Beijing
Auto BJ80J
The
new Beijing Auto BJ80J, a new 4×4 utility vehicle for the Chinese armed
forces.
The BJ80J is the military variant of the BJ80, with the civilian version designated
BJ80C. Deliveries to the army are scheduled to begin in early 2016.
The
BJ80J is going to be powered by Cummins ISF 2.8,
2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. Max output is
160 Hp and 360 Nm.
This
engine is manufactured in China by the Foton-Cummins engine
joint venture in Beijing. Foton is a subsidiary of Beijing Auto Industry
Corporation, or BAIC. The BJ80J is manufactured by Beijing
Auto Works (BAW), another BAIC subsidiary.
Design
of the BJ80 is inspired by the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Beijing Auto and Daimler-Benz are very
close, they have the successful Beijing-Benz joint venture and Daimler owns a
12% stake in BAIC Motor, the parent company of the Beijing Auto
brand.
Persistent
rumors say Daimler was very unhappy with the BJ80 and tried to convince BAIC
Motor to kill it, which is said the be the main reason why the BJ80 has been
delayed a couple of times. It now appears that parties have reached an
agreement, and the BJ80 is a sure go.
The
badges on the back are most interesting, especially the one in ‘handwritten’
characters above the door handle: Yongshi (勇士,
Brave Warrior). This is the official nickname of the current BJ2022, a similar 4×4 vehicle for the armed
forces, developed with a lot of help from Chrysler,
and in service since 2007.
The
badge, which we haven’t seen before on the prototypes, indicated the BJ80 is
indeed the successor of the BJ2022.
This
is the BJ2022JC, JC being the designation for the military variant. Lone engine
is a 3.2 liter turbo diesel sixwith 140 Hp.
Originally, this engine was sourced from Nissan but later on manufactured by
the Dongfeng Chaoyang Diesel Company. The BJ2022JC exists in many
variants, including three-door, anti-riot,
and badass-armored.
This
is the civilian version, simply called ‘Yongshi’. Price starts at 197.000 yuan
and ends at 209.000 yuan.
It
is basically the same vehicle as the base army version, bar for the engines.
The civilian Yongshi is presently available with a 2.5-liter turbo diesel four
with 136 Hp, and with a 2.7-liter petrol six with 150 Hp. The latter replaced a
3.0-liter petrol six with 138 Hp that was available until 2011. Same gearbox
for all, a five speed manual, sending power to all wheels.
Size
BJ2022 : 4490/1825/2150 mm, and wheelbase is 2800 mm. Size BJ80 :
4780/1850/1975 mm, and wheelbase is 2800 mm.
It
certainly looks better, and it looks lighter as well, less bulky and less
massive, while it is actually slightly bigger.
Basic
design of the interior is the same as in the civilian version. But the BJ80J
comes with all-green army trim and a manual gearbox, whereas the civilian
version will be automatic-only.
Source
: carnewschina
