[toyotatech]

Originally posted by jiggafett:
I asked them if a sub contractor is building the car and the guy said "that is totally not true, the entire line is built by Toyota/Lexus."

Once again, I ask, what is the difference whether a "Toyota" plant builds the IS or a "sub-contractor" plant? Keep in mind that with the traditional Japanese business model and the "keiretsu", most of these companies form groups that basically make them the same family.

Will you not drink Coca-Cola because it's not bottled by the actual Coca-Cola plant in Atlanta (you actually get your drinks from a local bottler that has a license to manufacture colas according to the formula)?

Even if Kanto Auto Works builds the Altezza, it likely has been building TOyota products exclusively for decades. Therefore, it essentially _is_ a Toyota plant. The standards are the same.

Are you concerned about the 4Runner or Land Cruiser because Toyota doesn't actually design it? It's actually a company called Hino Motors, but they work hand-in-hand with Toyota engineers to design/build Toyota's trucks.

 

[toyotatech]

As far as retrofitting the Nav system, I would say that the difficulty would be pretty high. For wiring, especially the bundle behind the instrument panel, there are probably two versions--a base model wire bundle and a "luxury" wire bundle (since the Altezza comes in at least two "grades" of luxury).

For nav-equipped cars, the wire bundle/connectors/routing will be different from the "base" model. Also, you have to re-wire all the way to the trunk, where the DVD-based nav unit actually is. Then you must retrofit the GPS antenna (not sure where that is, probably near the roof or C-pillar).

Then, you'd have to switch out the plastic panels on your dashboard--the little tray atop the dash must be replaced with one with a cutout for the flipscreen.

All in all, I'd say it isn't worth it to retrofit the lexus nav to your current IS. If you really wanted the lexus nav, then you should have waited. But, I think plenty of aftermarket stuff is out there for nav, right? Pioneer, Alpine, etc.