With gas prices rising and a daily commute becoming more common again, chances are that getting some sort of alternative fuel vehicle has crossed your mind. We get it – paying for gas is annoying (especially right now) and electric cars also have the benefit of being extremely eco-friendly. However, what is an electric car and how will it benefit your drive time? Toyota of Orlando is here to explain exactly what electric vehicles are and how they work.

What you need to know about electric cars

First, let’s talk about what electric cars are. Essentially, they’re exactly what they sound like. All-electric cars run solely on electricity that’s stored in a battery; to keep them up and running, you have to plug the car into a special electrical outlet and let it charge. Here are a few more points to keep in mind:

• These cars don’t use gasoline at all. They run solely on an electric charge, which makes them different from Orlando Toyota hybrids and hybrid plug-ins. Hybrid and hybrid plug-in cars can both run on electric charge, but not for long periods of time or at high speeds. In those scenarios, they rely on a gasoline engine to power them. Electric cars never “swap off” and rely solely on their battery charge to keep them moving.
• Electric cars also require a lot less maintenance than traditional gasoline-powered cars or even hybrids. This is because they don’t use oil, so you won’t ever need oil changes. They also don’t require transmission fluid or power steering fluid. Things stay a lot cleaner under the hood so maintenance is simpler. All you’ll really need to do is get routine tire rotations and keep an eye on things like your brakes, battery, and coolant here at our Orlando auto service center.
• Electric cars may seem like a new fad, but trust us – they’re not a fad and they’ve been around a lot longer than you think. These eco-friendly cars have actually existed since 1881 but didn’t gain popularity or reputation until the 1990s. This is when – believe it or not – Toyota actually put out a Toyota RAV4 EV, which was completely powered by electricity. (And it was a collaboration with Tesla!) However, this rookie EV topped out at a speed of 78 mph and could only travel around 100 miles on a charge, making it impractical for everyday drivers.
• Since then, however, electric cars have come a LONG way. We’re all familiar with Tesla, of course, as they’ve been a frontrunner in the EV movement. However, Toyota has had electric options
  in the works since the Toyota RAV4 EV and one is arriving this summer – the all-new Toyota bz4X. 

And there are tons of benefits to driving an electric car. Here are a few to consider:

• Less car maintenance – remember, no oil changes or fluids except for the coolant, so you won’t be coming into Toyota of Orlando as often for car care.
• NO GAS. We repeat – NO GAS. You won’t have to stop and fill up at the pump; you just need to charge your car according to the range you have left, either at home or at a charging station. Electricity isn’t free, of course, but it’s far cheaper than filling your car up with gas.
• Top technology. Not only will you have the best tech possible under the hood, but you’ll also have it in the cabin. The new bz4X, for example, features highlights like cloud-based navigation, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, and a digital key with remote start.
• Rebates. You might also be eligible for state and local rebates for driving such a clean car. This means money in your pocket.
• Instant torque. Electric cars can be FAST – you have instant torque at your fingertips, which means serious get-up-and-go.

Toyota of Orlando has answers to your electric car questions

Have questions about electric cars, hybrids, or anything in between? Toyota of Orlando has answers. Call us today! Our Orlando Toyota dealership is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. You can also follow us on social media for more updates about the upcoming arrival of the all-new Toyota bz4X!

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When you get behind the wheel of an Orlando Toyota, you know that you’re in safe hands. Toyota does extensive safety testing for each and every one of its vehicles and on top of that, it’s always conducting new research to create, design, and implement new safety technologies. In fact, Toyota even has a facility devoted entirely to safety research in Ann Arbor, Michigan – the Toyota Collaborative Safety Research Center. This institution spends countless hours researching, testing, and designing different features and technologies to keep you and your loved ones safe when you’re behind the wheel. On top of that, all Toyotas undergo stringent testing for safety before they hit the road. Both the IIHS and NHTSA assign ratings to each vehicle to ensure it’s meeting the standards it should for the safest performance possible.

What exactly is the Moose Test?

However, one safety test that you may not have heard of yet is the Moose Test. This unique test isn’t very commonly known and we’re here to give you the details.

