that this car has a higher chassis and slightly less comfort will be magnified in their eyes. We might as well just announce that it is a new model. This is an era of rapid technological advancement. 'New,' 'unique,' and 'special' are more likely to attract people's attention and increase the audience's interest."

The chief engineer thought about it and realized that it made sense. He also knew that, regardless of whether Gao Zhendong was right or wrong, he was probably more accurate than he had thought.

There is precedent for this. When Gao Zhendong planned the Beijing series of cars, such as the 3, 5, and 7, foreigners really liked it, and the target audience was clearly defined.

"Moreover, the novelty, uniqueness, and specialness of this car are not just limited to this; there are other technologies supporting it as well. My idea is to push it directly to the top in one fell swoop," Gao Zhendong added.

"For example?"

"For example, there are more power options, traction control and even vehicle stability control that are now becoming more mature, turbocharging, and a wider range of comfort and functional features."

"Comfort and functional features?"

Gao Zhendong nodded: "Yes, we'll consider these things later. In short, this car must bear our mark and receive widespread acclaim as soon as it's launched, so that we can make another mark in the history of automobile development."

Even the chief engineer of the Ministry of Machinery Industry got a little excited by what he said.

At this moment, a colleague from the Beijing Automobile Factory looked up; he had been doing some calculations.

“Committee Member Gao, but for such a large vehicle, relying solely on a cage-like body structure to provide sufficient rigidity requires a certain amount of material, which would significantly increase the vehicle's weight and alter its center of gravity.” This was a pragmatist, and also a highly skilled one; otherwise, he wouldn't have been brought here.

This car already has a high center of gravity; if it gets worse, it will cause a lot of trouble.

Gao Zhendong didn't have any thoughts about his opposition. After all, what the other person said was correct. It was just that he didn't have as many resources or knowledge as Gao Zhendong did, so his conclusions were somewhat limited.

"Yes, if we use the current materials, the strength of the steel is indeed a bit lacking, which may lead to the situation you mentioned. However, you don't need to worry about this. I will take care of the steel issue, and I can say with certainty that it has basically been resolved."

The factories under the 17th Ministry of Machine Building have been so busy these past two years, they're not just sitting around doing nothing. They've not only been producing, but also doing research. Gao Zhendong's manual is quite thick.

Gao Zhendong's words made the comrades suddenly realize that this was the Third Steel Rolling Mill of the 17th Ministry of Machine Building, and that the comrade in front of them was not a car researcher, but a materials science expert, especially skilled in steel.

The comrade who raised the objection reacted quickly and frankly: "Ah, I forgot, Committee Member Gao, you are good at this."

The comrades all laughed happily, but one thing seemed a little strange.

What exactly does Committee Member Gao do...?

Saying that their main job wasn't researching cars made the people present feel a little embarrassed.

“Committee Member Gao, we are indeed very interested in this car. We will go back and organize the manpower of major car manufacturers to prepare to work on it properly!” This is a completely new type of car. It is estimated that Beijing Automobile Factory alone will have a hard time. The chief engineer decided to make use of the collective strength.

To everyone's astonishment, Gao Zhendong shook his head: "No need, let's just choose a factory and start trial production. At least I've already finished drawing the mechanical parts in my spare time!"

Listen, listen, is that what people say?
Take a break...

The drawing is finished...

No matter which piece of news it was, it made the comrades feel like they were dreaming.

The chief engineer couldn't help but secretly pinch his thigh. Ouch, that hurts!
He still doesn't interact with Gao Zhendong much. You see, the comrades at Beijing Automobile Factory are much calmer.

What's the big deal about finishing the drawing? Last time, with 463, they even finished making the engine before notifying us.

"You've finished all the drawings?" Although cars these days are much simpler in structure than they will be in the future, it's still hard to believe that someone would say they've finished all the drawings in their spare time.

And when they say they've "taken time out," they really mean it!

The comrades don't know exactly how busy the high-vibration work is, but they at least know that it's extremely busy. Saying that he's doing it in his spare time is a favor to the automotive industry; at least he's willing to take the time to work on it.

As for the significant difference between other people's "taking time" and our own, that's a matter on another level.

The director of Beijing Automobile Factory gently kicked the foot of his ministry's chief engineer and said to Gao Zhendong, "That's great! Commissioner Gao, you've prepared the blueprints and materials for us! As soon as we receive the information, we'll start trial production! We'll definitely build the prototype of this car as quickly as possible!"

No wonder Committee Member Gao assured everyone that all the materials were ready. It turns out that he not only had a clear plan in mind, but he had also sculpted the bamboo in his mind into a bamboo carving!

For the comrades at Beijing Automotive Plant, and even most of the people in the automotive industry in China, once the mechanical parts of a car are determined, the car is considered finished. Electronics, interior design, and configurations are all put on hold.

