Toyota K platform explained

The Toyota K platform, informally known as the Toyota Camry platform, is a front-wheel-drive automobile platform (also adaptable to four-wheel-drive) that has underpinned various Toyota and Lexus models from the mid-size category upwards^[1] since September 1999, starting with the Avalon (XX20).^{[2] [3] [4] [5] [6]} Besides the Camry, the K platform was used on minivans, crossovers and luxury sedans. This platform was larger than the front-wheel-drive MC and New MC platforms, but less upscale than the N and New N platforms designed for rear-wheel drive luxury applications.^[1] Starting with the XV70 Toyota Camry (2017), the new K platform (TNGA-K) is part of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA).^[7]

Features

• It is a front-wheel drive platform, with optional four-wheel drive.
• Four-wheel drive variants use either:
  • V-Flex II system, which is a viscous-coupling torque-on-demand unit (on most models); or
  • Symmetric full-time four-wheel drive (on Lexus RX and Highlander)
  • e-FOUR system (rear wheels are driven by electric motors) on hybrid models.
• Engines are mounted transversely.
• MacPherson struts are used in suspension at all four corners with the exception of the Alphard and Previa, which uses a twist-beam rear suspension.

Applications

• Toyota Avalon — XX20 (1999–2004),^[2] XX10 (2000–2005, for Australian market), XX30 (2004–2012),^{[5] [6] [8]} XX40 (2012–2018)^[9]
  • Toyota Pronard — XX20 (2000–2004)
  • Toyota X Runner — XX10 (concept car, 2003)
• Toyota Camry — XV30 (2001–2006),^{[4] [5] [6]} XV40 (2006–2011),^[8] XV50 (2011–2017)^[10]
  • Toyota Camry Solara — XV30 (2003–2009)^{[5] [6] [11]}
  • Toyota Aurion — XV40 (2006–2011),^[8] XV50 (2011–2017)
• Toyota Highlander/Kluger — XU20 (2000–2007),^{[5] [6]} XU40 (2007–2013),^[12] XU50 (2013–2019)^[13]
• Toyota Previa/Estima/Tarago — XR30, XR40 (2000–2005)
• Toyota Alphard — AH10 (2002–2008)
• Toyota Sienna — XL20 (2003–2009),^{[5] [6] [14]} XL30 (2010–2020)^[15]
• Toyota Venza — AV10 (2008–2017)^{[12] [16] [17]}
• Lexus ES — XV30 (2001–2006),^[5] XV40 (2006–2012),^[18] XV60 (2012–2018)^[19]
  • Toyota Windom — XV30 (2001–2006)
• Lexus RX — XU30 (2003–2008),^{[5] [6]} AL10 (2008–2015),^[8] AL20 (2015–2022)
  • Toyota Harrier — XU30 (2003–2013)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Akita . Masahiro . Shiohara . Kunihiko . 11 June 2012 . Observations on TNGA: How will Toyota's plans to make better cars affect suppliers . PDF . . 2, 4 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140617142445/https://doc.research-and-analytics.csfb.com/docView?language=ENG&source=emfromsendlink&format=PDF&document_id=977831251&extdocid=977831251_1_eng_pdf&serialid=mloPNv7E0vSpbVXspCzREiMSkukb0pOZlgZROxrMRwE%3d . 17 June 2014.
2. Web site: A look at Toyota's 25 years in Kentucky . . KyForward . https://web.archive.org/web/20141112124422/http://www.kyforward.com/our-toyota/tmmktimeline/ . 2014-11-12.
3. Web site: Affiliates (Toyota wholly-owned subsidiaries)-Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc. . Toyota Motor Corporation . 2012 . 18 July 2014.
4. Web site: Whitfield . Kermit . 1 September 2001 . Toyota Pursues the Elusive 'Triple WOW' . Automotive Design & Production . 17 June 2014.
5. Web site: Kim . Liz . 28 August 2001 . 2002 Toyota Camry First Drive . . 17 June 2014.
6. Web site: Sherefkin . Robert . 20 August 2001 . He put Camry on track . . 17 June 2014.
7. News: Mathioudakis . Byron . 2017 Detroit Motor Show: 2018 Toyota Camry revealed . . Australia . 10 January 2017 . 23 January 2017.
8. Web site: Hayashi . Tatsuhiko . 27 January 2009 . New Lexus SUVs Come with Smooth Luggage Compartment . Nikkei Technology Online . 17 June 2014.
9. Web site: Phelan . Mark . 24 June 2012 . Mark Phelan: Toyota's North American staff pitches in with Avalon redesign for 2013 . . 17 June 2014.
10. Web site: Eisenstein . Paul A. . 24 August 2011 . First Drive: 2012 Toyota Camry . The Detroit Bureau . 17 June 2014.
11. Web site: Booth . David . 10 August 2011 . Car Review: 2004 Toyota Camry Solara Coupe . . 17 June 2014.
12. Web site: Riches . Erin . 31 October 2008 . 2009 Toyota Venza First Drive . . 17 June 2014.
13. Web site: Mathioudakis . Bryon . 28 March 2013 . Super Kluger! . . https://web.archive.org/web/20141125184747/http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/news/1303/super-kluger!/ . 25 November 2014.
14. Web site: Dubow . Charles . 10 March 2005 . 2005 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited AWD . . 17 June 2014.
15. Web site: Filipponio . Frank . 18 December 2009 . First Drive: 2011 Toyota Sienna tries to make the minivan cool . . 17 June 2014.
16. Web site: Vasilash . Gary S. . 1 December 2008 . Venza Revealed . Automotive Design & Production . 17 June 2014.
17. Web site: Wood . Colum . 3 March 2015 . Toyota Venza Axed . AutoGuide.com . 18 March 2015.
18. Web site: Wilson . Greg . 19 May 2006 . First Drive: 2007 Lexus ES 350 . Autos.ca . 17 June 2014.
19. Web site: Harley . Michael . 24 January 2014 . 2013 Lexus ES350 . . 17 June 2014.