To occupy its niche in the world of automobiles, an important condition for any automaker is to quickly respond to changing customer needs and quickly reorient production to suit them. For example, crossovers as a class of cars appeared relatively recently, but they quickly gained popularity. The reaction of automakers is also appropriate - crossovers began to appear in the model ranges of almost all auto companies. And the automotive platform helps manufacturers quickly respond to changing needs.

Often in presentations of new models you can hear that it is built on one platform or another, but few people know what it is. Most assume that the car platform is the basis on which the new model is built. And this scares a lot of people because there are platforms that have already existed for more than 10 years. And in their understanding, it turns out that the car was made on the basis of already outdated technologies. But this is far from true.

Idea and concept of the platform

In a general sense, an automobile platform is a set of certain components that are used on several cars, and it is not necessary that they be of the same class and price category. But no one said that these components are unified.

The very idea of ​​using a certain set of parts for different cars is far from new and it appeared a long time ago - in the era of frame cars. But then it was all a little simpler - the automaker produced a frame equipped chassis, power plant and transmission, and then “pulled” the body onto it all. Moreover, the bodies were very different, but the frame with all the elements was one.

Another representative of the platform construction of cars can be called VAZs of the classic family. But here, to a greater extent, the basis was subject to changes - as new models were released, changes were made to the body, power plant, etc. But the entire family is representatives of the same manufacturer and all models are very similar to each other.

Now, on the basis of one platform, cars of different brands and in almost any body are manufactured - hatchback, sedan, station wagon, crossover, SUV with a load-bearing body.

Ford Focus and Mazda3 on the Ford C1 platform

In the modern understanding, an automobile platform is a set of the most optimal design, design and engineering solutions used in the production of cars.

For example, if it is one of the most common and optimal for use, then why invent something or modify it before installing it on a specific car. But here it is worth considering that each model has its own ground clearance and suspension stiffness, so the manufacturer himself makes adjustments to its operation.

And this is what they do with a number of car components. That is, to create one or another part of different cars, a single design principle is used (for example, the same MacPherson strut), but some design changes are quite acceptable. This is the concept of car platforms.

Components

The platform includes a certain list of components, but it is somewhat arbitrary, since the automaker himself decides whether to use any element or replace it.

In general, it is believed that the vehicle platform structure includes:

• The bottom is the basis of the load-bearing part;
• Chassis elements (suspension, steering, brake system);
• Wheelbase;
• Car layout (installation location and location of the power unit, transmission).

As you can see, the elements that make up the platform can be called neutral. That is, they do not influence the stylistic decisions that automakers use. This allows us to build cars of different brands, classes and price categories on the basis of one platform.

Using the platform

But as noted, the platform is a conditional phenomenon, and each automaker decides for itself to what extent to use it. For example, there is the concept of “badge engineering,” which implies that different companies produce essentially the same car, but under their own brand. The models will have different names and even look slightly different, but almost all the elements between them are unified.

A striking example of “badge engineering” Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86

But still, most companies, especially those producing premium models, try to make their cars as unique as possible in order to maintain interest in them.

This doesn't mean they don't use platforms, they just make some adjustments to the design. As a result, two cars built on the same platform will not have a single unified part. The platform in this case only means the use of a single principle for the manufacture of certain components, although they themselves are structurally different.

Positive and negative sides

Usage automotive platforms for the production of cars provides many advantages, but mostly they are beneficial only for automakers. But there are also those from which the car enthusiast benefits.

The advantages of using a single basis for the production of different cars include:

• Reducing costs and time for setting up the production of new models, which reduces the cost of the car;
• Ensuring interaction between the production facilities of different manufacturers, which allows you to transfer production between plants with minimal re-equipment;
• Increasing plant productivity through standardization;
• Improving the quality of the final product due to a reduction in the range of components;
• The ability to produce on the basis of one platform different models to cover a larger market segment.

But the disadvantages of using this concept are also significant, which play against manufacturers. These include:

• Resemblance of a car. Distinctive features between cars as a result of using a single base is becoming increasingly smaller. In pursuit of compliance with market trends, automakers sacrifice the individuality and uniqueness of their models;
• The impossibility of making global changes to platform elements, since as a result they will become incompatible with each other;
• The need to comply with the layout included in the platform;
• Impact on the cost of the final product. Because of the platform, companies will not be able to determine the real cost of the car; it will be reduced due to its similarity to another car. This is especially true for premium cars (for example, why overpay for a Lexus if you can buy a Toyota, which is the basis for the first brand);
• Detection of any defect in components platforms could lead to a recall of all vehicles on which they are built.

So, using the platform, on the one hand, allows you to constantly replenish the market with new models, but on the other hand, they are becoming more and more similar friend on a friend.

Therefore, some manufacturers of premium cars, if they use a platform, then it is actually developed and used only for their models in order to preserve the individuality of the brand.