I just got another new car!
The comrades at Beijing Automobile Factory were delighted. What pleased them even more was that Gao Zhendong had just told the chief engineer of the ministry that he wanted to "find a factory" to conduct trial production, but he hadn't said that it had to be done by Beijing Automobile Factory.

This is a very reasonable approach for anyone or any organization outside of Beijing Automobile Factory, after all, Beijing Automobile Factory has an exceptionally heavy workload and possesses far more valuable resources than other factories.

One Jingcheng series sedan plus one Jingcheng 63 SUV is enough for Beijing Automotive Factory to make a living, so it is very reasonable not to consider continuing to entrust this product to Beijing Automotive Factory.

But for Beijing Automotive Factory, it's a different story. First come, first served; what I see first is mine.

So, taking advantage of the moment when the chief engineer was distracted, they seized the opportunity and took over the project.

As long as the prototype is produced, even if the car is eventually manufactured elsewhere, its roots are still here. The bond has been formed, and no matter which company takes over, they will have to remember the good deeds of our Beijing Automotive Plant!
Beijing Automobile Factory didn't expect to take over production as well; for them, it was like a skilled cook trying to cook without rice—they simply couldn't digest it.

Just as the comrades at Beijing Automobile Factory were busy calculating their next move, the chief engineer of the ministry finally realized what was going on.

Comrade Zhendong is indeed capable, but you lot are trying to take advantage of me? If word gets out, where will I put my face?

“Your workload is too heavy, it won’t do. How can you rely on just one factory?” The chief engineer looked at him with concern. “We need to reduce the workload. It’s unfair to push the hardest workers to do more. The ministry should consider this matter.”

The factory manager of Beijing Automotive Group was completely exasperated. "We're not tired, we weren't cheated, our workload isn't that heavy, all I want is unfairness..." Wait, I can't say that last part. The main problem is, if that's really the case, it's hard to say exactly who this "unfairness" is unfair to.

However, I really couldn't bring myself to say these words. After all, the objective facts were there, so I had no choice but to go back and think of another solution. I'm still considering it, aren't I?

Gao Zhendong saw all their twists and turns and was secretly pleased.

"My personal suggestion is to locate it in the Northeast. There are experienced car manufacturers there, so the technology won't be a problem. Moreover, the industry is developed, supporting facilities are easy to obtain, and the distance isn't too far. It's also easier to communicate during the trial production process, and the allocation of new materials is also easier," Gao Zhendong said cheerfully.

This stuff can't be put in a third-tier factory; that would be irresponsible. Besides, Shuangqing already has vans, enough to keep them very comfortable for a long time. In fact, this benefit isn't just for Shuangqing itself; it also benefits Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Huyang.

However, another large automobile factory in Huyang is also under construction, so there's still a lot to come.

Upon hearing this, the Beijing Automobile Factory's restless ambitions instantly fizzled out. Committee Member Gao's suggestion was a classic example of a balanced approach, unbiased and reasonable in every way. They couldn't find any justification for it; it was a recipe for disaster.

Upon hearing this, the chief engineer of the Ministry of Machinery Industry nodded repeatedly: "Yes, this is a good idea. Moreover, we can also get the supporting processes, tooling, and molds ready during the trial production process. Once successful, we can start production on the spot!"

Looking at the dejected face of the Beijing Automobile Factory, Gao Zhendong laughed and said, "Don't be discouraged, there's still an engine here, isn't there?"

If you say that, we won't be sleepy anymore!

The comrades at Beijing Automobile Factory immediately perked up. An engine is a good thing; without an engine, even the best car can't run.

"Hey, Mr. Gao, I love hearing you say that, hahaha. When it comes to engines, our Beijing Automotive Engine Co., Ltd. is second to none."

As the most advanced small car engine manufacturer in China, Beijing Automotive Engine Co., Ltd. (京汽发) is fully qualified to say this.

And they really are the only ones who have the experience in researching, improving, and producing advanced engines. In the current environment, it would be unreasonable not to put the trial production of new engines in their hands.

It's not that the comrades at Beijing Automotive Plant are bragging, but other factories that only have a little experience in imitation can't handle Gao's engine! Only our Beijing Automotive Plant can do it.

Not only them, but even the chief engineer of the Ministry of Machinery Industry knew about this, and shook his head with a smile: "You guys got off easy."

The director of Beijing Automobile Factory stood tall and proud: "How can you call it cheap? This is called getting the task based on your own ability, hahaha."

Halfway through his laughter, he saw Gao Zhendong smiling broadly beside him, and his laughter immediately dropped eight octaves. He couldn't get carried away. When it came to skills, Committee Member Gao was more than qualified to speak on the matter. It seemed that it wasn't impossible for Committee Member Gao to make other places develop skills as well.

Gao Zhendong, unaware of the little drama unfolding in his mind, took out a stack of documents.

"This is the new engine I'm planning to develop! Come on, everyone, take a look."

He distributed informational materials about the new engine to everyone.