All of our Orlando Toyotas undergo testing for crashing and rollovers to see how they’ll fare in those instances. The Moose Test, however, tests just how well your vehicle would fare if a large animal (like a moose) were to wander into the roadway as you’re driving. Here are a few things to know about the Moose Test:

• It’s most commonly used in Sweden and it actually originates from there, having been created and put into use in the 1970s. (Apparently, they see a lot of wandering moose.)
• Researchers set up an s-shaped pattern of orange cones on the road with a sudden left turn and a straight-away bookending the segment.
• The test is designed to simulate an object suddenly crossing into your Orlando Toyota’s path and obstructing the way forward. To avoid a collision, the driver has to swerve out of the way of the object and then regain control of their car to continue driving in a straight line.
• The vehicles in this test typically travel at 40-50 mph.

The test isn’t easy – a lot of vehicles don’t pass it on the first go, leading automakers to reconsider the design and implementation of their safety systems, features, and technologies. However, the test is really only performed in Sweden – it’s not often in North America that you’ll have a moose pass in front of you on the open road.

And don’t forget, some of the responsibility in this test AND in real-life situation lies with the driver. It’s critical that whenever you’re behind the wheel you’re focused on driving and driving alone. This means no distractions, no taking your hands off the wheel, and no taking your eyes off the road. It also means implementing your best defensive driving skills so you can react to a situation BEFORE an accident occurs, rather than reacting to an accident as it’s happening.

Have questions about Toyota safety features or the Moose Test? Toyota of Orlando – as always – has answers. Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road or call us at (407) 298-4500 today!

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… except the snow part. We don’t see much winter precipitation in the City Beautiful except for rain so driving in the snow isn’t really a big concern for us. However, if you’re headed out of town on a road trip to celebrate with family and friends or take a vacation, you might find yourself in more challenging driving conditions. This means not only should you be ready for driving in the snow, but you should also ensure your car is ready for driving in the snow. Here are some car care appointments you’ll want to make to get it prepped.

Five car care items to check off your list before driving in the snow

#1: Tires: Before you attempt driving in the snow, you should ensure that your tires are in the BEST condition possible. If they’re underinflated or the tread is too low, they won’t be able to grip the slick surfaces you’ll be driving on. Have our Orlando auto service techs inspect them for general condition, tread depth, and inflation level before you hit the road. If your tread is too low for safe driving, ensure that you replace your tires before you take off.

#2: Brakes: When the road is slippery, you want as much stopping power as you can get. After all, you may have to come to a sudden stop to avoid an accident or collision. Our Orlando Toyota service techs will inspect your car’s brake system, including your brake pads and brake fluid, and replace or repair anything that would prevent you from bringing your ride to a halt.

#3: Headlights: You’ll want to use your headlights when driving in the snow, especially if snow is actively falling. This helps make you more visible to other drivers on the road. On top of that, winter means shorter days and longer nights. Be ready to turn on your headlights as soon as dusk falls and leave them on until dawn.

#4: Wipers: You’ll definitely want to use your windshield wipers when driving in winter weather. Whether you’re facing rain, sleet, or snow, your wipers will keep your windshield clear so you have a full view of everything around you (so you can better avoid an accident).

#5: Heater/defroster: Don’t forget to test out your heater and defroster before you take off. You’ll want a working heater for comfort reasons, and you’ll want a working defroster to ensure that you can see better out of your front and rear windows. If you have issues with them, bring them to Toyota of Orlando’s service center to let our techs get them working again.

And don’t forget about your battery. It’s a good idea to have our techs give it a quick once-over before you leave because cold temperatures can have a negative effect on it if it’s not in the best shape.

Get winter auto service handled at Toyota of Orlando

Ready to tackle driving in the snow? Prep your car for the holidays at Toyota of Orlando. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. Call us to schedule your auto service at (407) 298-4500!

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At this point in time, if you haven’t heard of the Toyota Supra, you MAY have been living under a rock. This iconic sports car was incredibly popular from 1978 until 2002 when it was retired. Popular demand saw its revival in 2019 and since then, it’s continued to be a fan favorite for drivers who want an exciting experience every single time they get behind the wheel. Today Toyota of Orlando is giving you a brief history of this icon – buckle your seatbelts!

What is the history of the Orlando Toyota Supra?

As noted, the Orlando Toyota Supra was introduced to the market way back in 1978. There are – to date – five generations of this sports car with the latest being introduced in 2019 after a period of retirement. Here’s the breakdown surrounding the different generations.