Recently, another type of platform has appeared - modular. It is even closer to the strategy used on frame cars (one base and different bodies), but adjusted for modern technologies and trends.

The practice of using key components and assemblies developed both for global models within one automobile concern, and for cars from completely different manufacturers, began to be used relatively recently, but every year more and more developers of passenger cars, announcing their new products as completely unique models, actually use the basic platform of other designers.

It would seem that such an approach has only advantages from the point of view of creating new cars, if not for one “but”. So, in the platform that has become the basis for the development of dozens and even hundreds of cars, some flaw will be revealed, and this will result in huge financial losses for several automakers at once. Take, for example, the so-called Volkswagen concern - a scandal that occurred after it turned out that over 11 million copies diesel cars, produced all over the world, were equipped with electronics that underestimated the amount of harmful substances in the exhaust during testing of cars many times over. In addition to the multi-billion dollar fines, Volkswagen has lost a significant portion of its stock value, not to mention the untold damage caused to the credibility of the German brand.

The use of new solutions on currently used platforms eliminates the installation of defective elements, because this can lead to a real disaster even for the most famous automakers. In fairness, it should be noted that modern cars are designed with special emphasis on a high level of component reliability, which is why quality control is one of the key stages design, development and serial production cars However, even the most famous brands are not immune to mistakes.

As the principle of using a single platform for several machine models continues to be implemented more and more widely, it will be all the more interesting to get acquainted with the models that have already come off or continue to come off the assembly line today.

GM E2XX from $21,680

The E2XX platform is a second generation development, replacing the Epsilon platform developed by the concern. It was developed in order to reduce the total weight of the car, including already produced models, without changing their basic technical characteristics. Subsequently, cars built on the E2XX base had their engines changed and the interior updated. As a rule, before being discontinued, a successful automobile platform undergoes modernization, and sometimes not the only one. Thus, based on the E2XX base, two more derivatives were developed - C1XX and P2XX, of which the second is an extended version of the original version. It was the P2XX platform that was used as the basis for the newest version Chevrolet Impala And Buick LaCrosse 2017 model year.

Another feature of most modern automobile platforms is that, in addition to the original sedans, more expensive and functional crossovers are also built on their basis. The same E2XX served as the basis for such new products as the Chevrolet Traverse, Cadillac XT5 or Buick Enclave.

Volkswagen Group D1 from €70,000

The fourth generation of the D-platform from VAG concern used to create the flagship model of the Volkswagen brand - the Phaeton executive sedan. It must be said that the Phaeton, which was recently discontinued, was the largest and most expensive car in the Volkswagen lineup. When developing the D4 platform, German designers used the most successful technologies of the D3 platform.

Another, no less outstanding model, designed on this platform, was premium sedan Bentley. But if the price tag for the most expensive car in the Volkswagen line, which was rather an exception in general series with mass models of the German manufacturer, started at 100 thousand euros, then the starting price of Bentley, which was considered the closest “relative” of the Phaeton, started at 200 thousand euros.

By the way, in addition to borrowing the Volkswagen platform, the engineers used in their cars engines developed by the VAG concern - under the hood of the Continental GT model they installed the same 8-cylinder V-twin engines that were equipped with Audi models.

Volkswagen Group MQB from $19,895

Today the MQB platform is called the prospect of the coming years in the design of cars for Volkswagen brand. And we are talking about both compact city hatchbacks and roomy sedans. Very soon, the MQB will replace the three platforms currently used by Volkswagen engineers. And only such models as Amarok pickup, the mid-size Touareg SUV and the Crafter van will be based on a different basis. As for the MQB platform, it is primarily used for the most affordable of the entire model range Volkswagen hatchback Polo, the new generation of which has noticeably increased in size compared to the car of the previous generation.

Perhaps most of all, unification car bases is striking when comparing completely different cars located in opposite price categories. In addition to the Polo, already sold in Europe, the Skoda Octavia, the latest version of the Volkswagen Golf, as well as more serious car- Audi TT RS roadster. It is noteworthy that the new Golf in Europe is sold for €18,850, while the price of the “related” Audi TT, built on single platform, will exceed €69 thousand.

Volkswagen Group MLB2 from $34,900

Another example from the VAG concern is the MLB2 Evo platform. The presented development is a clear example of how automotive engineers can integrate common components for completely different cars. Upgraded version MLB2 Evo was used to create a premium SUV. But, perhaps, few people would think, looking at the latest generation Audi A4 sedan and the prestigious Bentley Bentayga, whose cost exceeds the A4 by almost six (!) times, that these two dissimilar models rest on the same same platform. And this despite the fact that almost all components of the body and other structural elements of cars are different.