Good heavens! Upon seeing the heading of the document, the factory manager of Beijing Automotive Group secretly felt lucky. Luckily, he hadn't gotten carried away earlier.

This is a diesel engine!

Beijing Automotive Equipment Co., Ltd. (京汽发) has absolutely no experience with this kind of thing. As for getting the task based on merit, that's simply not an option.

He was secretly rejoicing, while the chief engineer of the Ministry of Machinery Industry was staring blankly at the documents in his hand.

He couldn't believe his eyes.

A 2.4T four-cylinder diesel turbocharged engine is nothing special for the chief engineer of the Ministry of Machinery Industry; it's normal.

But the next few lines made him rub his eyes.

Rated power: 130kw/176hp.

130 kilowatts? 176 horsepower?

This figure is quite common in the 21st century, and it is even a bit low compared to gasoline engines, after all, diesel engines have low speed, high torque and low power.

But in the 60s, this was simply incredible!

The chief engineer was well aware that the current mainstream civilian truck, the CA10, has an engine power of 66 kilowatts/90 horsepower, which is roughly half that of this 2.4T diesel engine. The CA10's engine, on the other hand, is a 5.6-liter L6 engine, which is far superior to this small 2.4T in terms of displacement, weight, and size. Not to mention that gasoline engines inherently have a power advantage.

That's fucking impossible, absolutely impossible!

The chief engineer nearly slammed his fist on the table and jumped up.

However, seeing Gao Zhendong smiling and the other comrades who were also in a daze but did not express any doubt, he suppressed his feelings.

Torque: Not less than 350 Nm.

This is like launching a satellite...

To put it simply, the CA10's 5.6-liter gasoline engine has a torque of 310 Nm.

130 kilowatts, 350 Newton-meters—that's enough for a big truck!
Although gasoline engines have a disadvantage in torque, a 5.6-liter displacement is not to be underestimated. However, despite having more than twice the displacement, it still couldn't beat this 2.4-liter engine in torque, and by quite a bit.

He retained his last shred of reason and looked at Gao Zhendong.

"Committee Member Gao, is this a typo?"

Typing is different from handwriting. It's relatively difficult to make a mistake when writing numbers, but it's different when typing. The number keys on the numeric keypad are so close together that it's normal to make a mistake. He was giving Gao Zhendong a way out.

Unexpectedly, Gao Zhendong was completely unimpressed, smiling and shaking his head: "That's right, that's the number."

All the comrades who were staring at Gao Zhendong felt like they were going crazy, only the comrades from Beijing Automotive Group remained calm.

还好还好啦，高委员的463直列4缸2.0升汽油机，功率不也同样远超CA10的5.6升发动机嘛。

The chief engineer steadied himself, as if he had also remembered this matter. Although Committee Member Gao hadn't been involved much in this area, his results were absolutely brilliant. Maybe it was true.

"If it's true, that would be fantastic news."

As the chief engineer of the Ministry of Motor Industry, he knew all too well what a small engine comparable to that of a large truck engine meant.

Even if this thing consumes a lot of fuel, it can't possibly consume as much as a 5.6-liter gasoline engine, right? That's all money involved. Moreover, fuel, as a strategic resource, is not just about saving money; it's about whether or not we have it at all.

"Committee Member Gao, is this intended to replace a truck engine?" He couldn't help but feel excited at the thought of the engine's broad prospects and immense applications.

Unexpectedly, Gao Zhendong shook his head and pointed to the line below: "No, this is just a small car engine, used to power sedans and multi-purpose sports vehicles."

The comrades then realized that, because they were so shocked by the power and torque, they hadn't seen the small print below.

"It is expected to drive 1.5-2 ton vehicles with a combined fuel consumption of no more than 12 liters."

If those numbers were unbelievable, this number is beyond the realm of gods and ghosts: such a powerful engine, yet it consumes 12 liters of fuel?
Although the vehicle it drives is small, the power output won't change much; the only difference is the speed. The CA10 has a top speed of 65 km/h, so driving a small car with this thing would probably double that speed.

If Gao Zhendong knew what they were thinking, he'd probably laugh. 130? 160 and up!
The key point is that this violates the law of conservation of energy. Given the current efficiency of diesel engines, it's simply impossible to achieve this fuel consumption! The CA10 engine consumes 29 liters per 100 kilometers!

Because of the engine's enormous torque, people are comparing it to truck engines.

“Committee Member Gao, isn’t this fuel consumption a bit beyond the efficiency limit…” He didn’t say he’d made a mistake, afraid that Gao Zhendong would say he hadn’t made a mistake.

Sure enough, Gao Zhendong shook his head again and said, "No."

Seeing that his comrades were no longer convinced, Gao Zhendong took out a piece of paper: "The secret to high power, high torque, and fuel efficiency is here."

The comrades acted in unison, immediately turning their heads to look. They saw a slightly different engine diagram drawn on the paper, along with a line of text.

"High-pressure common rail fuel injection system".

(End of this chapter)