BODY STRUCTURE

Info Added 2017-04-18

OUTLINE
1. Lightweight and Highly Rigid Body
  1. Using hot-stamped sheet steel, high-strength sheet steel, ultra high-strength sheet steel, and extensive aluminum components both reduces weight and ensures rigidity together with an optimized frame joint structure and optimal positioning of reinforcement members.
2. Safety Features
  1. The body has the structure that can distribute energy to many members to increase absorption of the collision energy and the framework of high strength that can control the deformation of the cabin and help secure sufficient survival space.
  2. The impact energy-absorbing construction has been adopted in consideration of pedestrian protection.
3. Rust-resistant Body
  1. Rust-resistance performance is enhanced by extensive use of anti-corrosion sheet steel, as well as by an anti-corrosion treatment that includes the application of anti-rust wax, sealer and antic-hipping paint to easily corroded parts such as the rocker panels.
4. Low Vibration and Low Noise Body
  1. Effective application of vibration damping and noise suppressant materials reduces engine, wind and road noise.
5. Aerodynamics
  1. Leveling off the surface where the front body pillar meets the windshield and smoothing the shape around the doors, front and rear bumper were effective in reducing flow separation.
  2. Various types of airflow routing parts that control airflow are provided under the floor, and an under cover is provided to make the under floor area flat in order to ensure excellent aerodynamic performance.
MAIN FEATURES
1. Aim of Exterior Design
  - Incorporating large-diameter wheels, a body with a "lift-up" feeling and a fully-realized condensed cabin, and uniting the robust stance of an SUV with a body overflowing with the sensation of speed, to express a sophisticated sensuality in pursuit of "A New Type of Sporty Vehicle".
2. Aim of Overall Exterior Design
  1. Creation of a Compact Cabin
    
    The roofline sloping down towards the rear and the inclined rear window reduce the overall volume of the cabin. By placing the beltline at a higher position and moving both the quarter panel further forward and the front pillar towards the back, the glass area is made to appear even smaller, thus achieving a compact cabin.
  2. Powerful Chassis
    
    The cladding panel and wheel arch molding make the underbody appear slimmer. The large tires emphasize the "lift up" feel and robust stance to create an active SUV feel, as opposed to a conventional car-like SUV.
  3. Unique Silhouette
    
    An "imbalance" is created by the difference in the visual center of gravity between the body (which leans forward due to the reduced overhang) and the cabin (which leans toward the rear). This expresses movement with a sense of speed, and also achieves a distinctive silhouette.
3. Side Design
  1. "An original side view that takes advantage of its agile proportions"
    
    By integrating the surfaces of the door and the cabin, and carving out the lower part of the underbody, the design accentuates the sculptural diamond shape which, in combination with generously protruding front and rear wheel flares, expresses a boldly sensual side view.
    
    The blacked out rocker panel area that suggests movement toward the tires and the strong shoulder axis that runs through to the front and rear emphasize the "lift up" feel of the slim body and the sense of speed.
    
    The adoption of a brand new rear door handle in the area separating the distinctive roof and the quarter pillar further emphasizes the unprecedented sporty image.
4. Front Design
  1. "Sharp and powerful front face"
    
    The sharp and powerful wing-shaped headlights that spread out from the Toyota mark and wrap around the sides, combined with the three-dimensionally emphasized trapezoidal shapes that project strongly from the corners in accordance with Under Priority*1 express a Keen Look*2, creating a powerful front design with impressions of wideness and of standing firm.
    
    Tech Tips
    
    *1: A front design with an assertive lower grille design, based on technical theories to ensure aerodynamic, cooling, and pedestrian protection performance.
    
    *2: A Toyota-original front expression that provides a bright, intelligent and dynamic impression. It is expressed by a combination of the Toyota mark enhanced 3-dimensionally and the dynamic Toyota theme of "Under Priority".
    
    The powerful stance and sense of agility is further emphasized by integrating the wheel flares and bumper into a strong solid shape, visually shortening the overhang.
    
    The upper area of the bumper has a boldly carved surface styling, and like the body side, expresses a sculptural design with sharp contrast.
5. Rear Design
  1. "A rear design with a powerful, distinctive stance"
    
    Creating a unified impression with the back door, the cabin has been dramatically compressed while still ensuring luggage space, and together with the protruding rear wheel flares and rear combination lights, expresses stability and a powerful stance when viewed from the rear.
    
    The back door incorporates a carved surface appearance similar the front and side surfaces, continuing the expression of strongly contrasting shapes. In addition, emphasis is placed on the three-dimensional feel and strength of the generously protruding wheel flares by contrast with the downward tapering diamond motif.
    
    Similar to the front, the powerful, firm stance is further emphasized by the inverted triangular reflectors positioned at the rear bumper edges and the blacked-out trapezoidal shape of the lower bumper.
6. Surface and Character Line Design
  1. The contrast between the solid surfaces of the diamond motif created by carving the core body, and the fluid flare surfaces that thrust out from the inside, emphasizes a convex/concave rhythm while also expressing a high-quality surface with special dedication toward creating a refined, lustrous feel.
    
    Sharp graphics and large motions are used to create lines that accentuate surface quality.