Ford CD4Ford CD4 from $22,120

Another well-known developer that regularly produces universal platforms for creating different cars is the Ford concern. In particular, today many models of the Lincoln brand are based precisely on the Ford platform, and this approach suits the management of both companies. Obviously, the period when Ford Motor owned brands such as the British Aston Martin, Swedish Volvo or British Jaguar - benefited the American concern, because it was during this period of time that some of the most successful developments of the Blue Oval engineers occurred. So, for example, the latest of Ford's most famous developments, the EUCD platform, was used not only for the previous generation of Ford Mondeo sedans, but also for several Volvo models.

The EUCD platform became the basis for the popular S60 and S80 sedans, as well as the V60 and V70 models. Subsequently, having undergone serious modernization, this platform became the basis for creating the most popular crossover Range Rover Evoque.

This question sometimes baffles even experts. automotive technology.

This question sometimes baffles even automotive experts. Cars on the MQB platform are 40-60 kg lighter than their predecessors.
1 - suspension: elements optimized in geometry and weight, as well as new materials, primarily alloys and composites, eliminated excess;
2 - engine: the main contribution to the fight against kilograms - minus almost a pound - was made by the crankshaft housing, made entirely of aluminum alloy; the crankshaft and turbocharger lost a couple of kilograms; half a kilo was removed from the pistons;
3 - interior: the weight of the front and rear seat frames, as well as the instrument panel, has been reduced; The elements of the climate control system have become more compact and lighter;
4 - body, most of the body parts of the floor are made of steel using hot stamping, they are very light and at the same time provide the necessary rigidity and safety;
5 - electrical: the number of electronic systems and devices is growing from generation to generation, however, new technologies in the production of components have made it possible to gain weight and size.

WHAT IS THE PLATFORM

A platform is a set of structural elements that serve as the basis for the construction of many models. Modern principle unification of parts and assemblies simplifies production, thereby reducing costs. Even before the development of a new platform begins, specialists decide which cars will be based on it: they determine the sizes and types of bodies, the range of engine sizes, transmission and drive options. The task is not easy, because the same platform is used by cars with various bodies, different classes and even brands. This determines the design of the “cart” - how flexible it will be. In other words, which parts of it are inviolable and which can be corrected.
Models are already being built on the same platform, with not only different bodies, but also different power units.
The V platform (the next generation of the famous B0) is used not only by gasoline and diesel versions, but also by electric vehicles - for example, the Nissan Leaf, which is a co-platform with the Micra and Juke models.

WHAT DOES THE PLATFORM CONSISTE OF?

Precisely because from one to several dozen models can ride on one platform, there is no universal set. Each developer himself determines the minimum and extended lists of elements of a unified framework. At least it will fit here power structure body: the design of the front and rear parts of the floor, which dissipate energy upon impact and serve as the basis for the installation of other parts, components and assemblies. For example, suspension and steering elements, engines, and other body parts that make up the skeleton of the car.
Often the platform takes into account the suspension architecture, the range of engines and gearboxes, and even the seat frame - in fact, all that remains is to build up the upper part of the body.

SEDAN AND SUV - ON ONE PLATFORM

Let's trace the metamorphoses of the popular B0 platform using the example of the Renault brand. The ancestor of the Logan is a class B sedan. To make the MCV station wagon (aka Lada-Largus), an insert was implanted between the front and rear parts floor. On this basis, a different frame was built, which determined the appearance of the new model. The Duster all-terrain vehicle has had its platform strengthened (to avoid increased loads when traveling on bad roads), mainly in the middle part, in the area of ​​the central tunnel. For better stability The car's track has been widened with increased ground clearance. An additional margin of safety was given to the front suspension. By the way, behind all-wheel drive versions instead of an elastic transverse beam - an independent structure based on MacPherson struts. All these changes to the platform from model to model were foreseen back in 1998, at the laying stage. Now you understand how difficult it is and expensive work? It's not surprising that even large concerns team up to design a new "trolley". One of the latest examples is a joint product of Mazda and Fiat, which are designing the basis for the Mazda MX-5 and Alfa Romeo-Spider models.

HOW LONG THE PLATFORM LIVES

Longevity largely depends on how successful the development itself turned out to be. Usually, all the juice is squeezed out of it and written off only when the “cart” becomes obsolete, and the cars built on it begin to lose to competitors in driving characteristics, safety, and comfort. Sometimes a platform survives several generations. Take the Volkswagen Golf: apart from minor upgrades, the basis for the fifth and sixth generations is the same. It happens that the old platform is “weared out” by more budget models. Another example from the same concern: SEAT-Exeo, which appeared in 2008, inherited the platform of the previous Audi A4, thereby extending its life by several years.
Main modules for assembling gasoline engines of the EA211 family developed by Volkswagen:
1 - aluminum block engine;
2 - sump module with built-in oil filtration system and brackets for mounted units;
3 - module of the gas distribution drive and mounted units;
4 - exhaust module with turbocharger and converter;
5 - cylinder head cover with a built-in module that controls valve timing;
6 - intake module with integrated air cooler.