First generation: This generation was referred to as the A40/A50; it was based heavily on the popular Toyota Celica. It was first introduced in Japan as the Celica XX and then in America as the Celica Supra and had a 2.0L inline-six engine that offered 123 horsepower and electronic fuel injection. You could choose from a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission and the car came with disc brakes, four-link rear suspension, and MacPherson strut front suspension. Subsequent model years featured updates like power door locks and windows, an optional sunroof, and a four-speaker stereo system. This generation was available through 1980.

Second generation: The second generation of the Orlando Toyota Supra was introduced in 1981 and was called the A60. It was available in two models: The Performance (P-Type) and Luxury (L-Type). The two cars were identical when it came to mechanics, but had pretty vast differences when it came to appearance. The P-type had fender flares, headlight washers, and was also available in a manual transmission. The L-type showcased a leather interior, a digital instrument cluster, and came in an automatic transmission. In 1984, significant changes were made in terms of performance – power was increased to 160 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. In 1985, the Toyota Supra was redesigned again to feature slightly increased power, automatic-off headlights, and a theft-deterrent system.

Third generation: The third generation of the Toyota Supra, or the A70, was introduced to the market in 1986. It was now the Toyota Supra solely (not the Celica Supra) and had a rear-wheel drive layout, an updated 3.0L inline-six engine with 200 horsepower, and the option of a turbocharger in 1987. It also showcased major technology updates like a 3-channel ABS, an Acoustic Control Induction System, double wishbone suspension, and more. This model carried through to 1992.

Fourth generation: The fourth – and supposedly final- generation of the Toyota Supra was introduced in 1992 and was around through 2002. It was the A80 model and was a high-performance car. It offered two engines – a naturally-aspirated inline-six that got 220 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbocharged engine that offered 276 horsepower and 318 lb-ft of torque. It was also lighter despite the fact that it offered more features than previous generations (like dual airbags, bigger tires, traction control, etc.). Much to EVERYONE’s chagrin, this icon was retired in 2002 due to declining sales of sport coupes in North America and increased value of the yen (Japanese currency) pushing up prices.

Fifth generation: To everyone’s surprise (and happiness), the fifth generation of the Toyota Supra was introduced in 2019. This sports car was a collaboration with BMW and is based on the Z4; it showcases two engine options (a turbocharged 2.0L inline-four and a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six) and comes in an automatic transmission. And the best news? You can see it in person today at Toyota of Orlando!

See this iconic sports car in person today at Toyota of Orlando

Get behind the wheel today – call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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SEMA is always an exciting time for both automakers and auto enthusiasts. This one-of-a-kind car show not only introduces new models and vehicles to the various lineups but also brings exciting new concept vehicles to the table for drivers to ponder. 2020 was no exception and Toyota has followed their initial wave of four new SEMA builds with an additional two models to send out the year with a bang. Today we’re taking a closer look at the 2021 Toyota GR Supra Sport Top and the TRD-Sport Trailer for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma.

The unique 2021 GR Supra Sport Top lets the outside in

The Toyota GR Supra is a blast from the past that’s gained some serious traction since its initial release. This incredible sports car offers aggressive and sporty aesthetics both inside and out as well as an exciting performance, but the new Sport Top model adds a whole new element – an open-air top. Yup, you heard right! This concept car is a tribute to the older Supra models (now retired) that had a removable top to make the car a convertible. However, it wasn’t quite as simple as merely taking the top off – structural integrity and engineering had to be taken into account to ensure that even as an open-top concept, the vehicle remained safe.

Toyota is never one to shirk from a challenge (especially when it comes to safety), so they dove right in. They ended up reinforcing large sections of the vehicle’s frame to ensure structural rigidity and integrity; in doing so, they were able to do away with the customary “t-shaped” roof so there’s no center bar blocking your view. This cool new concept car is also showcasing a sleek wing in the back, rounded taillights, and a canopy with a piano-black finish.

The TRD-Sport Trailer can get you off the grid

Overlanding enthusiasts, this one’s for you! In the first wave of new SEMA concept cars, Toyota introduced an overlanding-ready Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. This unique trailer is designed to go along with it, serving as a sort of home-away-from-home for people who like to get off the grid. It showcases a remote-operated scissor lift that actually boosts a platform out of the bed of the trailer for additional space. It can be pulled by a Toyota truck or SUV and offers incredibly cool features like a Yakima four-person tent, a toilet, a hot water heater, a refrigerator, a slide-out sink and stove, a trash can, tanks for both fresh and gray water, and even lighting for the campsite. On top of that, the tent offers an awning for cover and fishing pole holders. Talk about being ready for anything!

