I know that it is a common practice for most manufactures to platform share between models. Nissan, for example, uses the FM (front-midship) platform on a ton of it's cars. I was wondering if Toyota does this with our GS, or any of the Lexus models in the range. I am almost certain that the previous generation ES was based on the Camry platform, but I don't know about current models.

 

Platform sharing is not as simple as it sounds. For Toyota, platform basically means same connecting points for major components. Cars can still have completly different drivetrain, suspensions, etc, etc.

IS uses shortened GS "platform".

 

I believe the JDM Crown Athlete also shares the same platform as the GS/IS. . .

 

Please correct me if I am wrong but I believe the 4Runner shares it's platform with the GX, the Land Cruiser with the LX, and the Camry with the ES. And in the old days, the Supra shared it's platform with the SC.

 

Yes, you are all correct and current generation ES and Camry shares platform and even the engine. Current generation of Toyota Siena, Solara, Avalon and Lexus RX were based on previous generation of ES/Camry platform.

GS shares platform with Toyota Crown models and IS...

Do a wikipedia.org search and it can tell you all the platform variation of the given model.

 

Crown/GS share platform-IS is shortened GS platform
E class and CLS share platform. CLS is built off a stretched C-class platform
5 and 6 series share platform. 6 based off 5.
Audi A6 PREVIOUSLY was built off Passat platform. The new model does not.
M35/45 is FM based, shared with the 350Z, FX 35/45 and G35/G37. M35/45 is the opposite of the above, being stretched after the initial platform debuted in the Z.
Lincoln LS and Jag S-type shared platforms with the Ford Thunderbird. Not a bad example of platform engineering but not great, as all 3 are now discontinued.

 

How about the Highlander and the RX? I forgot that one.

 

They used to. RX and previous generation (upto 2007) was based on previous generation Camry platform. RX is still but new 2008 Highlander I believe is based on new generation Camry/ES350 platform so if I am correct, 2008 RX and Highlander technically doesn't share the platform yet but will be soon once 2009 redesigned RX comes out.

I did a little bit of googling and found out that latest generation Camry is available with 4WD option in Japan. Wonder why not make a ES350 AWD?
And speaking of AWD, we all know that Toyota Crown shares the platform with 3GS and 2IS and guess what? Crown is available with AWD and 4.3L V8 which means it should be real easy for Toyota to make GS430/460 AWD but then, at current selling rate of V8 GSs, I don't see a market for AWD V8 GS...

Check this site out listing all available Toyota models sold in Japan.
http://www.batfa.com/new-toyota.html

Interesting thing I found out is that just about any models, no matter how small it is, are almost all available with an AWD option. It must be a "must have" thing in Japan... Do they get alot of snow ?