NEXT GENERATION PLATFORMS

The platforms existing in their current form are gradually giving way to modular designs - more technologically advanced and more profitable to manufacture. To put it simply, cars will be built from “blocks.” A kind of Lego constructor for adults. From a certain set of engines, gearboxes, chassis elements, steering, and electronic components, you can assemble both an ultra-compact city car and a mid-size all-terrain vehicle. You just need to develop clear rules and follow them when arranging these “cubes”. Then the number of non-interchangeable components for the model range as a whole is reduced many times over. For example, by setting the same angle of inclination and engine mounting points, that is, making installation problem-free for several models at once, it will be possible to reduce the number of engine variations by almost an order of magnitude.
In addition, instead of a gasoline unit, you can install a diesel engine, a hybrid unit, or even an electric motor without major modifications. The principle is the same: he pulled out one “cube” and put another in its place. And so it is with most of the elements that make up a car.
The “cubes” also make up electrical equipment.
Volkswagen called this design MIB (Modularen Infotainmentbaukasten - modular multimedia complex). It includes three levels of equipment for models in different price segments. You can select a suitable central processor and combine it with any control panel. For example, for Audi it is a joystick with a touchpad (a touch pad for 1-6 kg of command entry), for Volkswagen it is a touch screen.

CARS FROM MODULES ALREADY AVAILABLE

The pioneer is Volkswagen with the MQB platform (Modularer Querbaukasten - transverse modular design). The Germans not only presented the concept, but also managed to release production car built on this principle. The first sign is the Audi A3, followed by the seventh generation Golf, first with an internal combustion engine, then with an electric motor. And Jetta will open the door for modular hybrids. In total, by 2018 they plan to release four dozen models on the MQB platform ranging in size from Polo to Passat. As you can see, the flexibility of such a modular design is greater than that of current “trolleys”.
Nissan also announced a gradual transition to modules, presenting a new concept for the design of future CMF (Common Module Family) models. Any car consists of four modules - engine compartment, interior, front part of the body floor and rear. In addition, a set of electronic components, which are also selected depending on the model and configuration. By combining different versions of all these components, they build almost the entire model range - from a small city car to a large SUV or minivan. Already in next year cars of this brand, built from “cubes”, will appear on the market.

IS THE PLATFORM BAD OR GOOD?

Marketers often talk about advantages, carefully covering up disadvantages that customers are unlikely to like. For manufacturers, this method of building cars is, of course, beneficial. The platform principle allows us to speed up the release of new models, optimize production, and reduce costs. It would be logical to expect a reduction in prices, but the numbers on the price tags of new cars, despite the desire for maximum unification, are only growing from generation to generation.
The platform principle and the more advanced modular principle turn out to be not very profitable in operation. For example, if a technical failure occurs during the production of a node, all co-platformers will be subject to recall. What will the cost of repairs be during the post-warranty period? Will the modules be repairable, or will they have to be replaced entirely?
Another important aspect: excessive reduction in the range of parts leads to depersonalization of models. Even now, sometimes you can’t immediately tell a Toyota from a Subaru, or a Mitsubishi from a Peugeot or Citroen. And finally, an esthete will never put a car, originally designed for the premium class, next to consumer goods in an expensive wrapper.
From a technology point of view, modern platforms are another masterpiece and a step forward. But one should admire these marvels of technology with restraint. And don’t forget that we, potential buyers, will have to pay (literally) for the designers’ achievements.
MQB allows you to stretch and compress dimensions within a fairly wide range:
Only the distance from the center remains unchanged front wheel to the pedal assembly. Volkswagen is preparing a similar MLB (Modularer Laëngsbaukasten) platform for models with a longitudinal engine (primarily for Audi), and Porsche is working on a rear-wheel drive MSB (Modularer Standardantriebsbaukasten) design.

CUBES FROM CUBES

They plan to assemble power units from the modules. Thus, Volkswagen has identified two advanced areas in the global MQB strategy: for gasoline engines it is MOB (Modulare Ottomotorbaukasten), and for diesel engines it is MDB (Modulare Dieselmotorbaukasten). The new families are designated EA211 and EA288. According to the calculations of the concern's specialists, maximum unification using the MQB method will reduce the number of modifications to engines and gearboxes by as much as 90%. Moreover, the choice for the buyer will not become scarce at all. BMW also plans to build engines from ready-made modules, using the concept of the so-called universal cylinder for 3-, 4- and 6-cylinder engines. The estimated power of each cylinder is approximately 40 kW, which means that the power of the next generation units falls in the range of 160-330 hp. The advantages are obvious: unification of the main components (pistons, rings, connecting rods, valves), common mounting points (this allows, for example, the use of identical attachment modules), standardization production capacity. In addition, labor costs for development and fine-tuning are reduced, because you will essentially have to select the basic engine settings only once.

