Rhambler

I always wondered why Lexus puts our mirrors on the body versus the corner of the A pillar. Anyone know why? Most cars have them on the corner, including the Camry, but for some reason they put ours on the body.

Any advantage to one versus the other? I would think that corner would be much easier from a manufacturing perspective and most cars does this. Just seems strange why certain Lexus models would choose this location versus others.

GSCT

I think it's for better aerodynamics - there is less wind "burble" with door mounted mirrors?

Rhambler

So the LS, GS, ES and IS all have body-molded rear view mirrors.

Here's the strange thing, the ES and Avalon are fairly similar wouldn't you agree, but one has body-molded and the other is A pillar!

Lol, why? Is the body-molded that superior? If anything, that A pillar mirror might reduce an area of noise injection. The S550 and 750i are all A pillar.

I've thought about this and other than being different, I honestly can't think of a desirable reason why they would move the mirror to the body. It surely must add to the complexity of parts and manufacturing. Why would they do it other than to just be different or have a different look possibly?

SW17LS

I think It's just for look. Lexus always used to use window frame mounted mirrors, my LS400, LS430 and ES300 all had window frame mounted mirrors. In 2006 Lexus switched to door mounted mirrors as a part of the L-Finesse styling shift.

Rhambler

Yeah, it probably has more to do with looks and style than any other mechanical or ergonomic reason. It does look more distinguished now that I've stared between the two for a while. But, the Avalon looks more "sporty" to me because of the mirror location.

roadfrog

Rhambler....You have way too much time on your hands! LOL

But I guess if this stuff is the only things we have to worry about, that bodes well for our LS ownership.

R Z

Well, if it was on the triangular section in front of the windows, there would be less wind noise. ;-)

Rhambler

lol, I think about these tiny details a lot.

I'm just naturally curious and since I lead a staff of engineers, I'm always wondering what they were thinking when they propose one thing over another. I try to get in their heads and see things from their perspective then I ask myself why? Sometimes I see things the way they intended and it makes complete sense, but other times I ask myself, what the in the world were they thinking, lol.

So in this case, I'm just asking those same questions as I'm curious. What were Toyota engineers thinking when they decided to do just this? Was there a specific reason and if so, what was it?

Dr. Jekyll

iTrader: (1)

I thought it was for aerodynamics and to reduce the cabin noise. Notice the mini wings on the A pillar and rear tails which reduce wind drag on the 13+. I know it's true because I saw it on the internet. Oh and in a video produced by Lexus too.