Toyota said it was extending the benefits of its TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) programme – which has underpinned most of its recent new models to small cars with announcement of a new GA-B platform.
TNGA made its under the redesigned Prius in 2015 while the GA-C platform for compact cars was subsequently used for the C-HR crossover and the Corolla.
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The latest Camry and RAV4 are underpinned by the GA-K platform.
"Now," said Toyota, "the focus is to elevate the design and driving performance of small cars with the GA-B platform."
The GA-B platform has a highly rigid underbody using advanced techniques to strengthen joints in the structure focusing on weight-saving and cost control.
The MacPherson strut front suspension features low-friction dampers and can accommodate different spring types. The platform allows for either torsion beam or multi-link rear suspension systems, according to vehicle type and character.
The GA-B platform also positions the driver's seat low and back towards the centre of the car, helping lower the centre of gravity. This also allows a "more engaging" driving position, together with a steering wheel that can be set close to the driver at an optimised angle.
The platform was designed to maximise interior space through smart packaging. TNGA uses standardised components in out of sight areas, simplifying the vehicle design process without creating look alike cars. Designers will have the freedom to give each new model a distinctive and individual look.
The hard points of the upper body and the driver's hip-point are set low, so there is more scope to create vehicles that have a low height and wide stance. Positioning the wheels at the corners of the platform and very short overhangs add to the visual appeal this generates.
Combining a long wheelbase architecture and smart packaging ensures that interior space is not compromised, even with compact exterior dimensions.
The GA-B platform's modular quality allows for it to be used with different vehicle wheelbase lengths, heights and track widths, giving designers and engineers the freedom create appealing new models of different sizes and body types.