To believe in the uniqueness of his car, an ordinary car owner only needs an emblem on the hood and a worthy country of origin, confirmed by a cargo customs declaration. And when asked what platform his car has (in common parlance - the base), he will most likely think about the railway or vegetable storage. By the way, in vain, especially in our time. If only because in the post-warranty period this knowledge will save a lot of money.

Donors or co-platformers?

The concept of “platform” in the automotive industry was not born today, but only with the development of the Internet did information begin to reach the end consumer that such a thing even exists. Moreover, marketers and PR specialists of automobile companies were reluctant to share this fact with buyers, especially when more and more often it began to talk about a unified platform. Not only within one brand, but also within the framework of inter-brand cooperation.

In addition to Internet interpretations of “platforms,” there is a very clear definition used by auto designers.

Platform - layout diagram motor vehicle(ATS), combining design and technological solutions and/or an aggregate part, on the basis of which it is planned to design several individual or an entire family of car models.

That is, this is a fundamental basis with a number of unchanged parameters, be it wheelbase or track, location power elements bodies or the distance between them, and many other constants. The easiest example to understand the platform is dog breeds. Collie, Eastern European, Caucasian - different in appearance and character, but they are all on the “platform” of the shepherd. Great Danes have a completely different “platform”, while spaniels have a third one. And the “platformless” mongrel, which does not fall under any canons, is essentially the same garage homemade product that was assembled from parts of various cars. So the presence of a platform on a car is a sign of any breed.

When choosing a car, you need to be prepared for the fact that almost any automaker will never develop a platform for the production of just one model. This is expensive and unprofitable both for the manufacturer and, ultimately, for the buyer. Especially in the mass segment. Exceptions may be for custom supercars, where price does not matter.

What then is the question? Buy and enjoy your purchase. But no. If the owner Volkswagen Touareg will be proud that his car is built on the same base as Porsche Cayenne, then gave for premium SUV much more money - hardly. That’s why marketers and sellers are nervous, preferring to remain silent about a fact that is not in any instructions for the car.

Because of this, the unsophisticated buyer of publicly available brands still thinks that he is being deceived. After all, on the same platform there can be cars that differ significantly in price, positioning and even class. The Russian consumer experienced one of the first “single-platform” shocks at the beginning of the 21st century, when the Ford concern, which included, in particular, Mazda and Volvo, launched the Ford Focus, Mazda3 and Volvo S40 on the global C1 platform.

Ford Focus and Mazda3 - similar in hardware, but different in character

Ford Focus and Mazda3 - similar in hardware, but different in character

The rumor is that all three are the same car, but with different designs, scattered instantly. Having heard about this, everyone rushed to grab the Focus as the most affordable. A little later, however, they realized that the Mazda3, despite having a similar platform and power units (piston rings from the three-ruble car are still installed, in particular, on 1.8-liter Focus cars to this day), drives more interestingly. And the Volvo S40, for all its comfort, which its more affordable “brothers” could not dream of, could not compete with its brothers in the concern due to its higher cost.

The point was that initially car enthusiasts did not take into account a simple thing: with all the common key parameters characteristic of co-platformers, the behavior of the car and its perception are made up of the nuances of the design. Especially if the base is divided not within one brand, but between different brands included in the parent concern. Each of them, of course, has its own engineering and technological developments, its own vision of the product and, as a result, its own buyer.

But well-known in Russia and at the same time so different Opel Astra J and Chevrolet Cruze, united by GM's Delta II platform, no longer scared anyone away. Moreover, each of them clearly fell into its own consumer niche. The budget Renault Logan, Sandero, Duster with the single-platform (B0) Lada Largus were not deterred either. So far Lada Granta and Datsun on-DO, Lada Kalina and Datsun mi-DO. They, however, play in approximately the same, ultra-budget price segment.

There were some mistakes too. One of the latest is the experience of global cooperation between PSA concerns Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi, which released onto the Russian market not just single-platform, but almost identical Peugeot 4007 crossovers, Citroen C-Crosser and Mitsubishi Outlander XL. Especially in conditions when the latter became the successor to the history of the regular Outlander, and the French rolled out the first crossovers in their history to the market. At the same time in Jeep Compass, Dodge Caliber, Chrysler Sebring, you will hardly recognize the GS platform from Mitsubishi that is common to all of the above cars - they are too different both in appearance and in driving.

But in the case of the French-Japanese trinity, marketers’ attempts to separate consumers by brand, focusing on the difference in rims or the radiator grille, were not particularly successful. The buyer categorically chose the Japanese nameplate according to personal reliability criteria, without heeding any third-party arguments. According to the Autostat agency, during the peak period of demand for these cars in 2010-2011, 25,140 copies of the Outlander XL were sold and only 3,880 and 2,810 of the 4007 and C-Crosser, respectively.

