Glossary / General

underpinnings

10 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

“Underpinnings” means the main structure of the car—its basic frame and platform. The host is saying even if you start with the right basic foundation, you still might not get the same overall experience.

Technical Definition

“Underpinnings” refers to a vehicle’s core architecture—its chassis/platform and major structural components. The idea here is that Lexus could use Land Cruiser-style fundamentals, then add luxury comfort and ergonomics, but it still wouldn’t replicate what people specifically want from a Range Rover.

Hear It Discussed

"Is it kind of like tarted up Camry? Well, it's a bit more than that because this is a sort of new underpinnings."
CarCast+Edmunds - Rivian R2, Lexus RX Plug-in Hybrid, Lexus ES EV, BMW M3 EV concept and more. CarCast 33:55

"You get Land Cruiser underpinnings and you get Lexus to do everything in the cabard and all the ergonomics bang done. But they do do that and it's still not a Range Rover."
OTOSOT 98 Smith and Sniff 18:30

"except that of course with the Austin [2380.7s] A30, the underpinnings are the same as an Austin Healey Spray."
Driven Radio Show #353: Alex and Amy Haugland of Vintage Underground Driven Radio Show 39:40