Toyota 86 GRMN Sports Car is First Vehicle to have Plasma-coated PC Window

Famed automaker Toyota has recently marked an industry first with the first-ever production vehicle to have a rear quarter window in polycarbonate (PC) material with a plasma-coat solution designed to offer the highest level of durability performance.

The window—which is featured on Toyota’s special edition 86 GRMN sports car—is injection moulded with LEXAN, an optically clear and lightweight resin that enables PC material from SABIC. The window is claimed to be around 50 percent lighter compared to a traditional glass solution.

Until now, automotive manufacturers have produced rear quarter windows in PC utilizing wet-coat only solutions. Depending on the type of vehicle and passenger position, wet-coat solutions can meet industry requirements for abrasion resistance and weatherability at that window location. However, in some cases, a higher level of performance is needed to meet driver visibility needs.

Given that Toyota wished to attain regulatory requirements at a global level, the Japan-based OEM utilized ‘EXATEC’ plasma technology from SABIC. This flexible glass-like coating is deposited on top of a base wet coat to improve performance.

Scott Fallon, SABIC’s Automotive Business Leader, said that they are proud to have supported Toyota and its Tier suppliers with this first-to-market, plasma-coated rear quarter window on a very special car. He added that no other technology is available today with the same level of durability for PC-glazed windows than this plasma solution. “It is a good example of the superior value that we can deliver to today’s automakers as they strive to build light, stylish and well-finished vehicles.”