We don’t know when – if ever – that we’ll see these two new cool concepts at Toyota of Orlando… but if we do, you can bet on us letting you know. In the interim, come check out the 2021 Toyota GR Supra and Toyota Tacoma in person! Both of these new Toyotas are ready and waiting for you to take them home in time for the holidays at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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Well, it’s official – the Orlando Toyota Land Cruiser is officially headed for retirement. Rumors have been swirling for a few months now that this classic SUV was about to be put out to pasture but many were holding out hope that they were just that: rumors. However, Toyota just confirmed that this off-roading icon will be put into retirement after the 2021 model year. Toyota of Orlando has the details.

Say goodbye to this iconic Toyota SUV

The current model of the Toyota Land Cruiser – the 200 Series – has been on the market since 2008. This luxury SUV is renowned throughout the world for its off-roading capabilities but as it is a luxury vehicle, it doesn’t sell in high numbers and is the sort of SUV a niche buyer would be looking for. Thus, Toyota’s decision to retire it for the foreseeable future. The 200 Series model will be retired after 2021 in the United States but there’s good news if you live overseas; the 300 Series will be introduced to markets in other countries. And while you may not be able to take it home with you here in the states, Toyota has stated that they’re going to remain committed to the large SUV segment of the market. Whether this means introducing a new SUV to the lineup, we’re not sure, but they did say they were going to explore future options that continue to honor the Toyota Land Cruiser’s heritage and history.

There’s more good news to soften the blow, too. For 2021, the new Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition will offer three rows of seats for the first time (all previous iterations only had two rows). Additionally, it’ll likely lose the V8 engine and you can put the pedal to the metal with a new turbocharged V6 option instead. On top of that, if you’re interested in a similar product, you can always check out the Lexus LX. This luxury SUV won’t be retiring anytime soon and will also be getting the aforementioned turbocharged V6 engine under the hood.

Get off the pavement in an Orlando Toyota

We’re sad to see the Orlando Toyota Land Cruiser go, but we’re also eager to see what’s coming down the road to replace it. In the meantime, we’ve still got plenty of off-road options ready and waiting for you at our dealership PLUS a large selection of quality used Toyotas that will likely include a Toyota Land Cruiser or two in the future. If you’re looking to take things off the pavement now, consider options like:

• Current Toyota Land Cruiser: This iconic Toyota SUV is well known for both its off-road capabilities and its luxurious interior. Recline in leather seats, access the latest and greatest tech, and take on any terrain thrown at you with features like CRAWL Conrol and Multi-terrain Select.
• Toyota 4Runner: The Orlando Toyota 4Runner is a bit smaller than its larger sibling, but still packs a punch when it comes to off-road abilities thanks to features like limited-slip differential and active traction control.
• Toyota Tacoma: Skip the SUV and head straight for the trucks – the Toyota Tacoma is well-adapted for off-roading adventures with features like four-wheel drive, CRAWL Control, and TRD sport-tuned suspension.

See them all – shop Toyota of Orlando today and take home the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser before it’s gone!

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Here at Toyota of Orlando, we like to stay on top of all the rumors in the automotive world (even if there’s really nothing substantial backing them), and there’s one rumor floating around right now that we’re living for. Toyota recently trademarked the name “Grand Highlander”, and people are speculating that a larger and more decked-out version of the much-loved Orlando Toyota Highlander may be making its way to the market in the future. We’re digging into this interesting rumor further!

What will Toyota do with their new trademark?

First things first: Toyota did, in fact, trademark the name “Grand Highlander” which makes it theirs to use exclusively. To us, this signals that they’ll be making moves to introduce a new vehicle into their lineup, and going off of the name itself, it’ll be a larger version of the Toyota Highlander. But why?

If you remember, we recently (sadly) announced that the Toyota Land Cruiser is going to be retired after the 2021 model year. We’ll get one more year of production out of it and to mix things up a bit before it’s put out to pasture, Toyota is removing the V8 engine from under the hood and integrated a new V6 engine into the works. Additionally, the limited Heritage Edition will still be available and this go around, will offer three rows of seating. However, when all is said and done, this iconic Toyota SUV will be removed from the lineup after 2021, leaving an empty slot.

Will the Grand Highlander make its way to Toyota of Orlando?

