Toyota tells all about the TNGA platform

TNGA, an acronym for Toyota New Generation Architecture, is Japanese car brand Toyota's answer to the likes of Volkswagen MQB and Renault-Nissan's CMF platform sharing approaches. Toyota has revealed more information about the TNGA platform what with the first Toyota cars to feature this architecture due to be launched in 2015. While parts and platform sharing among the various Toyota cars based on the TNGA is a given, new details delve into the finer aspects of this architecture. 

Note: Toyota NS4 Concept's image used in this report is for illustrative purposes. 

• TNGA cars will feature a common hip point
• The common hip point will mean that many TNGA cars will have similar driving position
• This will allow Toyota to build cars based on the TNGA platform with common pedal boxes, airbags and seat belts
• This parts sharing is likely to give Toyota savings of 15-20 % during production leading to a total cost saving of 25-30 % when development costs are included
• The TNGA platform also aims to build more appealing Toyota cars, design-wise
• The ultimate aim of TNGA though, is to achieve parts sharing of a whopping 70-80 %
• TNGA cars will also be designed to feature a low center-of-gravity, a key aspect to improve the ride and handling

The next-generation Prius Hybrid will be one of the first Toyota cars to be based on the TNGA platform. With the new platform, Toyota wants to move from merely building cars that are big sales spinners to cars that actually appeal to buyers based on their design and performance. In other words, Toyota is keen on inducing the much needed excitement to its cars through the TNGA platform. 

In terms of engines and transmissions, Toyota's new range of turbo petrol and turbo diesel engines are likely to debut on cars underpinned by the TNGA platform. As Toyota is already behind the curve when compared with its competition in terms of adding new technology such as direct injection and turbo chargers to petrol engines, the TNGA platform is likely to serve as a base for Toyota to deploy new technology. Also, the car maker is expected to continue its push towards hybrid power. 

Source AutoBlog