IS on a Corolla frame?
A link talking about the differences in design between a Corolla and an IS? Not really, no. You'd have to research the suspension and frame designs of both models, but a few quick points:
In a Corolla the engine is mounted transversely (sideways), IS is longitudinally mounted (lengthwise).
Corolla is front wheel drive, IS is rear wheel drive (or AWD with a transfer case mounted behind the transmission).
Corolla front suspension is a McPherson strut setup, IS uses a double wishbone design.
Corolla rear suspension is a torsion-bar semi-independent axle beam, IS uses a multilink independent rear suspension.
Other than things like switches and bolts, they share nothing in common. I can post some diagrams and dimensional differences if you'd like.
Jeff
In a Corolla the engine is mounted transversely (sideways), IS is longitudinally mounted (lengthwise).
Corolla is front wheel drive, IS is rear wheel drive (or AWD with a transfer case mounted behind the transmission).
Corolla front suspension is a McPherson strut setup, IS uses a double wishbone design.
Corolla rear suspension is a torsion-bar semi-independent axle beam, IS uses a multilink independent rear suspension.
Other than things like switches and bolts, they share nothing in common. I can post some diagrams and dimensional differences if you'd like.
Jeff
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,947
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From: Florida
I've seen IS is a Corolla just b/c of size as well as the HS. No Lexus has ever been Corolla based.
Enthusiasts.
Models of Lexus that share chassis designs with Toyota models in North America: RX, LX, GX, ES. The CT and HS share some designs with other Toyota models, but they're kind of a mix of designs, like Prius V/RAV4 front suspension and Scion tC rear suspension, etc.
The JZA80 Supra shared some design with other Lexus models back in the 90's, but that's not really current.
Most Lexus models are on their own platforms, and ones that do share platforms with Toyota models are usually quite different as well. It's not like a Cavalier/Sunfire.
Jeff
The JZA80 Supra shared some design with other Lexus models back in the 90's, but that's not really current.
Most Lexus models are on their own platforms, and ones that do share platforms with Toyota models are usually quite different as well. It's not like a Cavalier/Sunfire.
Jeff
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 427
Likes: 1
From: Florida
A link talking about the differences in design between a Corolla and an IS? Not really, no. You'd have to research the suspension and frame designs of both models, but a few quick points:
In a Corolla the engine is mounted transversely (sideways), IS is longitudinally mounted (lengthwise).
Corolla is front wheel drive, IS is rear wheel drive (or AWD with a transfer case mounted behind the transmission).
Corolla front suspension is a McPherson strut setup, IS uses a double wishbone design.
Corolla rear suspension is a torsion-bar semi-independent axle beam, IS uses a multilink independent rear suspension.
Other than things like switches and bolts, they share nothing in common. I can post some diagrams and dimensional differences if you'd like.
Jeff
In a Corolla the engine is mounted transversely (sideways), IS is longitudinally mounted (lengthwise).
Corolla is front wheel drive, IS is rear wheel drive (or AWD with a transfer case mounted behind the transmission).
Corolla front suspension is a McPherson strut setup, IS uses a double wishbone design.
Corolla rear suspension is a torsion-bar semi-independent axle beam, IS uses a multilink independent rear suspension.
Other than things like switches and bolts, they share nothing in common. I can post some diagrams and dimensional differences if you'd like.
Jeff
Models of Lexus that share chassis designs with Toyota models in North America: RX, LX, GX, ES. The CT and HS share some designs with other Toyota models, but they're kind of a mix of designs, like Prius V/RAV4 front suspension and Scion tC rear suspension, etc.
The JZA80 Supra shared some design with other Lexus models back in the 90's, but that's not really current.
Most Lexus models are on their own platforms, and ones that do share platforms with Toyota models are usually quite different as well. It's not like a Cavalier/Sunfire.
Jeff
The JZA80 Supra shared some design with other Lexus models back in the 90's, but that's not really current.
Most Lexus models are on their own platforms, and ones that do share platforms with Toyota models are usually quite different as well. It's not like a Cavalier/Sunfire.
Jeff
My first car was a blue 71 Corona Mk II coupe, now I'm in a blue IS. Full circle I guess.
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No, the HS is not based on the Corolla. The chassis shares similar features with several other Toyota/Lexus models, but not specifically the Corolla. As I said, the front suspension is similar to the Corolla/Scion xB/Prius V, etc., however in the rear it uses the independent suspension that was only used on the HS at the time (it's since been used on the CT200h and Scion tC). The CT200h and HS250h are both kind of a mishmash of Toyota/Lexus parts bins thrown together in a way that gives them nicer handling characteristics than most other models that use the same components.
The LX is probably the only model that has an almost direct Toyota equivalent in North America, that being the Land Cruiser. The GX is similar in many ways to the 4Runner. The RX platform is very similar to the Highlander (though the RX was introduced before the Highlander originally). The ES is somewhat similar to the Camry, but the rest of the car is so very different, even though they shared chassis codes in the past (they no longer do). Other than the LX, I don't think you can really point at any Lexus models and say "that's the same as a Toyota _______".
Jeff
The LX is probably the only model that has an almost direct Toyota equivalent in North America, that being the Land Cruiser. The GX is similar in many ways to the 4Runner. The RX platform is very similar to the Highlander (though the RX was introduced before the Highlander originally). The ES is somewhat similar to the Camry, but the rest of the car is so very different, even though they shared chassis codes in the past (they no longer do). Other than the LX, I don't think you can really point at any Lexus models and say "that's the same as a Toyota _______".
Jeff
Last edited by Jeff Lange; Jan 22, 2013 at 11:47 AM.
If you are going to go outside of North America, you start to find other models badged as Toyotas that are more similar to Lexus models. (GX = Land Cruiser Prado, RX = Harrier, etc., then you can bring in the other RWD Toyotas like the Mark, Chaser, Cresta, etc., and so on).
Things can escalate quickly if you move to a global scale, that's all I'm saying, heh.
Jeff
Thanks for the replies everyone, learned a lot. I didn't really put much thought about Lexus being a re-badge Toyota. It was just that one conversation with someone that made me more curious and I wanted to confirm what I was told. All I know is I like my car and it's been very good to me. I still get compliments almost every day about my car from all shorts of people.
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