Toyota’s new GR GT supercar, designed to be the brand’s performance halo, has a surprising detail: it uses interior components that are nearly identical to those found in the Lexus IS, one of the company’s most affordable sedans. This isn’t necessarily a sign of cutting corners, but a common practice in the automotive industry where manufacturers often reuse parts across different models—even those at opposite ends of the price spectrum.
The Shared Design Elements
The most notable overlap is in the interior trim, particularly the air vents and upholstery. The GR GT features air vents that appear directly lifted from the Lexus IS, a model that has received multiple updates since its debut in 2013. Upholstery shades also bear a striking resemblance to Lexus’ Radiant Red. While the GR GT adds premium touches like suede and carbon fiber, the fundamental design of certain components remains consistent.
Why This Happens: Platform Sharing and Cost Efficiency
This practice, known as platform sharing, isn’t unique to Toyota. Automakers routinely reuse parts to reduce development costs and streamline production. The GR GT may have been designed with these components in mind from the start, and Toyota may have later repurposed them for the aging IS to inject new life into the sedan.
This isn’t a new trend. The automotive industry has a long history of shared parts, from Lamborghini using Audi switchgear to McLaren borrowing taillights from buses. These decisions aren’t about cheapening the product but about leveraging existing resources efficiently.
Beyond the Interior: What Else is Shared?
Beyond the interior, window and mirror switches are also near-identical, suggesting Toyota’s broader parts catalog is being utilized across different brands. The GR GT does feature unique elements like its gear selector (which shares some DNA with the Toyota RAV4) and paddle shifters. However, the core design language of certain components is undeniably shared.
The Future of Platform Sharing
This trend is likely to continue. As manufacturing techniques like 3D printing evolve, automakers may find even more ways to differentiate products while still using the same underlying components. Digital features, such as instrument clusters and infotainment displays, are easily re-skinned, making platform sharing even more seamless. Expect to see similar parts recycling in future Gazoo Racing models like the revived Celica or MR2.
Ultimately, the shared components in Toyota’s GR GT highlight a practical reality of modern automotive manufacturing: even supercars rely on cost-effective design choices and shared resources. It’s a reminder that luxury and performance don’t always demand completely bespoke engineering.