Even with this result, the alliance tried to squeeze some more profit out of GS. Mitsubishi ASX, Peugeot 4008 and Citroen C4 Aircross, built on it and still sold here today, are the same twins. The sales ratio - as in the previous case - is not in favor of the French. For very vague reasons, they did not begin to distribute crossovers by market in both the first and partly in the second case.

If we talk about inter-brand platforms as a means of potential savings for the car enthusiast, then it will act selectively. Until expiration warranty period this will affect the costs of comprehensive insurance (the risk of theft of a Porsche is higher than that of a VW), the cost of maintenance and repairs (Opel is more expensive than Chevrolet). But after the warranty expires, owners of more expensive brands will benefit when purchasing some spare parts.

It won’t be easy to pick up the “original” from a cheaper co-platform special labor. You just have to dig through the spare parts catalogs on online store sites. On one of the popular resources we found a front wheel bearing kit for Opel Astra J. In a branded Opel box (catalog number 03 28 021) it is offered at a price of 9509 rubles. In packaging and marked General Motors (code 13583479, applicable according to the GM catalog for Chevrolet Cruze, Orlando, Opel Astra J), the part costs from 5868 rubles. That is, the owner of an Astra J (we already know that the Astra J and Cruze are single-platform vehicles within this concern) can save almost 4 thousand without looking back.

And many similar examples can be given. Thus, the Volkswagen Group has a common spare parts catalog. It clearly and model-by-model describes the applicability of the parts. That is, for the same hub, which is identical for approved Audi, VW, SEAT or Skoda models, you will not have to overpay depending on the brand positioning - it will be under a single catalog number. So, when replacing, you can safely dismiss the “original Audi bearing”.

The music played for a while

Meanwhile, platforms are living out their days, giving way to modular designs. “Behind the Wheel” has repeatedly written about MQB, a modular scheme that Volkswagen has relied on for all of its brands right up to 2018. True, it can no longer be considered a platform in its pure form. As we have already said, these are “cubes” from which you can build a platform of almost any class. Audi A3, SEAT Leon, Skoda Octavia, VW Golf, new VW Tiguan, Skoda Yeti and many other models of the concern - all are MQB.

According to engineers, these cars have between 25 and 40% in common. So, when buying an Audi, you will receive 60-75% of it in the form of that very exclusive filling, design, and there is no objective reason for frustration. In addition, the costs of insurance or service will naturally be higher than in the case of Skoda. Modularity does not cancel the division into consumer segments, and the manufacturer’s business becomes much more profitable by reducing the cost of final production.

True, switching to such design and production schemes requires very large investments. So far, Volkswagen has been able to afford them, the French concern PSA, which is trying to get out of the crisis, used the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) modular scheme for new generations of Peugeot 308/408, Citroen C4 Picasso in 2013. Nissan with their CMF and the Swedes from Volvo, who released the second-generation XC-90 crossover based on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), were not far behind. Already in soon the Swedes are preparing to “pull” all subsequent generations of their cars older than the S60 onto this platform. They spent much less on their modernization scheme than their competitors from Germany - about $11 billion.

Nevertheless, all basic components, interfaces, and basic electronic components in Swedish cars will be uniform. The modules, if necessary, can be scaled - increasing, say, the length of the bottom, the height of the pillars, the volume of the engine compartment, in order to avoid compromises that would have to be made when creating, for example, a sedan and an all-terrain vehicle on a common platform.

Consumer concerns that modular architecture if defects are discovered, it may require the recall of a huge number of cars, most likely refer to the theory. Firstly, such eminent automakers have probably calculated such risks. Secondly, within the mass segment, time-tested and inexpensive platforms will be present for decades to come.

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What is a platform?

A hundred years ago the concept of a platform was clearer because frame machines could be “dismembered” into a chassis and a body. The chassis is a frame with wheels, a power unit and everything that makes possible movement car. In fact, this cart could be considered a platform for old cars. From above it was covered by the body, the essence, the aesthetic shell of the car. The situation became more complicated with the spread in the second half of the 20th century of load-bearing bodies, in which the power part and the outer shell are, in fact, inseparable from each other. It seemed that the concept of a platform had faded into oblivion, because in a modern car there is no “trolley” as such. The car became more individual, and a different body meant a complete redesign of the structure.

In the illustrations, VW presents the MQB platform as a “trolley”, although this is only a convention.
Shows constant geometric characteristics (uniform), the same for all
machines on the MQB platform, and variables (variable).

And yet, history has gone through a spiral and returned to the principle of platforms. Only today the concept of “platform” is less clear.

The concept of a platform has generally gone beyond the framework of a certain “metal foundation” of a car. A modern platform is, rather, a set of unified components and certain principles according to which these components are transformed when moving from one model to another. In fact, the platform is a huge array of engineering and technological information, or, if you like, a palette of colors within which creative engineers can create new cars.

