TOYOTA engineers have detailed the essential position the TNGA-F platform performed in delivering a stronger and extra succesful new-generation LandCrusier Prado, the structure claimed to offer the 250 Collection each the off-road skill of the bigger LandCruiser 300 Series and the manoeuvrability of a much smaller SUV.
In response to these near the undertaking – together with Toyota Motor Company deputy chief engineer and TNGA-F designer Minoru Takayama – the structure that underpins the 250 Collection LandCruiser Prado is appropriate for a spread of purposes with wheelbase choices from 2850mm to 4180mm.
This flexibility is demonstrated by the body-on-frame structure’s utility in a spread of fashions, together with the Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner, Tacoma, and each LandCruiser 300 and 250 Collection (Prado) – which share an an identical wheelbase – plus the intently associated Lexus LX and GX ranges.
It’s also more likely to underpin the next-generation HiLux, regardless of current rumours on the contrary.
“Though the wheelbase of the 300 and 250 Collection is similar, the design of the rear suspension differs significantly, because it has to supply efficiency in load necessities which might be specific to the 250 Collection,” Mr Takayama detailed.
“We additionally needed to scale back mass. Mass discount is essential. But it surely meant a redesign of nearly all of the suspension parts for the LandCruiser 250 Collection – and lots of of those modifications had been outlined by buyer suggestions right here in Australia.
“On stability, we really feel we’ve maintained the sensible, utility life-style of the Prado whereas bettering dealing with and ease of operation.”
Mr Takayama informed GoAuto that the TNGA-F platform might be put in with coil or leaf rear suspension relying on the applying.
“The brand new platform permits wheelbase variation from 2850mm by to 4180mm within the Tundra. After we have a look at Tacoma and Tundra, these are very completely different measurement autos, however are (constructed) on the identical platform,” he defined.
“Tacoma, for instance, has leaf suspension … and I consider the TNGA-F platform has the potential to underpin every kind of autos.
“However every automobile has completely different calls for from the client, so we can’t all the time resolve the platform from our aspect, we should all the time take into account the client demand and mirror that voice (in our product).”
Evidently, Mr Takayama is referring to the fee {that a} new platform would possibly deliver to a new-generation HiLux, notably in markets the place any value enhance may see the mannequin lose its aggressive benefit.
However given the transfer to the TNGA-F platform throughout Toyota’s body-on-frame line-up, and the similarities between earlier era LandCruiser Prado and HiLux fashions, it’s possible the next-generation ute will transfer to extra superior underpinnings – at the very least for developed markets like Australia.
“If the client request to us was that HiLux must be on TNGA-F platform, then in fact we are going to take into account it,” added Mr Takayama.
Rumours a few carry-over platform for the subsequent HiLux may level to a two-pronged strategy relying on market as, for instance, Volkswagen is doing with the first-generation Amarok that’s nonetheless produced in Argentina for South American markets and was facelifted early this yr.
Attending the press convention by way of video chat from Japan, Toyota LandCruiser 250 chief engineer Keita Moritsu stated the TNGA-F platform underpinning the brand new Prado brings advantages that had been unable to be achieved by the earlier era’s F2 construction.
These embody elevated power, decrease mass, improved towing functionality and larger torsional rigidity – all advantages that will elevate a brand new HiLux past its class rivals.
“We wished to realize the identical stage of on- and off-road skill because the LandCruiser 300 Collection whereas on the similar time sustaining the driveability and ease of operation of the 150 Collection (earlier era Prado),” he stated.
“An important change was introducing the TNGA-F platform. This is similar platform and wheelbase that underpins the 300 Collection, however we’ve shortened the entrance overhang in comparison with the earlier platform to enhance manoeuvrability in tight off-road environments.
“This platform is a basis for drastically improved rigidity, glorious response, and improved experience and dealing with each on- and off-road.”
The TNGA-F platform has additionally improved the rigidity of the construction whereas on the similar time decreasing weight.
Mr Moritsu stated the body of the Japanese-built 250 Collection LandCruiser Prado affords a 50 per cent enhance in torsional rigidity when put next with the outgoing mannequin, in addition to a mixed 30 per cent enhance in torsional rigidity for the physique and body mixed.
Importantly, and alongside the modifications to physique and body design, the new-generation LandCruiser Prado gives electrically assisted energy steering, improved suspension articulation – providing a ten per cent enchancment over the previous mannequin plus an extra 10 per cent within the Altitude variant – whereas additionally delivering improved braked towing capability (now 3500kg), and an eight-speed computerized transmission.
However for Mr Moritsu, it’s the advantages the TNGA-F platform affords Prado consumers that he’s most happy with.
“The TNGA-F platform additionally advantages packaging,” he added.
“The longer wheelbase ends in a larger couple distance between the second- and third rows; the curved flooring space is not; and the rear seats are wider for five- and seven-seat variations.”
Additional ahead, Mr Moritsu stated the retro-inspired design of the brand new LandCruiser Prado brings advantages which might be maybe sudden from the mannequin’s boxy kind, together with improved ahead visibility and a discount in lateral blind spots.
“The brand new styling is each fashionable and conventional, and all the time useful,” he defined.
“The robust exterior attracts on LandCruiser styling heritage – notably from the FJ40. The recessed cabin is right for inside consolation and house … in addition to glorious visibility in all circumstances.
“The cowl and the instrument panel are set low, whereas the A-pillar is repositioned to cut back blind spots, and eventually, the shoulder line is decrease, making it simpler to examine your environment.”
Extra info on the 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado might be discovered within the hyperlinks beneath. GoAuto’s Australian launch evaluate of the mannequin from Kakadu Nationwide Park is now obtainable right here.
