Lexus RX300 (MCU15). Service manual — part 58

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BODY — BODY STRUCTURE

BODY

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BODY STRUCTURE

JDESCRIPTION

The new RX300 has adopted a body construction that achieves both high rigidity and safety.

JLIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY RIGID BODY

High strength sheet steel has been used in order to ensure body rigidity and realize a lightweight body.

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: High Strength Sheet Steel

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JSAFETY FEATURES

1. General

The impact absorbing body structure of the RX300 can effectively help absorb the energy of impact in
the event of a frontal or side collision. This structure also realizes high-performance occupant protection
through the use of reinforcements and members that help to minimize cabin deformation.

2. Impact Absorbing Structure for frontal Collision

D The energy that is created during a frontal collision is effectively dissipated in the following three direc-

tions: from the front side member to the front floor side reinforcement (direction A), to the front floor
under reinforcement (direction B), and to the rocker (direction C). By dampening the impact that is applied
to the cabin floor in this manner, this structure helps maintain the space that is required for protecting
the occupants.

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Impact
Energy

Front Side Member

Front Floor Side
Reinforcement

Front Floor Under

Rocker Portion

Front Bamber
Reinforcement

A

B

C

D The engine has been located lower than the cowl top panel so that even if the engine moves rearward

during a frontal collision, its influences to the windshield glass, instrument panel, or the steering are
minimized, in order to protect the occupants.

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Rocker Panel No. 1
Reinforcement

Impact
Energy

Engine

Cawl Top Panel

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3. Impact Absorbing Structure for Side Collision

Impact energy of a side collision directed to the cabin area is dispersed throughout the body via pillar rein-
forcements, side impact protection beams, floor cross members, thus helping minimize the impact energy
finally directed to the cabin.
In addition, the body is made of reinforced joints and high strength sheet steel, in order to help maintain
the maximum preservation of the cabin space. And, in order to make the door energy absorbent, a closed
cross section configuration is provided at the belt line area of the front and rear doors.
Also, a Head Impact Protection Structure has been adopted. With this type of construction, if the occupant’s
head hits against the roof side rail and pillar in reaction to a collision, the inner panel of the roof side rail
and pillar collapses to help reduce the impact.

" Impact Absorbing Structure for Side Collision A

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Impact Energy

" Head Impact Protection Structure A

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Head Impact
Protection Structure

:

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JRUST-RESISTANT BODY

1. General

Rust-resistant performance is enhanced by extensive use of anti-corrosion sheet steel, as well as by an anti-
corrosion treatment which includes the application of wax, sealer and anti-chipping paint to easily corroded
parts such as the hood, doors and rocker panels.

2. Anti-Corrosion Sheet Steel

Anti-corrosion sheet steel is used in all areas other than the roof and interior parts.

: Anti-corrosion Sheet Steel

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