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In 2012, Volkswagen introduced the new MQB platform, which is currently the most versatile in the world. On its basis a compact Volkswagen Polo and a five-meter CrossBlue SUV for the American market. The platform has already been adopted by the new VW Golf VII, Skoda Octavia III, Audi A3 and Seat Leon. All MQB cars have a number of identical characteristics, for example, the same distance from the gas pedal to the axis of the front wheels - one of the fundamental parameters of the car (although incomprehensible to the average person). The MQB platform implies common components, for example, the same door hinges, sets of suspension parts, and a “personal” line of engines (EA211). At the same time, some parameters, for example, the length of the wheelbase or the height of the car, can be chosen by engineers with virtually no restrictions, whereas the previous platform, PQ35, was addressed to C-class cars.

The essence of the platform is an attempt to bring the cars closer technically, leaving a sufficient degree of freedom so that they do not turn out to be complete clones. A car consists of tens of thousands of components, and many of them can be identical without compromising the overall design.

The principle of modularity is close to the principle of platforms (but not identical). Individual components are combined into modules, for example, the front suspension on the subframe of a modern car is, as it were, “autonomous,” that is, it is a separate structure. Modules, like cubes, allow different combination, increasing the number of models on one component base. This principle is well known to computer scientists: I bought a system unit, a motherboard, a video card, memory, disks, screwed them together, and got a “unique” computer. In fact, a modern platform is a set of cubes from which a car is then combined. Such platforms are called modular.

Co-platform cars can have varying degrees of “sameness.” The closest relatives are products of badge engineering, when the same car is sold under different brands, slightly changing the design. Example - Renault Duster and new Nissan Terrano. Another option is more common, when the cars are still different, but have comparable dimensions: for example, Chevrolet Cruze and Opel Astra or KIA Rio And Hyundai Solaris. Gradually, the principle of co-platform goes beyond size classes: for example, BMW 5, BMW 7, BMW 5 GT, BMW 6 and Gran Turismo have a common set of cubes. Today, almost all leading manufacturers are engaged in the creation of universal platforms, for example, Peugeot-Citroen is building new models of classes C and D on the universal EMP2 platform.

Why is the “platform principle” gaining popularity?

The main goal of unification is to reduce costs, and not only production costs. The more standard components there are in a car, the less time engineers spend on solving routine problems, the easier it is for technologists when launching new models, and also the more profitable it is for component manufacturers. Let's say you own a factory that produces brackets for mounting engines. What is more profitable for you: to produce a million identical brackets or four types for 250 thousand each? The rule is simple: greater volume of purchases - lower price.

Unification invisible to the eye significantly facilitates production processes

The time to prepare a new model is radically reduced, and the variety of the model range is growing. We owe the abundance of crossovers, minivans and intermediate vehicles, such as coupe-crossovers or off-road compact vans, to the principle of platforms.

Until recently, platforms were most often shared by cars of similar size and concept with different designs, such as the Peugeot 308 and Citroen C4. The recent trend: a significant expansion of the range of cars that share the component base. Today, half of all cars are built on 20 global platforms, but the number of platforms is decreasing, and the range of cars is growing every year.

Creating universal platforms is a concern even for premium manufacturers, who seem to be less financially constrained. Thus, BMW announced the creation of the 35up platform, on which all 3, 5, 7 series cars, as well as crossovers, convertibles and coupes based on them, will be built. At the same time, another platform, UKL, is addressed for front-wheel drive BMW (for example 2 Tourer) and Mini. The Volkswagen concern, using premium brands, is developing two platforms MSB and MLB, which will form the basis for future generations of Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, Bentley. Some premium manufacturers use platforms of partner mass brands, for example Lexus actively uses Toyota’s developments, and Infiniti JX and new Nissan Pathfinder are close relatives.

Moreover, there were many embarrassments when automakers tried to neglect the principle of platforms. So, BMW, having bought the suffering English Rover company, failed largely due to the absolute dissimilarity of the products: front-wheel drive utilitarian Rovers and rear-wheel drive BMWs did not lend themselves to unification, which did not allow, following the example of Volkswagen, to integrate a mass manufacturer into the overall structure. The same logic pushed Smart ( Daimler concern AG, which once boasted a personal and unclonable platform, has joined forces with Renault in a bid to create a universal base for microcars.

Every major manufacturer is trying to reduce the number of platforms on which their lineup is built. In addition, manufacturers are increasingly “platform friendly”, creating products under different brands on the same component databases(usually within a single corporation, but not only). A typical example: the Renault-Nissan-AVTOVAZ alliance. If you look at the top 10 sales in Russia, four places are completely different cars on the same platform B0: Renault crossover Duster, Lada Largus station wagon, mid-size sedan Nissan Almera and the compact sedan Renault Logan. This available models, and their availability is largely due to the fact that they are technically close.

