A quick guide to car platforms

While we're sure you're familiar with the features that your car has - after all, you did buy it - you probably haven't ever considered the platform it's on. The platform kind of falls to the wayside because you're focusing more on things like engine size and placement, performance abilities, technology (both safety and entertainment), convenience features, and cargo space. However, your car platform plays an important role in your N Charlotte Toyota's overall performance and we're here with a quick guide to explain why. 

What is a car platform? 

A car platform is similar to a house foundation. In essence, it's the structure that your car rests upon and it determines elements like your body aesthetics, chassis design, and other engineering elements. It also usually defines elements like: 

• The type of engine the car will have as well as the engine placement and powertrain elements 
• The type of suspension used both in the front and rear of the car 
• The front and rear axles, as well as the wheelbase, or distance between the two axles 
• The power steering system and other steering parts 

So it obviously plays a pretty critical role in your car's design and performance. 

Why are car platforms shared? 

Also, did you know that car platforms can be shared both among models and across different makes? Take the N Charlotte Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ - they share the same car platform even though they're completely different makes and models. This is more common than you think, too. Designing a new car is pretty costly and also takes a lot of time and effort. Automakers have to research and design the car and then assemble and test it to ensure it's road-worthy. By sharing car platforms, they can cut out steps and save both time and money. This also benefits you as a purchaser and driver - here are a few reasons why: 

• Costs go down. If an automaker doesn't have to go through ALL the steps of designing a new car, it saves them time and money. In turn, they can sell the cars for less so you save money, too. 
• Testing is increased. All vehicles undergo stringent testing before they hit the road, but if several automakers are testing the same car platform, there's even less room for error. This gives you more peace of mind when you hit the road. 
• Your familiarity goes up. Sometimes it can be jarring to jump from one car to another and it can have a negative impact on your drive time. If your new N Charlotte Toyota has the same platform as the last one, then it makes the transition smoother. 

Obviously, there are pretty big perks when it comes to sharing car platforms, both for you and the automaker. 

Ready to shop N Charlotte Toyotas? We're at your service. Call us today at (704) 875-9199 or stop by. Toyota of N Charlotte is located just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville at 13429 Statesville Road.