[Autohome News] We often say that the Golf and Audi A3 are products of the same platform. Do you know that the currently very popular Escape and New Focus are also produced on the same platform. With the development of the automotive industry, overseas automakers, especiallyEuropean and American car companiesModular and platform-based production and research and development are being continuously promoted. At the same time, as the cooperation between car companies becomes closer, more and more manufacturers are beginning to share platforms to build new cars. Platformization and modularization have become a very popular concept at present. In addition to the Volkswagen MQB platform that everyone is already familiar with, major automakers will build new cars based on UKL, MRA, SPA, EMP2, and D2XX in the future. So which manufacturers do these new platforms belong to and what products will be launched? Let’s take a look together today. (Note: The models involved in this article are not all platform products, but only some representative products are selected.)
What is an automotive platform?
Let’s use the following diagram to briefly describe what a car platform is:
Volkswagen: MQB/MLB platform – multiple derivative cars
The platforms that Volkswagen brands will use in the future will primarily be MQB and MLB.The full name of the MQB platform is Modularer Querbaukasten in German, which is expressed in English as modular transverse matrix or transverse engine modular platform.(Click to view the MQB platform analysis) We are familiar with the Volkswagen 7th generation Golf, Audi’s new generation A3, and the new generation Octavia are all from this platform. So what new cars will be launched on this platform in the future?
★ Volkswagen 7-seat SUV [Click to view new car information]
At the 2013 North American Auto Show, the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept car was officially released. The car is currently in the concept stage, and it will be a 7-seat medium and large SUV after official weighing. The car is built on the Volkswagen MQB platform. According to the original information, the car is expected to be domestically produced by Shanghai Volkswagen by the end of 2015.
"Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept Car"
The Volkswagen CrossBlue concept car adopts the Volkswagen family design, and the body size is 4987/2015/1733mm respectively. It is positioned between the Tiguan and Touareg. After production, the car will compete with models such as Toyota Highlander. Of course, due to Volkswagen’s platform strategy, brands such as Skoda and Seat are also expected to launch their own 7-seat SUV products.
★ New Generation Passat (B8) [Click to view new car information]
The new Passat (B8) will also be built on the MQB platform, and the new car is expected to be released in early 2014. From previous spy photos, Volkswagen will make some improvements to the body of the current model, such as widening the wheel arches and lengthening the wheelbase. If we look closely, the front axle of the new generation model will also move forward. The new Passat will be lighter, with a body weight of nearly 1400kg, similar to some current compact models.
"Previous spy photos of the new generation Passat (B8) travel version"
"Renderings of the new generation Passat (B8) convertible version"
In addition to the sedan version, by 2015, Volkswagen’s Passat family may also welcome new members. Today, the Volkswagen Passat family has sedans, wagons and CC models. In the future, a two-door sports car and a convertible sports car will be added. The launch of several derivative models also shows the strength of modular platform models.
★ Audi Q2 [Click to view new car information]
In today’s increasingly mature SUV market, the small SUV market is also gradually expanding. Buick Oncola and Ford Wingstroke are all products in this context. With the growth of this market, the future Audi Q2 will also join it. The car is positioned as a small SUV and is expected to be officially released in 2014.
"Audi Q2 renderings"
Audi will encourage buyers to personalise the Q2 as they did with the A1 and MINI. They will be able to change the colour of the roof and mirrors, the main interior panels and the choice of seats and steering wheel.
★ Audi’s new generation TT [Click to view new car information]
"Previously exposed imaginary picture of the new generation of Audi TT"
Audi TT is also a transverse engine model. The new generation TT will be built on the MQB modular platform and is expected to be released in 2014. According to previous reports, elements such as Audi’s hexagonal air intake grille and more angular lamp design are expected to appear in the new generation TT model. Lightweight technology will also further reduce the body weight.
Alongside the MQB platform, the full German name of the MLB platform is Modularer L?ngsbaukasten, which means Modular Longitudinal Platform in English. On the future MLB platform, the Volkswagen Group will launch products such as the new generation Audi A4, Porsche Macan, Audi Q6, etc.
★ New generation Audi A4 [Click to view new car information]
The new generation of Audi A4 will be the 9th generation of the A4 series. The new car will be built on the MLB platform and is expected to be released in 2014. According to foreign media reports, the new Audi A4 after weight reduction will be about 100kg lighter than the current model, while the lightest model may only be 1330kg.