Are there any benefits for consumers?

Automakers are cutting costs, but the price of cars is holding up, right? Isn't the principle of platforms a complete profanation?

No is not. It's not always obvious to us consumers, but modern cars more packed with safety features, they are more environmentally friendly (at least on paper) and more complex than their ancestors. The exchange of components allows you to keep the cost within reasonable limits.

For example, the new MQB (Volkswagen) and EMP2 (Peugeot-Citroen) platforms made it possible to save several tens of kilograms of weight and significantly increase the use of high-strength steels in body structure without radically increasing the price of cars.

Moreover, the “platform effect” is felt subjectively, for example, the VW/Skoda/Seat family on the MQB platform is distinguished by an outstanding ratio of handling to comfort, and new Peugeot 308 on the EMP2 platform has earned the most flattering reviews from journalists. The results were achieved, among other things, because unification, which reduces production costs, freed the hands of engineers in other areas.

Does the principle of platforms deprive cars of their individuality?

Hardly. By and large, the platform is not visible to the eye and is not perceived by an outside observer. You can't identify cross-platform cars by their appearance if the designers haven't tried to give them a corporate look. The platform consists of wires, brackets, car floor elements, suspensions and other unglamorous things.

In addition, sometimes platforms even increase technical diversity. For example, the same MQB platform implies two types rear suspension: independent and semi-independent. Moreover, the same model, say, Skoda Octavia, has different suspensions in different versions.

If cars lose their individuality, it is because of the requirements that modern transport must satisfy. For example, pedestrian safety requirements oblige manufacturers to make the hood edge of a certain height, which forces designers to sculpt often awkward, huge grille-mouths to veil the massiveness of the front end. Requirements for capacity, aerodynamic efficiency, and safety ultimately bring all cars closer to a certain golden mean, making them similar to each other, but the platforms have nothing to do with it. On the contrary, on the same base you can build very different and bright cars, and an example of this: Mini Cooper and the new BMW 2 Tourer, both on the UKL platform.

Why didn't the principle of platforms come into fashion earlier?

The platform is not only complex, but also very expensive. Platform modern car costs several billion euros, but this investment is recouped through its replication.

It is clear that the more versatile the platform, the more compromises engineers must resolve. In order to create a city compact and a full-size crossover using the same components, you need, as they say, to think for yourself and for that guy.

When creating a platform, there is a high risk of errors. Imagine that engineers miscalculated some component that will later be replicated on dozens of models. It is clear that before being put into production, all machines are thoroughly tested, but since the platform is a virtual, intangible phenomenon in a sense, the possibility of a fundamental error is always present.

In short, the principle of platforms has spread with the advent of powerful computers and modern design methods. On the other hand, the motive for the emergence of platforms is the obsessive need to reduce the cost of manufactured products.

Saab was original and technically sophisticated, but could not fit into the realities of the new day

Why are platforms bad?

With an illiterate approach, the principle of platforms killed entire manufacturers who did not fit into corporate standards. The most striking example is Saab. Having fallen under the influence of General Motors, the original Swedish manufacturer found itself in a difficult situation, because the utilitarian platforms from Opel did not allow Saab to realize its main trump card - technical sophistication.

Sometimes platforms make it difficult to market expensive cars that are based on cheaper ones. A premium-class manufacturer can always be accused of saying that his car is a remade and leather-covered creation of a mass brand. However, recently manufacturers have learned to hide the technical similarity of models and are making mistakes less and less often, such as installing a cheap instrument panel on a luxury car.

But the main problem is different. With all the flexibility that modern platforms demonstrate, they complicate the construction of non-format machines, somewhat narrowing the market range. But even here it is possible to find a way out, for example, the Toyota GT86 coupe is unified with the Subaru BRZ (in fact, one model). However, we can hardly expect such masterpieces as the Nissan/Datsun Z-series to appear in the new century. Today, the production of a cheap rear-wheel drive sports car is practically impossible: there is simply no suitable platform for it, which means it will not be cheap.

Hybrids and electric vehicles, which further appeal to the principle of platforms and modularity, are gaining popularity. Best example- the new BMW i3, an electric car that takes us back to our roots. After all, it, like retro cars, has a very clear division into a chassis (trolley) and a body. This design lends itself well to unification; for example, the entire electric power unit, battery pack, supporting structure (frame), and suspensions can be separated into separate subassemblies. As in the old days, cars with different bodies can be produced on one trolley.

Or another example: the iStream project of former Formula 1 designer Gordon Murray. For several years now he has been creating a universal platform for compact inexpensive cars. IN in this case it's not about development specific car, as in the photo, but about the whole production principle. It will make it possible to create entire families of cars, and then produce them in simple factories that do not require large investments.