That’s why we’re all about the Grand Highlander being introduced as a larger sibling to the original Toyota Highlander. Don’t get us wrong – we’re huge fans of the current model of this popular SUV. It’s sleek, stylish, and family-friendly (and additionally comes in a hybrid model, too). However, if you’re in the market for a large SUV, the Toyota Highlander may not tick all your boxes. Sure, it has three rows of seats… but the third row can be a bit cramped and if you utilize it, you lose a good chunk of storage space in the cargo area.

So what would the Grand Highlander have to offer? If we had to wager a guess, we’d say it’ll be a larger and more spacious version of the current model. It’ll likely rest on the same TNGA-K platform and have a V6 or turbocharged V6 engine under the hood and offer three rows of seating for passengers. It’ll also probably have a larger cargo area, which means the back end of the vehicle would need to be redesigned and updated. We’re conjecturing that it’ll be similar to the Lexus LX, which is Lexus’ solution to the large SUV.

We’ll keep you posted, but if you want a large SUV in the meantime, come down to Toyota of Orlando! The Toyota Land Cruiser is still hanging around and the Toyota Highlander isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. You can get behind the wheel of both at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. Call us at (407) 298-4500 to schedule your test drive!

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If you find yourself behind the wheel in the dark quite a bit, you know just how much of an adjustment it can be from driving during the day. Driving at night requires you to switch up your drive time habits to ensure the safety of both you and other drivers, and Toyota of Orlando is here to help you make the change with ease. Check out these quick additional tips for driving at night from our experts.

Seven tips for driving at night

Tip #1: Clean your windshield with a piece of newspaper. Before you drive in the dark, take a minute to clean your mirrors and your windshield with a piece of newspaper (that junk mail will finally come in handy) or microfiber cloth to remove any streaks. Smears and streaks may not be a big deal during the day, but when you’re driving at night they can actually reflect light and cause a glare, making it difficult for you to see where you’re headed.

Tip #2: Make sure your headlights are aimed correctly. Sometimes your vehicle’s headlights become misaligned and can point unevenly. Park your car so you’re facing a wall and look at the beams – if they’re not even, get out and adjust the bulbs until they are.

Tip #3: Dim your instrument panel and dash lights. It’s always a good idea to dim your instrument panel and dash lights when driving at night. Lights that are too bright can be distracting and actually diminish your view of the road ahead.

Tip #4: Look for eyes. When you’re driving at night, look for eyes on the road. We know it sounds like something out of a horror movie, but we’re serious – light from headlights will reflect off of the retinas of animals in the road. If you see tiny spots of greenish light ahead, you know an animal is in the road and can slow or stop accordingly.

Tip #5: Don’t look at oncoming lights. If a car is passing you and they have their brights on, don’t look at them. If you have to, shield your eyes with your hand to avoid it. Looking at bright lights can leave you momentarily blinded after you pass them.

Tip #6: Use your rearview mirror correctly. Contrarily, if someone behind you has their brights on, you can avoid being blinded every time you look in the rearview mirror by using the tab on the bottom of the mirror. Flip the tab and your mirror will adjust so you can see clearly once again.

Tip #7: Be careful if you wear glasses. It can be challenging driving at night with glasses on, as light reflects off the glass and distorts your vision. Make sure your glasses have an anti-reflective coating on them or consider putting nighttime lenses over them for safety.

Toyota of Orlando can make you an expert nighttime driver

Want more tips or need help with your headlights? Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. You can reach us at (407) 298-4500 – we’re open seven days a week!

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Have you ever taken a close look at the new Toyota models in our inventory? If you have, then you’ve probably noticed that the names of the models are pretty unique. It’s not like the Lexus lineup where each vehicle is a series of letters (RX, LX, GX) or the Mazda lineup, where nearly every vehicle is “Mazda” with a number and maybe a few letters after it to denote the model. No, Toyota definitely put some thought into their new Toyota names, and today we’re breaking down the meaning of each so you can better understand them!

Camry: Camry means “crown”, so it makes sense that one of the cornerstones of the Toyota lineup would carry this moniker. After all, the Toyota Camry pretty much is kind when it comes to performance, reliability, and style.

Highlander: The Orlando Toyota Highlander is named such because of the people who live in the Scottish Highlands. This particular region of Scotland is noted for its ruggedness, and its people are associated with energy and power. Makes sense in our eyes that this durable and reliable SUV would sport this name!

Tacoma: The Toyota Tacoma is named after Mt. Tacoma (now Mt. Ranier) in Washington State. This versatile and rugged truck is also associated with strength and power, just like the mountain.