"New Generation A4 Renderings"
In terms of power, the car will be equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, in addition to the four-wheel drive system of the e-quattro. The e-quattro technology allows the engine to power the front wheels, while the rear wheels are powered by an electric motor on the rear axle. The front and rear wheels are synchronized by the control module.
★ Porsche Macan [Click to view new car information]
"Porsche Macan spy photo"
The Porsche Macan has also been exposed many times. The car is built on the shared platform with the Audi Q5. It is an entry-level SUV under Porsche. It is positioned under the Cayenne. For domestic consumers, many people are more inclined to call it "Little Cayenne". According to reports, the car is expected to be released at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year.
★ Audi Q6 [Click to view new car information]
"Audi Q6 renderings"
The Audi Q6 can be seen as a coupe version of the Q5 SUV, positioned between the Q5 and Q7, and the future competitor is the X4 that BMW is developing. From the hypothetical picture, the front face of the Audi Q6 car is inspired by the design elements of the Crosslane Coupe concept car, while in the rear, the Audi Q6 will be built in the Coupe coupe style. It is understood that this car may be officially launched in 2016.
★ New generation Q7[Click to view new car information]
"Audi’s new generation Q7 hand-drawn drawing"
The Audi Q7 has been around for nearly 8 years since its launch in 2005, and it is approaching its replacement year. From the hand-drawn drawings of the new generation Q7, it is not difficult to see that the front face of the new model is very similar to the Crosslane Coupe concept car. The intake grille is angular, and the overall design is more concise and tough. The new generation Q7 will be built on the Volkswagen MLB platform. Thanks to the adoption of more new technologies, the body weight of the new generation Q7 will be 350kg lighter than the current model.
Summary:Judging from the MQB and MLB platforms adopted by the Volkswagen Group, its characteristics are first and foremost the wide launch of derivative models, and one platform’s coupe, travel version, convertible, SUV, etc. will be launched one after another. In addition, the brand’s universal model, Volkswagen launches a derivative car, then Skoda will have one, and Audi may have another. Such a powerful derivative ability is amazing. Finally, the application of lightweight technology, I believe this technology will become a major trend in the future.
● BMW Article: UKL Platform – BMW Front Drive/New MINI
We know that only the MINI models currently on sale are in front-drive mode, and that will change in the future. It is understood that in the next eight to 10 years, BMW plans to launch 12 models based on the front-drive UKL platform. The BMW UKL platform is an abbreviation for the German "unter klasse", which can be translated as "entry-level".
★ New generation MINI [Click to view new car information]
The next-generation MINI 3-door hatchback is expected to be the first car on the UKL platform, with chassis number F56. The car is expected to be officially released within this year. From the previous spy photos, the new MINI looks little changed compared to the current model, but according to foreign media reports, the wheelbase of the new car may be lengthened.
"New generation of MINI spy photos"
In terms of power, the new MINI will be equipped with a new 1.5L three-cylinder turbocharged engine with a maximum output of 131 horsepower. In addition, there is a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine for consumers to choose from. As a more sports-oriented model in the MINI series, the MINI COOPER S is expected to be upgraded from the current 6AT to 8AT.
"Planning map of MINI’s future new car in an overseas car magazine"
The MINI family will also launch a variety of derivative models based on the platform. Nine MINI models will be launched one after another by 2015, including the new CLUBMAN and MINI’s MPV models. According to reports, MINI also plans to design and develop a new sedan for the Chinese market, let’s look forward to it.
★ BMW 1 Series GT [Click to view new car information]
At the 2012 Paris Motor Show, BMW launched the Active Tourer concept car, which is seen as the prototype of the BMW 1 Series GT. The future BMW 1 Series GT will be based on the UKL front-drive platform, and its production version is expected to be officially released within the year. The launch of the BMW 1 Series GT is BMW’s attempt to segment the car market. From the design and positioning, the car is very similar to the positioning of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.
BMW Active Tourer Concept Car
"BMW 1 Series GT spy photo"
In terms of power, the BMW 1 Series GT will be equipped with a four-cylinder gasoline engine, in addition to a hybrid model. The powertrain is the same as the BMW Active Tourer concept, consisting of a 1.5L three-cylinder turbocharged engine and an electric motor mounted on the rear axle. When the entire powertrain works together, it can output a maximum power of 190 horsepower and a maximum torque of 200 N · m.
