Back in 1978, I was admitted to Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Chapter 503 South Korea's automotive technology is worthless; we still need to improve it!
These guys don't want to pay!

Qin Liang shook his head: "I'm sorry, Northwestern Polytechnical University does not have an automotive department, and we have no plans to get involved in automobile production."

Northwestern Polytechnical University has three majors: aerospace, aviation, and marine engineering. It just doesn't have an automotive engineering department!
Of course, the most crucial point is... Qin Liang looks down on the Koreans' automotive technology!
The only places in the world where the automobile industry originated are Europe and America. Other countries have all copied or imitated it.

In the 1950s and 60s, when the island nation was developing its automobile industry, everything was copied.

Toyota's Jeep BJ was a copy of the Wrangler Wesley, Mitsubishi's Debonair was a copy of the Lincoln Continental... and so on. Back in the 1960s, the Japanese didn't like their own products and only trusted the original American ones.

In the 1970s, the island nation's government even introduced mandatory policies to force its citizens to buy domestically produced cars. As complaints piled up, the island nation's car companies began to improve their technology and finally got on the right track. By the 1980s, the quality of island nation cars exported to the East had become quite good, and so the praise for Japan began.

South Korean automakers, in particular, started by copying Japanese cars. Take engines, for example. Hyundai's early engines were all copies of Mitsubishi's. They only began developing their own engines in 91, and they have never been able to compete with Japanese and German brands.

Now, South Korea wants to trade their automotive technology for our aircraft technology? Are you kidding me!
Do you really think that Northwestern Polytechnical University students are like many foreign-worshipping people who believe that foreign goods are superior? We don't even look down on cars from South Korea! If you keep trying to fool us, don't blame me for hitting you where it hurts!

"Principal Qin, my first-generation Sonata is about to be released. It's a luxury sedan that will compete with the Toyota Crown and Nissan Cedric..."

The Sonata was launched in November 1985 and immediately became a bestseller, selling more than 11 units within three years.

In today's world, these sales figures might not seem like much, but in the 1980s, they were quite impressive, considering it was a mid-size luxury sedan!
The South Koreans are sincere in offering this brand-new car for collaboration with the East.

but……

Qin Liang didn't think much of it.

"Luxury sedan? Is it front-engine, rear-wheel drive? What's the engine displacement? If it's less than 3.0, don't call it a luxury car."

The South Koreans looked at each other in bewilderment.

While not all front-engine, front-wheel-drive vehicles are low-end, most are, especially transverse front-wheel-drive vehicles. The engine compartment is compact, allowing for more space in the rear passenger compartment. The absence of a rearward-extending driveshaft saves costs.

However, there are exceptions. For example, the Santana uses a unique longitudinal front-wheel drive structure. The engine first transmits power to the transmission from the rear, and then the transmission extends the driveshaft forward. It can be awkward, but Volkswagen likes to do it this way. Later, the Audi A4 also adopted this design, after all, it is convenient to match rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

In comparison, Mercedes-Benz and BMW are either front-engine rear-wheel drive or front-engine four-wheel drive, while only Audi is front-engine front-wheel drive or front-engine four-wheel drive.

Of course, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. The front engine is heavier, which can hold the wheels down and prevents them from slipping. It's also less likely to fishtail in icy or snowy weather. That's the advantage of front-engine, front-wheel drive. However... overall, it still doesn't give people a sense of luxury.

South Korea's automotive industry was backward, and they couldn't pull off the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. They could only use front-engine, front-wheel-drive. Moreover, their engines weren't advanced. The first-generation Sonata in 85 was equipped with 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter engines.

While it may not be comparable to the Crown in terms of price, it satisfies many people's need for prestige and is reasonably priced, which has led to good sales.

Now even the South Koreans are embarrassed; they really can't fool Principal Qin.

"If you want to exchange the technology and production line of this car for it, it's worth at most one hundred million US dollars. You'll still have to make up the remaining four hundred million US dollars to us. Of course, we're not optimistic about it either, and we'll stick to the aircraft transaction..."

"no problem!"

