Does GAC Trumpchi Use Toyota Technology?

[Lonnie]

GAC Trumpchi does not use Toyota technology; it is an independent automotive brand. Taking the 2021 GAC Trumpchi GS3 as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4350mm, width 1825mm, height 1685mm, with a wheelbase of 2560mm, minimum ground clearance of 178mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 50 liters. The 2021 GAC Trumpchi GS3 features a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a torsion beam non-independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 163PS, maximum power of 120kW, and maximum torque of 235Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

[SanElaina]

When I previously worked on repairing a Trumpchi engine, I realized this matter needs to be examined in stages. Back in 2008, Trumpchi did purchase Alfa Romeo chassis technology for their sedans, but there was no direct connection with Toyota at that time. Later, when developing the GS5 SUV, they used their own AF platform - even sheet metal technicians praised that the body welding point design was more robust than some joint-venture vehicles. If we're talking about truly adopting Toyota technology, that would be their hybrid models. For instance, the current Shadow Hybrid version modifies Toyota's fourth-generation THS system, but the 2.0ATK engine remains GAC's in-house development. So currently, Trumpchi is more accurately described as a hybrid - its chassis tuning clearly shows European car resilience, while its hybrid vehicles retain Toyota's bloodline.

[PaulDella]

I've been active in car enthusiast groups for seven years and noticed many misunderstandings about this. GAC has indeed had a joint venture with Toyota for many years, but the Trumpchi brand has been independently developed since its inception. For example, last year when helping a friend modify a Trumpchi M8, we opened the engine bay and found the wiring harness layout of the GPMA architecture was completely different from the Highlander's. However, the hybrid version is indeed different—the logic for switching between gas and electric is almost synchronized with the Camry Hybrid, thanks to Toyota opening up its THS patents. But a word of caution for those considering buying a used Trumpchi: the gasoline 1.5T/2.0T engines use GAC's third-generation direct injection technology, so don't blindly follow Toyota's maintenance standards.

[VanJude]

Last year, I specifically studied the Emgrand Hybrid during a test drive. The core hybrid module of that car is the Toyota THS system, with the planetary gear set and ECU control unit both supplied by Toyota. However, the key lies in the recalibration of the transmission system. GAC engineers boosted the engine's thermal efficiency to 42.1%, even higher than Toyota's original version. As for gasoline models, they use the Trumpchi Power system, like the fully self-developed 1.5T+7DCT in the GA6 sedan. Workshop technicians mentioned that the transmission valve body design is more heat-resistant than Toyota Aisin's.

[StDeclan]

Over the past decade working as an automotive journalist, I've tracked the evolution of GAC Motor's technology roadmap. The pivotal moment came in 2021 when GAC adopted Toyota's THS hybrid system without complete replication. They implemented three significant modifications: increasing the drive motor power to 134kW, optimizing the PCU energy management logic, and replacing the nickel-metal hydride battery with a ternary lithium unit. The chassis continued using early Alfa Romeo-derived aluminum suspension technology, delivering noticeably better body stability over speed bumps compared to Toyota vehicles in the same price range. Interestingly, the recently launched M6Pro has reverted to GAC's in-house developed hybrid system.

[ReidAnn]

The experienced masters in the factory have a saying: 'Don't just judge GAC Motor by its badge.' In our workshop, we often work on hybrid models. When you remove the engine cover, you can see the orange high-voltage wiring harness of the THS hybrid system, identical to Toyota's. But take a closer look at the engine block number—the GMC 2.0 hybrid-specific engine was designed by GAC R&D Center. The most interesting part is the transmission: GAC combined Toyota's planetary gear set with its self-developed clutch to achieve full-speed range lock-up. Last week, during a maintenance check on a 2023 GS8 hybrid, the actual city fuel consumption measured was 5.6L, which is 0.8L lower than the Highlander hybrid.