Summary:According to BMW’s Product Research & Development manager, "In the 1990s, we broke with a tradition and started selling SUVs, and consumers can also enjoy driving from SUVs. We hope that the arrival of front-drive models will also bring about such changes." The launch of many low-cost entry-level front-drive models will also play an important role in BMW’s sales growth in the future. Judging from BMW’s tradition of pursuing sports, the editor believes that these front-drive models will continue to be BMW’s sporty characteristics under BMW’s adjustment in the future, and everyone should not worry.
Volvo: SPA Platform – New Generation XC90
After leaving Ford, Volvo needs to stand on its own in terms of technology. Volvo will use a new platform to create new products in the future. According to our review, there are two main platforms in the future, namely the SPA platform (Scalable Platform Architecture) and the new mid-size car platform developed together with Geely. Since 2011, Volvo has announced a strategic investment plan totaling 11 billion US dollars. The development of the SPA platform and the VEA powertrain is the most important part of it.
Peter Mertens, senior vice-president of research and development at Volvo Group, said: "The SPA platform will account for two-thirds of Volvo’s total product sales, and about 40% of the components will be common to all models." In line with the current trend of fewer cylinders and smaller displacements, VEA’s new direct injection gasoline and diesel engines will become the main powertrain of Volvo in the future. The 3- and 4-cylinder engine families will become the core of Volvo’s future powertrain, while the existing 5- and 6-cylinder engine assemblies may be phased out.
★ New generation XC90 [Click to view new car information]
"The previously exposed hypothetical picture of the new Volvo XC90"
The new generation XC90 will be the first product on the SPA platform and is expected to be launched overseas in 2014. The new generation XC90 will be equipped with Volvo’s latest VEA series 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which will be lighter in weight and will have better fuel economy while ensuring power. In addition, because the new engine will be made of aluminum alloy, and the SPA chassis is also made of lighter boron steel, the weight of the platform models will be reduced by 150kg or more.
★ New generation S80 [Click to view new car information]
"Volvo’s new generation S80 may be based on the shape of the You concept car."
The new generation S80 will also be based on the SPA platform and is expected to be launched in 2015. It is reported that the new generation S80 model may incorporate some design elements of the Volvo You concept car. Not only that, Volvo will also derive a variety of products on the basis of the new S80, including a long-wheelbase version, a V80 station wagon, and a "2 + 2" coupe. In terms of power, the new generation S80 and its derivatives will use a new four-cylinder engine, which will be matched by a new 8AT gearbox in addition to a manual transmission.
★ 和吉利研发新中型车
2013年2月20日，吉利集团宣布，在瑞典哥德堡设立欧洲研发中心，整合旗下沃尔沃汽车和吉利汽车的优势资源，打造新一代中型车模块化架构及相关部件，以满足沃尔沃汽车和吉利汽车未来的市场需求。
据沃尔沃汽车产品战略副总裁Mats Fgerhag介绍，同一集团下不同品牌间联合开发已成为国际惯例，模块化设计可以实现在同一个架构上开发出多个不同产品平台，在确保一流品质的前提下，为两个品牌提供量身定制的解决方案。“通过与吉利合作，我们的核心技术得以保留在集团内部，从而确保沃尔沃可以完全掌控自己下一代中级车的开发。如果与其他整车厂合作，我们将不可避免地做出妥协。” 目前双方合作的细节还不是很清楚，吉利和沃尔沃未来会有哪些车推出，我们将一同期待。
Summary:从沃尔沃的全新平台来看，沃尔沃也在走一条轻量化、小排量发动机以及推出多款衍生车的发展路线，并试图通过新平台摆脱此前在福特下的阴影。同时我们看到，其新平台产品定位较高，代表沃尔沃将走的新的豪华路线。8AT等新技术的引入也让沃尔沃赶上了竞争对手的脚步。
● PSA篇：EMP2平台——新308/ 新C4毕加索
标致雪铁龙也于近期正式推出了EMP2平台。EMP2模块化平台的全称是：Efficient Modular Platform 2，即高效模块化平台。未来EMP2平台将主要整合并生产目前PSA 2号（紧凑型车）和3号平台（中型车）这些产品。>>点击查看EMP2平台解析
The body of the model produced by the platform is made of high-strength steel, and some components are made of aluminum. Officials say that the body weight of the products built with the new platform can be reduced by 70kg. The EMP2 modular platform also enables the co-production and design of multiple models, such as sedans, travel editions, Coupes, SUVs and LCVs (light commercial vehicles). Likewise, the platform also has many technologies to improve fuel economy, such as start/stop systems, EPS electronic power steering and low roll resistance tires.