The other party actually agreed!
It's easy to see why they'd save 100 million if they could, especially since the South Koreans have absolutely no confidence in their so-called luxury cars!
Now it was Qin Liang's turn to feel embarrassed.

I really had no intention of getting a car!
Northwestern Polytechnical University doesn't actually have an automotive industry, but... it just fell into their laps...

"Comrade Qin Liang, if you don't want it, our Air Force will take it." At this moment, Old Lin spoke up.

The military can do business!
Make quick money? The Air Force scoffs!

The construction of mobile communication networks has already brought benefits to the Air Force. Even though it only covers a few major cities, those who have become wealthy have started buying mobile phones, and some have even paid for ten years' worth of phone bills in one go!
Don't be fooled by the fact that setting up a network costs money; it's clear that you can recoup your investment quickly, and then start making a profit.

In terms of network setup costs, the Air Force has an advantage. Each base station can be built within military facilities such as warehouses, motorcades, and guesthouses, eliminating the need for land acquisition and reducing a lot of hassle.

When China Unicom takes over in the future, it will still have to pay the military a large sum of extra money.

Now, the military has its eye on... manufacturing cars!

Although military factories are not under the management of the military, but belong to the industrial system, the military has its own overhaul plant, and can easily pull one out for renovation. Moreover, the workers are all soldiers, so they will definitely not slack off or cause trouble, and will definitely tighten screws carefully on the production line!

Qin Liang thought for a moment and nodded: "Okay, then let's take over the one hundred million US dollars. We don't just want the car technology, but also other components such as engines and transmissions, which must be produced independently here."

Many people are prone to misrepresenting concepts. They promise a car, but in the end, all they give you is a shell, and you have to buy the other technologies yourself.

"Then the aircraft technology you provided us..."

"Of course, it refers to the technology of the entire machine, excluding the supporting products. You can't produce those products either, and you can easily order them from the United States."

I've mentioned this before!
You want aircraft engine technology? No way! You can't even produce a single blade!
If you want technology, go to an American company. Five hundred million dollars would be enough to set up a complete production line. Don't even dream about it. Cars and airplanes are not in the same league!

Although the South Koreans were unhappy, they gritted their teeth and agreed when they saw the modern airplanes. They had to agree; they had no room for negotiation!

After all, although Eastern technology was expensive, it at least enabled them to develop an aviation industry. Without a good teacher, the result would be like the other side of the river!

Across the river is the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Aerospace Development Center.

"Our Anxiang project has suffered a major setback. Now, all indications suggest that if we want to continue this project, it is already..."

It's impossible now!

After several failures, their plan had reached a dead end! In particular, the lead engineer had encountered an accident last time, and now there was no capable person to lead the plan. What else could they do but give up?
"No, no, we can't give up! If we give up on this plan, we won't have any advanced aircraft!" Hua Xijun's face was grim as he looked at Huang Xiaozong, who had spoken: "Old Huang, is there really no other way?"

Huang Xiaozong smiled bitterly: "This aircraft was born with problems. Our aviation technology is simply not up to the task. Besides, even if we had this aircraft, would we gain an advantage? The other side has already started developing fourth-generation fighters, and we are still lagging behind!"

"Even if it's outdated, using a third-generation fighter to fight a fourth-generation fighter is different from using a second-generation fighter to fight a fourth-generation fighter."

"Same here, both were instantly killed."

The atmosphere in the meeting room was tense; that last sentence was incredibly hurtful to his pride!

But... it seems I'm not wrong, they were all instantly killed.

beep, beep...

Just then, someone ran in.

"Report, we just received a message."

"explain."

"The South Koreans are secretly in contact with Northwestern Polytechnical University, trying to bring in their coach, Coach Ten!"

What dealt them an even greater blow in the past few days was the statement released by the South Koreans. Following the statement, their official institutions in South Korea were ordered to leave within a specified period, which was even more embarrassing and left them completely bewildered.

It's obvious even to a fool that the South Koreans benefited from the East, but as for what those benefits were...

Their intelligence agencies went into overdrive and finally uncovered this secret.

