4th-Generation Toyota Prius Teardown (Part 3)
Body structure based on TNGA, sound insulating, absorbing and damping technologies
2016/04/11
- Summary
- Shock absorbing structure for the front end and engine compartment
- Rugged dash panel structure
- Floor panel structure
- Looped structure for the body side
- Luggage room structure
- Sound insulation/absorption and damping materials for cabin quietness
Summary
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| Body structure of the new Prius | |
This is a continuation of a report series describing the teardown analysis of the all-new Prius performed in January 2016 by the Hiroshima Industrial Promotion Organization. The first and second reports can be found at the following links.
(4th-Generation Prius Teardown (Part 1): Powertrain units miniaturized and lightened to achieve 40km/liter fuel economy, (Part 2): New TNGA platform enhances dynamic performance; advanced aerodynamics and chassis technologies)
This report introduces technologies related to the autobody structure, which could be said to be core to the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. The body structure of the new Prius has technologies woven into it that were carefully planned out to accomplish three goals. These are: (1) collision safety, (2) creating a rugged body with the high tensile strength necessary for dynamic vehicle performance, while at the same time (3) improving the fuel economy through weight reduction. Among these goals, the second one in particular is a new endeavor for the company. The 4th-generation Prius adopts new design features like the expanded use of ultra-high tensile steel, a looped structure framework based on the TNGA, and laser spot welding, which increase the torsional rigidity of the body by approximately 60 percent. This report will go on to introduce the characteristics of the sealing and damping materials used in the body as well as technologies to improve cabin quietness, and the sound insulating and absorbing materials that were enhanced in the 4th-generation Prius.
The following report (Part 4) will present photographs of components and parts, as well as a list of the main parts suppliers from the vehicle teardown, including those that were not mentioned in the three reports on the new Prius through this current one.
Previous teardown reports:
4th-Generation Toyota Prius
(Part 1) Powertrain units miniaturized and lightened to achieve 40km/liter fuel economy (Feb. 2016)
(Part 2): New TNGA platform enhances dynamic performance; advanced aerodynamics and chassis technologies
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