★ Peugeot New Generation 308 [Click to view new car information]
Peugeot’s new generation 308 will be built on the EMP2 platform, and the car is expected to debut as soon as this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. According to foreign media reports, the size of the new Peugeot 308 will be increased, and the new car will be longer and wider, which means that the interior space may be improved. At the same time, it is understood that the design of the new Peugeot 308 will inherit the design language of the Peugeot 208.
"New Generation 308 Spy Photos"
There is not much news about power at present. According to foreign media speculation, the new car will be equipped with a variety of four-cylinder gasoline engines and diesel engines of different powers, with a power range of 90 horsepower to 160 horsepower. In addition, the new 308 will also launch a performance version of the 308 GTi, which will have a maximum power of 200 horsepower.
★ Citroen new C4 Picasso [Click to view new car information]
The new generation of Citroen C4 Picasso models will also be produced on this platform. At the Geneva Motor Show, Citroen released the Technospace concept car, which previewed the design prototype of the new generation C4 Picasso.
"Technospace Concept Car"
"New generation C4 Picasso spy photo"
Judging from the latest spy photos, the design of the new generation C4 Picasso is basically the same as that of the Technospace concept car. The new car adopts Citroen’s new family-style design. The thin middle net is embedded with Citroen’s herringbone gear logo, and the lower intake grille adopts a hexagonal design, which is exaggerated and radical. The new car’s tail lights with 3D effect are also eye-catching. At the same time, due to the use of EMP2 modular platform to build, the car will further reduce weight by about 70kg.
Summary:EMP2 modular products are mainly concentrated in the compact and medium-sized car market with the largest production and sales volume. The modular design and production will also save PSA Group a lot of money. The models built on the EMP2 modular platform will be officially mass-produced later this year, and the future Shenlong factory in Wuhan will also introduce the production technology of the EMP2 modular platform. In this sense, the above two models are likely to be introduced into domestic production in the future.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that many new cars of PSA will be built on the EMP2 platform. In order to further distinguish the products, the two brands of Peugeot and Citroen will further differentiate their positioning in the future: the Peugeot brand will focus more on the high-end market, while the Citroen brand will lean towards the mass consumer market. Peugeot brand positioning: 1. Pursue quality and reliability; 2. Elegant design and outstanding power; 3. Innovative driving experience and driving pleasure. Citroen brand positioning: 1. Fuel economy and environmentally friendly vehicles; 2. Easy to use and simple technology; 3. Simple and pure design.
● General Article: D2XX Platform – New Generation Cruze
The D2XX platform is a new platform that GM will launch in the future. It was officially proposed in August 2012 and will replace and integrate the current Delta II and Theta platform products in the future. In the future, the D2XX platform will create a number of GM new cars, including the new generation Cruze, the new generation Volt, Equinox, Buick Yinglang, Opel Astra, etc. Based on this platform, GM plans to produce 2.50 million cars by 2018. At the same time, in order to produce D2XX platform products, GM invested 220 million dollars to upgrade factories in Lordstown and Parma.
★ New generation Cruze [Click to view new car information]
The new generation of Cruze will be launched in 2014, and the car will be built on the D2XX platform. From the current spy photos, we can’t see much changes to the new car due to the heavy camouflage. According to reports, the new generation of Cruze may use some design elements of the Tru 140S concept car.
"A New Generation of Cruze Spy Photos"
"The new generation of Cruze may incorporate some of the design elements of the Tru 140S concept car."
From the spy photos, the interior of the test car is covered, but we can still see that the shape of the new car’s shift lever has changed a lot, and three function buttons have been added to the front of the shift lever. In addition, the new car’s dashboard adopts a white and blue color scheme, and a larger driving information LCD screen is added. The edge of the dashboard is also equipped with chrome decoration.
Summary:At present, there is not much information about the products of this platform, but due to the commonality of platform technologies, we expect that as more information about the next generation of Cruze technology is exposed, the characteristics of this platform will be further clarified.
● Mercedes-Benz: MFA Platform – GLA MRA Platform – New Generation C-Class
Mercedes-Benz’s future new products will be distinguished by the MFA front-drive modular platform and the MRA rear-drive modular platform. The full English name of the MFA platform is Merecedes Front-wheel-drive Architecture, which literally translates to Mercedes-Benz front-wheel drive architecture. The new generation of Mercedes-Benz A-Class, B-Class and CLA-Class have been built with the Mercedes-Benz MFA platform, and many new products will be launched on this platform in the future.