Although the higher-ups can keep it a secret, the introduction of aviation technology requires the cooperation of South Korean domestic aviation agencies, and some of them are not tight-lipped!
Now, it's finally been exposed!

Everyone present immediately became excited.

"Coach Ten, an aircraft that has been successfully developed by the East."

"That's right. As long as we buy the technology for this aircraft from the South Koreans, our IDF project can continue!"

"But...didn't the South Koreans already sever ties with us?"

"They're just putting on a show. They must have spent a lot of money sourcing from the East, and they need the money! If we provide them with funding, wouldn't it be easy for them to give us some technical data?"

Everyone got excited: "That's right!"

"Old Huang, immediately send your capable assistants to contact the South Koreans. Even if it costs a hundred million dollars, we must bring their technology over!"

As it turned out, they underestimated the shamelessness of the South Koreans.

After discussing the cooperation, Park Hee-do and his group returned to South Korea, where they were greeted by a mysterious guest that very evening.

"General Park, we hope to obtain all the design data for Coach 10."

Park Hee-do's eyelids twitched wildly: "No, no, impossible! We just issued a statement. If we hand over the information to you now, it would be a betrayal of the East. The East has a hundred ways to destroy us." What a joke!
"One hundred million dollars!"

Park Hee-do gasped.

The Easterners' demand of 500 million is indeed a bit expensive. They originally wanted to exchange it for automotive technology, but the Easterners didn't seem interested and offered a maximum of 100 million, putting them in a very passive position. Now, they still don't know where to raise the remaining 400 million.

If only I could get some money from these people...

Wait, one hundred million isn't enough!

"Three hundred million US dollars."

what?
Now it was Hwang Hyo-jong's turn to be shocked. Well, you Koreans are really shameless!
Three hundred million US dollars, is that a price quoted to you by the Easterners? And you're putting it all on our shoulders?

"No, I'll only give you two hundred million at most..."

"Okay, two hundred million it is, deal!"

Emperor Huang Xiaozong almost couldn't catch his breath.

These guys are here to sabotage our side. They'll be satisfied with whatever they do, no matter how much they sabotage us!
These... these damn guys!

But... the words have already been spoken, and it's not easy to take them back now.

Two hundred million! Two hundred million to buy a set of Eastern technology? This technology was originally developed with our own money. No matter how you look at it, it's a loss!

However, the good thing is that the technology was finally bought back, and the IDF project can continue.

When this aircraft was acquired, was there any discussion about converting it to a single-seat configuration?

"Not yet, but it should be fine. At worst, we can use the two-seater version and replace the ejection seat with a fuel tank."

"Okay." These South Koreans really aren't picky! They'll accept any change like this.

East, the airplane building.

"Liangzi, let's talk about this car factory. How about setting it up in Chang'an?"

"Mr. Lin, the Air Force wouldn't entrust the entire car factory to our Datang Company, would it?"

"That's right, that's the plan. So, what do you say, is it okay or not?"

Xi'an... also had an automobile industry first.

In 1968, the Shaanxi Automobile Manufacturing Plant began construction. After its completion, the first Yan'an SX250 heavy-duty off-road vehicle began trial production. After Steyr was introduced, Shaanxi Automobile also became one of the joint venture companies of China National Heavy Duty Truck Group.

However... Shaanxi Automobile did not develop well in later generations.

Huanghe Plant successfully transformed into a leading domestic heavy-duty truck manufacturer, while Shaanxi Automobile has always been lukewarm. Another plant in Chongqing, Hongyan Plant, even fell into the fate of being acquired by other companies.

Of course, the Air Force's factory will definitely not have any connection with Shaanxi Automobile; it will have to be built by itself.

"Alright, since the Air Force has this idea, then of course we have no objection."

"You can't be silent; you have to have your own ideas!"

My own thoughts?
Qin Liang thought for a long time: "We have an aviation industry, so it's not difficult to transplant it to the automotive industry. For example, we can add an external turbine to solve the problem of car power."