Sequoia: The Toyota Sequoia is named after the Sequoia trees in California’s Redwood forests. These trees are renowned for their huge size and beauty, as well as their longevity. Sounds like the Sequoia to us!

Prius: Prius is actually Latin for “prior” or “to go before”. The Orlando Toyota Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in the world, so this name is definitely fitting.

Tundra: The Toyota Tundra truck is well-known for its power, ruggedness, and toughness. That’s why it’s been named after the rugged region of the Arctic Tundra.

Avalon: The Toyota Avalon is all about sophistication, mystery, and comfort. It’s named after the mythical Celtic island paradise of Avalon, where King Arthur went to heal his wounds after his final battle.

Yaris: The new Toyota Yaris is a unique blend of etymology. It’s pulled from “Charis”; she’s the Greek goddess of beauty and creativity. Toyota blended “Charis” with the German word “ja”, which means “yes” and is pronounced “ya”. Put the two together and what do you get? Ya-ris.

Sienna: The new Toyota Sienna, known for its sophistication and sleek beauty despite the fact that it’s a family vehicle, is named after the Italian city of Siena, also renowned for its beauty.

RAV4: RAV4 is actually an acronym – it stands for “Recreational Active Vehicle with 4Wheel Drive”.

Corolla: Corolla is another word for the ring of petals around the center of a flower; Toyota chose this moniker because the Orlando Toyota Corolla is known for being compact, but still beautiful.

4Runner: 4Runner is a mashup of “off-road runner” and “4WD”.

86: The Toyota 86 is named as such because of the legendary Toyota AE86 sports car that preceded it.

Land Cruiser: Land Cruiser is derived from a vehicle that can literally go anywhere – as long as it’s on land.

Venza: Venza is a combination of the words “venture” and “Monza”. Monza is a city in Italy that has an outdoor racecourse, and Toyota chose to mix it with venture to represent outdoor adventure, driving performance, and leisure.

Supra: Supra means “above” or “to surpass” in Latin; it’s pretty fitting for this powerful sports car known for its speed.

C-HR: C-HR is an acronym for both “Compact High Rider” and “Cross Hatch Run-About”.

Mirai: Mirai means “future” in Japanese – fitting for a vehicle that’s bringing the latest and greatest technology to your drive time.

You can test drive any and all of these new Toyotas today to see if they really fit their name – contact Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-4500!

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When you think of a new Toyota, you likely think of how it looks and all of the features it includes. We’re talking features like engine, off-roading elements, entertainment technology, safety technology, convenience elements… the list could go on, but we’re willing to bet that one thing you’ve never thought about is the platform that your new Toyota (or the Toyota you currently drive) was built on. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain the ins and outs of car platforms so next time you’re shopping, you can do the best research possible before signing the dotted line.

What is a car platform and why does it matter?

Essentially, a car platform is a structure upon which the vehicle is built. Think of it sort of like the foundation of a house – it’s what the rest of your Orlando Toyota rests on and builds up from. It can translate to the chassis design, engineering points, and aesthetic features of the car, but typically refers to the technical aspects of the design of the car. For example, a car platform will usually define elements like:

• The types of suspension used both in the front and back of the car
• The power steering parts and other steering mechanisms
• The engine placement, powertrain parts, and type of engine to be installed
• Both the front and rear axles, as well as the wheelbase, which is the distance between the two axles

To name a few.

Why are car platforms shared?

Another cool thing about car platforms is that they can actually be shared. This is when the platform or at least the platform specs are shared among models within a make, or even to other makes (like the Orlando Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ). Automakers do this because designing a new vehicle is expensive and time-consuming. It requires drawing up the design, assembling the vehicle, and then testing it thoroughly to ensure it performs the way it should and also is safe. By sharing car platforms, automakers can cut out a lot of these steps. This also means perks like:

• Tons of testing – even if a car platform is shared with another make or model, it’s still tested for quality and safety (which gives you extra peace of mind).
• Production is cheaper since no design is required and in turn, this means it’s cheaper for you to buy the vehicle.
• Familiarity emerges. When two models share a car platform, a driver can feel more comfortable behind the wheel and it can make switching between models easier for them.

Here’s an example for you. Since 2015, Toyota has been using the TNGA platform for nearly 50% of its vehicles. This Orlando Toyota car platform encompasses the steering system, airbags, seat frames, shifters, and pedals. This standardizes some elements to make it easy when it comes to production and design.

Ready to get shopping? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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