New TNGA-B platform announced by Toyota, to underpin small cars

KUALA LUMPUR: Many models in the Japanese automaker lineup use the Toyota New Global Architecture. And while the GA-C version of the platform features in the latest version of Prius, Corolla, and CH-R, the GA-K trim is found on SUVs and large sedans like the RAV4 and Camry.

The automaker has now announced the arrival of the new GA-B platform that will apply the technology and philosophy of TNGA to elevate the driving performance and design of the brand’s smaller cars.

Like always, modularity remains an essential aspect of TNGA. The GA-B platform can accommodate a variety of vehicle heights, wheelbase lengths, and track widths. Thus, allowing engineers and designers to create cars of varied body types and sizes.

The GA-B platform has been created to offer maximum cabin space all thanks to the intelligent packaging, delivering a comfortable and spacious interior. As a result of the platform’s characteristics, the designers will be able to create visually attractive cars with a wide stance and low height.

All this was possible due to the effective positioning of the non-visible elements that simplify the vehicle design in important areas like low positioned driver’s hip point and upper body hardpoints and strong overhangs accompanying the wheels.

The automaker said that like the GA-C and GA-K, the GA-B version of the TNGA is designed to deliver a natural and confident drive. The advanced joining tech of the new platform provides a high-level of underbody rigidity while keeping the cost and weight under check.

As for the suspension kit, there is the MacPherson strut unit at the front that features a variety of spring types and low friction dampers. The rear suspension unit could either be specified as multi-link or torsion beam depending on the car’s type and character.

The new Toyota GA-B platform positions the driver’s seat low and also back towards the centre of the vehicle, this helps reduce the car’s centre of gravity. According to the automaker, this also calls for a more engaging driving position as the steering can be set near to the driver at a more optimized angle.

Toyota is yet to reveal the car’s name that’ll be the first to underpin the new GA-B platform. We think that the next-gen Yaris might be the one to receive it first.

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