★ Mercedes-Benz GLA [Click to view new car information]
The GLA is a compact SUV based on Mercedes-Benz’s new MFA platform. Its exterior design will also follow Mercedes-Benz’s new design concept, and it will compete with products such as Audi Q3 and BMW X1 in the future. According to previous reports, Mercedes-Benz GLA is likely to debut as a concept car at the Shanghai Auto Show in April, and then its production version will be released at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
"GLA spy photo"
"GLA renderings exposed by overseas media"
In terms of power, GLA will be equipped with 1.6T and 2.0T engines with different power adjustments. In the future, GLA will also launch the AMG high-performance version, which will be equipped with a 2.0T engine with a maximum power of 354 horsepower.
In addition to the front-drive modular platform, Mercedes-Benz will launch a new generation of C-Class and other key products on the MRA rear-drive modular platform in the future.
★ New generation C-class [Click to view new car information]
The new-generation C-Class will be Mercedes-Benz’s first product based on the MRA rear drive platform. The new car will be released in 2014. According to reports, the weight of the entry-level C160 model after weight reduction is only 1380kg. At the same time, the suspension structure of the new car will be changed, the front suspension will be changed from McPherson to double wishbone, and the rear suspension will continue the multi-link structure, but it will be upgraded.
"A new generation of C-class previous spy photos"
The body size of the new generation C-Class will be further increased, with a body length of about 4700mm, 100mm longer than the current model. The body width will be lengthened by 40mm to 1810mm, and the wheelbase will be lengthened by 60mm to 2820mm.
"New Generation C-Class Renderings"
In terms of power, the new generation of C-Class will have a variety of options. In terms of gasoline engine, the entry-level model is equipped with a 2.0T engine with a maximum power output of 187 horsepower, and the power output of the 3.0T model can reach 335 horsepower. The drivetrain is equipped with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed automatic transmission. In 2015, the new C-Class will also introduce plug-in hybrid products. In 2017, when the new generation of C-Class is facelifted, the new generation of C-Class will also introduce a 9-speed automatic transmission.
In addition to the two Mercedes-Benz platforms mentioned above, Mercedes-Benz will also launch new products through technical cooperation.From April 2010, the Renault-Nissan alliance and Daimler began a formal alliance. By mid-September 2012, Daimler CEO Zetsche and Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn hosted a press conference to plan to expand the cooperation between Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti, and revealed that the cooperation between the two sides may be extended to small car platform technology sharing.
★ Mercedes-Benz X-Class [Click to view new car information]
In fact, the new generation of Infinity Q50 has already shared some technologies with the new generation of Mercedes-Benz C-Class (click to view), and in the future cooperation between the two parties, Mercedes-Benz will also launch a new X-Class.
"Previously exposed Mercedes-Benz X-Class imaginary image"
The new X-Class is expected to be built on a shared platform with Renault’s new Clio, in front-drive mode, with future competitors targeting the Audi A1 and BMW’s new MINI. In terms of power, the new car is expected to be equipped with Renault-Nissan 1.0L and 1.5L gasoline engines.
Summary:It is worth mentioning that with the launch of Mercedes-Benz’s modular strategy, Mercedes-Benz has accordingly developed an engine suitable for the two modular platforms of MFA and MRA – the M270, which is divided into 1.6T and 2.0T displacements.
This engine is mounted vertically on the MRA platform, matched with a 7G-tronic gearbox; in the MFA platform, it is matched with a 7G-DCT dual-clutch gearbox. One engine can be applied to both horizontal and vertical platforms, which is the embodiment of Mercedes-Benz’s modular strategy.
● Conclusion: Modular platformization = short-term large investment, long-term high returns
At present, car companies are vigorously promoting platform-based production and research and development, and there are many new products. We have only selected 19 representative products for you to see above. After reading today’s article, you may find that why are so many manufacturers promoting platform-based production? In fact, in simple terms, platform-based production can achieve long-term high-profit growth through short-term investment.
For reference, Volkswagen’s modular horizontal module platform MQB platform released in 2012 cost nearly $70 billion to build (Morgan Stanley valuation), and is expected to save $19 billion per year by 2019, with a project gross profit of nearly 10%. Such high profits are also an important reason why the majority of manufacturers are promoting the development of this technology. But in any case, we still support the arrival of modular production, because after all, we can choose more and better products. (Compiler/Autohome Wang Yin)
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