In that era, naturally aspirated engines were still popular. Even in later generations, many people still fantasize that naturally aspirated engines are the way to go. In reality, large-displacement naturally aspirated engines are the way to go, with engines of 3.0 liters and above being very powerful. However, for small-displacement engines, especially those below 2.0 liters, turbocharging is definitely stronger than naturally aspirated engines.

Once the turbo is running, the power is roaring.

South Korea's engine technology is lagging behind. The largest displacement they can currently offer is 2.0. For a luxury car like the Sonata, it would be embarrassing to have a 2.0-liter engine. However... as long as you add a turbocharger, it can easily outperform a whole host of 3.0-liter engines!

This technology is cutting-edge; Northwestern Polytechnical University could help us figure it out.

"Good, good, I knew you had this ability!"

"Manual transmissions will also be phased out, and the future belongs to automatic transmissions. The patents for AT are all in the hands of others, so we have to start from scratch and develop dual-clutch transmissions." Qin Liang continued to give a brief introduction: "This requires some wear-resistant materials, which are related to our aviation industry."

In later generations, Volkswagen's dual-clutch transmission was criticized by many people, and it was attacked by trolls every time. However, some people would also argue that Porsche also uses dual-clutch transmissions, so why is PDK faster than DSG?

This is of course a price issue. One of them runs fast, costing the same as a Volkswagen. Can they be the same? The friction materials used inside are very different.

When it comes to friction materials, we have to mention aerospace, since advanced materials are first used by the aerospace industry!

Now that we have a powerful aviation industry, we can use the composite materials from aircraft brake discs as the clutch in a dual-clutch transmission without any problems. If we also use a wet clutch, the effect will be top-notch, with fast gear shifting, direct power transmission, and good fuel economy and durability.

Turbocharging and dual-clutch transmission are a perfect match!
On the other hand, automatic transmissions are most challenging to tune. In later years, dual-clutch transmissions became ubiquitous and were used by many car companies. Some were well-tuned and very smooth, while others were much worse.

Even with AT (Automatic Transmission) systems, some manufacturers can cause jerking if they don't tune them properly.

And Northwestern Polytechnical University has the electronic technology needed for this! In fact, they're very strong in it!
Old Lin didn't understand these things, but seeing Qin Liang speak so eloquently, he knew he hadn't chosen the wrong person.

"The car factory is located in Chang'an. Your Northwestern Polytechnical University can transfer some of its aircraft technology so that the vehicles we produce can surpass Audi and Mercedes-Benz!"

"Uh-huh."

That concludes the discussion.

Next…

"Liangzi, do you think the South Koreans might secretly sell the aircraft technology we gave them to those people across the river?"

Qin Liang nodded: "Yes."

You little brat... you actually predicted this in advance? And you still want to keep selling?

"What's your backup plan?"

"Flight control," Qin Liang said. "The flight control system we give to South Korea will have some programs locked inside. When South Korea assembles it and conducts a test flight, it will be automatically unlocked via data link. The original flight control system that those people on the other side of the river got cannot be unlocked."

"Why don't they use a data link to unlock it?"

"It's encrypted; even with their capabilities, they wouldn't be able to unlock it in ten years."

Old Lin nodded: "With outdated technology, we'll be at the mercy of others in every way!"

Qin Liang smiled and said, "Of course, we have to completely suppress their technology!"

Old Lin is out of danger.

"Liangzi, what's next..."

Just then, someone walked in from outside: "Old Lin, don't keep harping on Comrade Qin Liang."

"Old Zhang, what's up?"

"Our navy's first escort fleet has completed its departure preparations and will officially set sail tomorrow. Therefore, we would like to invite Comrade Qin Liang to attend the departure ceremony."

"This..." Qin Liang was a little embarrassed: "Leader Zhang, I'm not in the navy, so it's not convenient for me to..."

"What do you mean it's inconvenient? There's a lot of turmoil over there. Don't think we don't know what's going on. Besides, Northwestern Polytechnical University has a fleet of ships. Don't they all need our navy to escort them?"

"Okay." Qin Liang nodded. "Then I'll..."

"Let's leave now and send the fleet on its long voyage tomorrow morning."

"Now?"

"correct."

(End of this chapter)