Toyota New Global Architecture Key To Automaker's Powertrain, Platform Plans
The culmination of Toyota’s Global Vision plan, the Toyota New Global Architecture is key to the automaker’s new powertrain and platform development plans.
The automaker says the TNGA modular platform allows for better positioning of powertrain components for a lower center of gravity, as well as providing the basis for “attractive, low-stance designs, responsive handling, a high-quality drive feel, and collision performance that offers safety and peace of mind.” Further, overall body rigidity with TNGA has been increased by 30 to 65 percent, with reinforcement from laser screw welding technology.
On the powertrain side, Toyota has improved thermal and energy-relay efficiencies to gain a 25-percent jump in fuel economy, and a 15-percent boost in power. Meanwhile, hybrids — such as the 2016 Prius, which will be among the first to use TNGA — could gain as much as 15 percent in fuel economy thanks to a better powertrain layout paired with smaller electric motors, batteries and inverters.
The TNGA platform is scheduled to arrive with “a midsize front-wheel-drive vehicle this year,” followed by new platforms made for compact and large front-drivers and rear-driven vehicles. Toyota plans for half of its global lineup to have the platform by 2020.
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"attractive, low-stance designs" ..that nobody wants. How can Toyota be mobilizing for an outdated design concept like ever lower sedans when S/CUVs are hot and getting hotter?
Welp, I suppose they will have the option of building the jacked up jellybeans that are all the rage these days. But at least with this platform they'll have a lower center of gravity and be less likely to roll over.
This is really more than just a platform, it's part of the whole Toyota production system that has a long and successful history. Will be interesting to see this fully up and running, if it results in faster turn around of new designs. There is a nice summary over at http://dailykanban.com/2015/03/toyotas-tnga-tps-2-0/
Interestingly enough, CR of all places got a wind of this a while ago. Their pithy summary, however, was "2016 Prius moves to Camry platform".