2thfixr

Has anyone noticed that the Toyota Avalon looks a lot like the GS? I get the feeling that they are built on the same chassis. Even the rear end has the same short trunk and rear window line. I keep thinking this but at the same time, it has never been mentioned in any of the publications.

ES350Bob

I noticed it, though feel it is not nearly as pronounced a resemblance as there is between Camry and the ES350.

SGT

EyeKutr

iTrader: (5)

I think the wheelbase on the avalon is longer for sure, I dont think they share chassis. You want a scary comparison, compare the maxima lines to the GS lines....

Franknyc30

Funny that this thread came up. Originally i had my heart set on the 07 maxima, beacuse i looked so much like the GS. After some soul searching i decided to spring the extra loot for the lexus. I've mentioned the resemblance to several friends who all think im crazy. The resemblance is uncanny. I'm sure i would have been satisfied with the maxima, but im COMPLETELY satisfied with my lexus.

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

I dont even care if the GS has similar lines at the Maxima, it looks tons better. I have a 2004 Maxima that I am getting rid of. No one mentioned any similarities of the Maxima to my 2006 GS 300 AWD while both are sitting in the garage (not even 50-60 ppl). But I can tell you I really like the coupe-like slop in the back of both the Maxima and GS, very interesting design.

2thfixr

Yes, I agree. The back does look very similar. The GS, Avalon and Maxima all have the same lower rear window where the C pillars don't sit flush with the rear window like most cars. The GS is clearly the beauty queen of the bunch but the similarities are there.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Avalon = front wheel drive platform based on Camry (I'm not 100% most recent platform is still Camry based, but think it is). The Lexus RX and ES also share this same basic platform.

The 3GS and 2IS share the same basic platform and it is RWD.


Not the same, but there definitely are some similar design lines from certian perspectives

2thfixr

GS can be AWD so it has a front transaxle. You should be able to easily make a FWD Avalon out of a RWD/AWD GS chassis. BUT, since you bring it up, I wonder if the Avalon has a transverse or longitudinal mounted engine? That would answer the question for sure.

ES350Bob

After seeing the side by side pics of Maxima and GS that is to me as similar looking comparatively as the Camry is to the ES350.

LexBob2

The engine in the Avalon is transverse. FWIW, while researching the purchase of our ES350 I read in a review of the Avalon that it's based on the previous gen Camry platform. The new AV came out in the '05 model year when they were still making the previous gen Camry. The '07 Camry and '07 ES350 are built on the same new gen platform. Don't know if Toyota would convert Avalon to the new platform. I'd think there'd be some cost savings in doing so.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

IMO that's quite an engineering stretch to debate the point, lol.

Not the same platform, this same topic comes up regularly.

LexFather

As Dave stated, not related at all. The GS is built in Tahara, Japan for one. The Avalon is built in Georgetown, Kentucky.

2GS has its own platform, RWD, V-8 engine or I-6 engine or TT I-6 V300 in Japan. The 3GS is the basis for the platform the 2IS shares. The 3GS had the 3.0 V-6 and the 4.3 V-8. Now the Avalon and 3GS do share the new 3.5 V-6 but the Avalon does not have direct injection, thus the GS has more power.

Avalon is a stretched Camry chassis. The original Avalon on weighed 50 lbs more than the Camry . Avalon never shared a GS engine until the GS became the 350, it has always had the V-6 from the Camry/ES/RX and that continues.

Also the two are targeted at 2 totally different buyers. The Avalon is aimed at the Buick crowd (even 3 across seating with a dash mounted shifter) and the GS to the sports sedan crowd.

They always were similar in size and dimensions.


Glad you bought the real thing and not the knock-off Nissan took the 2GS and made every sedan of theirs look like it in one way or another and it has worked for them.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

2thfixr

at least I tried. Whenever I pulled up next to an Avalon, I wondered if I was really driving a souped up Avalon. It seemed odd that the issue never came up in the automotive mags. Thanks for the information guys!

LexFather

One last thing. With the 3GS, Lexus really managed to not make the car much larger dimension wise, which I really like but it seems some think it is now to small. The 3GS is only .6 inches longer than the 2GS and I think an inch wider. Most others, the 5 and the M35/45 and Audi A6 are now over 192 inches or longer. Doesn't sound like much but it is. Also, the M35/45 ride height is 59 inches, taller than a BMW 750! (ungainly to me, way to tall but has tons of headroom).

So with the 3GS, Lexus oddly bucked the trend that "bigger is better". The
Camry
Altima
Acura TL
Maxima
etc etc

Are all LONGER than the GS or taller. As people are getting larger and want a more "SUV" view of the road, this trend will continue.

IMO, I am very happy Lexus did not, giving it a more intimate, "Coupe like" feel.