Lexus ES300 (1997 year). Manual — part 21

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BODY — LIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY RIGID BODY

DOORS

A twin-pipe type side impact protection beams are mounted in the center space between the front door panels.
Similarly, a side impact protection beam is provided in the rear door.

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BODY — LIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY RIGID BODY

IMPACT ABSORBING STRUCTURE

1. General

The impact absorbing structure of the new ES300 provides a body construction that can effectively absorb
the energy of impact in the event of a front, rear, or side collision. Also, it realizes an excellent occupant
protection performance through the use of reinforcements and members that help minimize cabin
deformation.

2. Construction

Impact Absorbing Structure for Front/Rear Collision

In conjunction with the revision made to the impact absorbing structure for a front or rear collision, the cross
section of the underbody members, pillars, and reinforcements have been increased in size and thickness of
the material used.
Accordingly, the underbody and cabin framework were made to efficiently absorb and dissipate the impact
energy in case of a front or rear collision, thus realizing a body structure to minimize cabin deformation.

Impact Absorbing Structure for Front Collision

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BODY — LIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY RIGID BODY

Impact Absorbing Structure for Side Collision

Impact energy of a side collision directed to the cabin area is dispersed throughout the body via pillar
reinforcements, side impact protection beams, floor cross members, etc. This dispersion of energy keeps the
energy directed to the cabin to a minimum level. In addition, the body is made highly rigid through reinforced
joints and the use of high strength sheet steel in order to maintain the maximum preservation of the cabin space.
And, in order to make the door more energy absorbent, a closed cross section configuration is provided at the
belt line area of the front and rear doors.
Also, a soft upper interior construction has been adopted. With this type of construction, if the occupant’s head
collides against the roof side rail in reaction to a collision, the inner panel of the roof side rail collapses to
reduce the impact.

Impact Absorbing Structure for Side Collision

Soft Upper Interior Structure

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BODY — RUST-RESISTANT BODY

RUST-RESISTANT BODY

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

ANTI-CORROSION SHEET STEEL

Two types of anti-corrosion sheet steel are used: galvannealed sheet steel and zinc-iron alloy double layer
galvannealed sheet steel. Galvannealed sheet steel is used for hood, luggage compartment door, many inner
panels and engine compartment. Zinc-iron alloy double layer galvannealed sheet steel is used for side outer
panels and doors.