Awd es?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: SE PA
The unibody that Lexus is using right now on the 2019 ES 350 will be the same for the AWD version. This according to my Lexus sales person. Notice the middle hump in the rear compartment of my 2019... Not needed for FWD only vehicles.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2012
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From: CA
My mom's old 2009 or 2012 (I can't remember) Avalon has a hump there too. I'm not sure if the hump means AWD is coming or we're just looking too far into it.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Illinois
I believe that is correct.
On the AWD versions of FWD-based vehicles, like the NX or RAV4, Toyota/Lexus is using an electric motor to provide power to the rear wheels, instead of the mechanical linkage that is used on the AWD versions of RWD-based cars, like the GS, to provide power to the front wheels. And using the electric motor to send power to the rear wheels requires less space.
On the AWD versions of FWD-based vehicles, like the NX or RAV4, Toyota/Lexus is using an electric motor to provide power to the rear wheels, instead of the mechanical linkage that is used on the AWD versions of RWD-based cars, like the GS, to provide power to the front wheels. And using the electric motor to send power to the rear wheels requires less space.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: WA
Without a doubt.
That's true, but only for the hybrid versions. The NX and RAV4 non-hybrid versions do have a shaft running back from the engine to power the rear wheels.
I believe that is correct.
On the AWD versions of FWD-based vehicles, like the NX or RAV4, Toyota/Lexus is using an electric motor to provide power to the rear wheels, instead of the mechanical linkage that is used on the AWD versions of RWD-based cars, like the GS, to provide power to the front wheels. And using the electric motor to send power to the rear wheels requires less space.
On the AWD versions of FWD-based vehicles, like the NX or RAV4, Toyota/Lexus is using an electric motor to provide power to the rear wheels, instead of the mechanical linkage that is used on the AWD versions of RWD-based cars, like the GS, to provide power to the front wheels. And using the electric motor to send power to the rear wheels requires less space.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Illinois
That said, AWD versions of FWD cars do have smaller humps than AWD versions of RWD cars. As I think about it, though, I'm guessing that the taller humps required in AWD versions of RWD cars is, in large part, the result of the need for more space for transmission components.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: WA
Thanks for the clarification.
That said, AWD versions of FWD cars do have smaller humps than AWD versions of RWD cars. As I think about it, though, I'm guessing that the taller humps required in AWD versions of RWD cars is, in large part, the result of the need for more space for transmission components.
That said, AWD versions of FWD cars do have smaller humps than AWD versions of RWD cars. As I think about it, though, I'm guessing that the taller humps required in AWD versions of RWD cars is, in large part, the result of the need for more space for transmission components.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Illinois
Why do you think that? If Lexus is truly planning to discontinue the GS and if Lexus wants to use the ES as a replacement that will appeal to current GS buyers, there will need to be an AWD version of the ES350 and not just the ES300h.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Illinois
All car manufactures are aiming for top MPG it their class.
So makes sense that they will go the HYBRID route.
ES will not be a replacement for the GS if they discontinue it.
Just my opinion.