Facebook Interview with Lexus GS Chief Engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori

Posted by Kevin on September 28th, 2011

As part of the Frankfurt Auto Show, Lexus Europe put out the call on Facebook for questions to ask the GS Chief Engineer, Yoshihiko Kanamori. The resulting interview has now been posted — here’s a sampling:

Sebastian Hoeffelman: I really love the new more sportive design. But how did u manage to make the car more sportive and also more luxury at the same time? It must have been a great challenge to find the right balance these two!

GS Chief Engineer, Yoshihiko Kanamori: Luxury always forms the basis of Lexus cars. However, our aim in designing the new GS was to express sportiness too. Vital to realizing a luxurious yet sporty silhouette was a wide stance, that we achieved through a wider track and wider wheel arches. Also, the spindle grille and the resolute-looking headlamps contribute to achieving an emotional yet sporty front face, which leads the way for the next generation of Lexus cars.

Nadija Kirpa: Hey, Lexus Europe – I’ve got question about the entire design of Lexus – why all forms and shapes become so “sportivly agressive”?

Yoshihiko Kanamori: We know from research that our customers want cars that are dynamic and fun-to-drive. So obviously we wanted these owners to feel excited at the very first glimpse of their new sedan. Here the sporty silhouette and emotional new face make the new GS much more emotional and distinctive than the current model.

These descriptions of the GS really hit the mark, and really capture the key points of the new model — very well put.

One other answer to highlight:

Beytullah Kaya: Will it give the new GS also with an efficient diesel engine? what types of other engines will be available?

Yoshihiko Kanamori: Lexus Hybrid Drive will continue to play the leading role in the future for Lexus. And by enhancing its performance by 20% on the new GS 450h we’ve created a very environmentally conscious car. But without using diesel technology.

A few months back, there was a very emphatic article from Autocar stating that the GS would be offered with a “frugal diesel engine”. At the time, Lexus came out and flatly denied the rumor, and judging from this answer from Kanamori-san, there’s little hope of there ever being a diesel GS.

Read the full interview

AutoshowsEuropeEventsHybridsLexus GS: Fourth GenerationLexus GS: Third GenerationLexus GSh: First Generation
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Comments
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    Justin
  • September 28, 2011
I would have loved to ask him a question, well, actually two questions: (1) Does Lexus test its prototypes in the UK? We have some of the most demanding roads in the world, with frequent potholes, adverse cambers, rough surfaces, poor drainage etc. Lexus cars (I have one, so I know) seem to be designed for a road system which is regularly maintained. The ride is too unforgiving for the UK, particularly the CT, which has been slated for its jolting ride. (2) Does Lexus take Europe seriously? The GS hybrid will be way out of reach for 95% of executive car buyers here - too expensive, too high performance. What will it offer the 95% of buyers in this sector who need an low emission, low capacity, high output sedan to be able to afford the road tax?
    E
    This question worried me too! So they should answer!
    E
    This question worried me too! So they should answer!
    L
    A more affordable hybrid version of the GS would make more sense to me than the GS 250 which won't be sold in Norway as almost all customers prefer hybrid power. Maybe there's a concern that such a model would affect IS sales?
    W
    • W
      Wooski
    • September 28, 2011
    They need to compete with this - http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/BMW-5-Series-525d-SE/259340/ - 2012 BMW 525d.  149mph, 0-60 7sec, CO2 126g  Power of 215bhp is really not that much more than the 2012 Camry hybrid.... I applaud keeping away from diesel.  They will all change in 2014 when they have to meet Euro 6.  I wonder if they'll be as competive then?
J
I have been an Lexus model user for all my life and they never failed me. Loved the design, this is a great car!
J
I have been an Lexus model user for all my life and they never failed me. Loved the design, this is a great car!
J
I have been an Lexus model user for all my life and they never failed me. Loved the design, this is a great car!
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    Tum
  • September 28, 2011
I will let them know via Facebook that their design aiming on distinctive does not have to be ugly!  They kept this "distinctive" design in mind not to have their cars boring but it turns out to be ugly, e.g. the Corolla.  They should look at Hyundai as an example of beautiful design.  For the spindle grill, it is ugly.  If they insist to do, they should modify it like this one http://lexusenthusiast.com/2011/09/22/imagining-the-lexus-rx-f-sport/. It looks much better.
    M
    • M
      Mike DeLorca
    • September 28, 2011
    Sorry----I totally disagree !   This is a lunching pad design for future aggressivness to break through. You will see bolder in the sportier and "F" series to come---they can't all be the same--there will be bolder or sportier and more costly with different models in the futute----just starting the progression here!
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      LexusGSfan
    • October 8, 2013
    "They should look at Hyundai as an example of beautiful design"- ...whaaaat?!
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    Mike DeLorca
  • September 28, 2011
I would still like  to see mainstream commercials in the US with either Yoshihiko Kanamori and/or Akio Toyoda or both. I think if these guys made appearances in commercials it would be good for the image and make people take note---it would be a drastic change and perk ears up to listen---"THE NEW VOICE OF LEXUS" to accompany the lastest changes that LEXUS is making to see the new 'FORWARD DOING.
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Nice one

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