New Release: Illustrated Feature on the 'New Concept of Platforms' – MOTOR FAN illustrated Vol.237 Launches June 15

MOTOR FAN Special Edition – MOTOR FAN illustrated Vol.237

~The New Concept of Platforms~

Release Date: June 15, 2026
Price: ¥2,100 (Base price: ¥1,909)
JAN Code: 9784779654558

https://shop.san-ei-corp.co.jp/shop/g/g505455/

San-ei Corporation (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Kenji Suzuki) will release MOTOR FAN illustrated Vol.237 on June 15, 2026. This monthly magazine uses photographs and illustrations to thoroughly explain automotive technologies.

Centered on the concept that 'understanding technology makes cars more enjoyable,' MOTOR FAN illustrated analyzes the automotive industry from a technical perspective. The latest issue, Vol.237, features a cover story titled 'The New Concept of Platforms.' While 'platform' has traditionally referred to a vehicle's body structure, today it increasingly encompasses software-defined vehicles (SDV). How platforms are structured in the electronic domain now significantly impacts OEMs' business strategies. This issue re-examines the evolving meaning of 'platform' by exploring the latest case studies from both hardware and software perspectives. In addition, this issue launches a new serial feature on Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), alongside the ongoing Mazda Super Taikyu series. Don’t miss it!

(San-ei Official Website: https://shop.san-ei-corp.co.jp/shop/g/g505455/)

When discussing cars, many people associate 'platform' with the body structure. However, today the concept extends beyond that, gaining attention even in the realm of electronic control software. This issue focuses on examples from both hardware and software domains.

Incidentally, do you know the meaning of the term 'platform,' which we use so frequently? Dictionary definitions vary widely. In automotive contexts, it means 'chassis,' but it can also refer to a train platform, a podium, or even abstract concepts like a 'business platform'—making it an extremely broad term. We begin by unraveling the question: 'What exactly is a platform?'

First, we examine the latest examples of hardware-related platform components—specifically, body structures. We explore Stellantis’ body strategy and the rationale behind the adoption of the updated predecessor model of the third-generation Mazda CX-5, released on May 21, 2026.

Next, we turn to software-related cases. In recent years, the term 'platform' has become increasingly common in digital domains. While it may still be unfamiliar to some, we delve deeply into what has happened in the digital world so far and how it will continue to evolve.

The annual 'Human and Automobile Technology Exhibition' was held again this year at two venues—Yokohama and Nagoya—on staggered dates. The event brought together numerous cutting-edge automotive technologies. This issue features a comprehensive report on the exhibition held at Pacifico Yokohama from May 27 (Wed) to May 29 (Fri). The MFi editorial team conducted full-scale coverage of the most notable booths across various fields and companies.

Starting this issue, a new short-term serial feature launches: 'MBSE Frontlines – Why Has Vehicle Development Become This Complex?' The author is Shuji Nishimura, Representative Director of Key Fusion Lab. With experience in engine development at Nissan, followed by roles in a BEV startup and launching the Japanese branch of a French engineering service company, Nishimura brings an engineer’s frontline perspective. He will analyze the current state of MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering) development from a practical, on-the-ground viewpoint.

★CONTENTS

005 MFeye: Ono Sokki and Chino Corporation announce collaboration, unveiling new equipment to advance thermal management development

007 MFeye: Nissan and Quemix successfully demonstrate aerodynamic simulation using quantum algorithms

009 MFeye: Michelin enhances wear resistance in new product, enabling winter tires to be used to their full lifespan

010 Short Serial: Mazda’s Technology Forged in Super Taikyu – Vol.3

"An attempt to store CO2 absorbed during racing"

014 Special Report: JTEKT’s Linkless Steer-by-Wire

018 Driving Impression: Nissan New Elgrand Prototype Test Drive Report – Forging a Premium Minivan Through Technology

022 Technical Report: BMW Introduces Pre-Chamber Technology to Production Engines – Bringing Race-Derived Tech to the Streets

024

【Illustrated Feature】The New Concept of Platforms

026 Introduction: A platform is neither a constraint nor freeform—it embodies a consistent philosophy

028 Fundamentals Explained: Three Perspectives on Platforms – Three Events That Shaped the Past 100 Years

034 Body Structure Section: 'Hide the battery somewhere' – How C2B/CTC is transforming body design in Stellantis’ body strategy

036 Maturation of a Proven Mid-Size Platform: 'What changed in the new Mazda CX-5’s platform?'

038 Multi-Pathway Body Structure: 'Expansion of Toyota’s GA-K platform as seen in the new Lexus ES'

040 Column: The Shinkansen Platform as Seen in JR Central’s N700S

042 Electronic Network Section: 'An electronic technology platform that governs complex electronic controls, efficiently managing vast electronic data'

048 How MBSE is Transforming Vehicle Development: 'The era of designing cars not as 'parts' but as 'systems'

050 Electronic Hardware Section: 'The electrical pathways called wire harnesses—organizing wiring due to platform constraints'

052 Behind the Dashboard: Observing the evolution of the 'manufacturing platform'

056 Special Report: Human and Automobile Technology Exhibition 2026 YOKOHAMA

072 BirdView: Automotive Bird’s-Eye View by Shigeo Makino

074 RACING CAR: Engineer’s Philosophy LAP98 by Tsutomu Nagashima

076 The Legend of Deviant Internal Combustion Engines – Episode 18 by Ikio Watanabe

078 New Car Second Squeeze: Renault Grand Kangoo by Reizo Fukuno

082 Short Serial: MBSE Frontlines – Why Has Vehicle Development Become This Complex? Vol.1: 'The End of the 150-ECU Era and the Shift to Zone Architecture'

084 Special Report: Honda’s Two-Wheeler PT Strategy Revealed at Tokyo MC Show – 'Make Engines Even More FUN!!'

088 Special Report: NTT Data and km Taxi Launch Service – Detecting Declines in 'Brain Health' from Daily Driving

090 Special Report: TomTom Analyzes Global Traffic – '6 Japanese Cities with Worse Congestion than Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka'

092 Special Rep