So, how does TNGA improve the driving pleasure of Camry? It can do more than the platform. In addition to being able to carry different engines, gearboxes and various suspension structures like a platform, it can also explore how to build a car with driving a pleasure. Solve the problem fundamentally.
1. Create an engine with thermal efficiency first.
- The new Camry is equipped with two fuel and hybrid power systems. The new 2.5L and 2.0L Dynamic Force Engine engines on the fuel version have won the Ward Top 10 engine in 2018, with a thermal efficiency of 40% and maximum output. Power is 154kw, one of the global torque-efficient engines compared to the previous generation's 15% increase in power.
- The technical principle of the new THS II is simply a structure in which a conventional internal combustion engine is connected in series with two motors to transmit power to the wheels. Between the engine and the motor, a mechanical gear connection is realized by a planetary gear structure, thereby achieving synergistic matching and free conversion of the power output of the internal combustion engine and the motor, and the kinetic energy recovery and charging work.
- The new hybrid system uses a miniaturized, lightweight, low-loss technology that is consistent with the four-generation Prius. It maintains an excellent fuel economy and achieves unprecedented performance in its class.
- Also, during acceleration, the THS II delivers power by reducing engine speed and increasing motor speed, providing a more linear and longer-lasting acceleration experience.
The power system's PCU is 20% smaller and 10% lighter than the previous generation. This means that the power system can be placed directly above the front axle instead of back, which enhances the ride space inside the car. The reduction in the volume of the entire system comes from the newly designed NiMH battery pack and a more compact battery cooling system.
2. The low center of gravity of the sports car.
If the engine is the soul of the driving control, the low center of gravity is the basis of the control. For the control, a low value, even if the 10 mm center of gravity is reduced, will bring about a significant change in the handling of the vehicle.
After the new Camry is lowered by 25mm, it is the change from car to the sports car. Reducing the center of gravity is the most basic requirement for improving the handling performance of a car.
To achieve this 25 mm center of gravity reduction, Toyota reduced the entire hood by 40 mm, and most of the parts in the engine compartment were redesigned and lightweight, as well as the air-conditioning assembly, fuel tank, and exhaust pipe. Optimized and lowered the floor height by 20 mm.
3. Optimize the suspension system.
The power system is the soul, the center of gravity is the foundation, and the reliable, high-quality suspension is the key link for a car to create a sense of control.
The new-generation Camry has made significant improvements and improvements in the rear suspension structure. The double-fork independent rear suspension of the TNGA-C platform is more rigid, allowing the wheel to be more flexible and amplitude, and can be obtained in the curve. A more stable body posture, while at the same time better suppressing the roll during cornering and filtering road bumps, which is positive for the stability of the vehicle and the comfort of the ride.
Also, the new double-wishbone independent rear suspension is optimized for the position, shock absorber adjustment and shock absorber position, improving handling stability and comfort, as well as independent suspension encroaching on the trunk space. The disadvantages are reduced to a minimum.
The emergence of TNGA changed not only a Camry car but also a dimension of Toyota's driving pleasure. It brought changes from the brand's product ideas to the technical development of each component. Under this change, the products of Ralink and C-HR, which were also born under the TNGA architecture, are the same as the Camry, showing a high level of driving performance beyond the same level. Whether it is the C-HR that was originally positioned for sports personality or the Ralink that greatly improved the driving quality after the replacement, the transformation of them has occurred due to the new car-making ideas and components under the TNGA architecture. In the future, with the update of more new cars, Toyota's production will gradually complete the transformation of TNGA, and consumers will have more choices of high-quality, well-equipped Toyota models.