Creating the New Lexus LS Shimamoku Wood Trim

Posted by Kevin on August 7th, 2012

The 2013 LS will be the first Lexus to offer the Shimamoku interior trim — here’s an excellent video showing the elaborate process required to make this all-new synthetic wood:

To create the Shimamoku trim, alternating layers of dark & light wood veneers are layered and shaped in a process involving 67 manufacturing steps over the course of 38 days — here it is inside the LS interior (click for larger images):

Lexus LS Shimamoku trim

Lexus LS Shimamoku trim

Lexus LS Shimamoku Trim

Lexus LS Shimamoku Trim

Lexus wood has always impressed me, but Shimamoku is an absolute work of art — amazing to think of the craftsmanship and time in every piece of this trim. Not only that, I’m sure it looks even better in real life.

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Comments
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    mrxandthexfactor
  • August 7, 2012
beautiful
B
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    BlackDynamiteNY
  • August 7, 2012
Burl Walnut is always the best, but this makes you think..... BD
W
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    Whatthebrett
  • August 7, 2012
What a joy to see the process of craftsmanship, the detail of build is exquisite, every detail thought of before to give the utmost to the senses.
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    Corradomr2
  • August 7, 2012
Stunning. Most beautiful wood trim I've ever seen in a car. I can't imagine how much more the quality wreaks in person.
    K
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      krew
    • August 8, 2012
    Saw it today -- gorgeous.
C
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    Car Nut
  • August 7, 2012
It is amazing how much passion and attention to detail goes in to the wood trim just like every other facet of Lexus engineering. And the video was so well done as well. I wonder if this be an option only on the 600hL.
    K
    • K
      krew
    • August 8, 2012
    It's also available on the LS 460 -- the F SPORT only gets aluminum trim though.
    C
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      Car Nut
    • August 8, 2012
    I wonder if this would be available for Canada. A call to my Lexus friend is in order. 
    K
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      krew
    • August 8, 2012
    I should be able to find out today.
    C
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      Car Nut
    • August 8, 2012
    Thanks Kevin. Appreciated.
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    Phil Bouvier
  • August 7, 2012
Beautiful. it reminds me to work on the sleeves of samurai sword. a nice demonstration of ancestral work and industrial of japanese tradition.
    P
    • P
      Phil Bouvier
    • August 7, 2012
    *reminds me of the work on* sorry bad english
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  • L
    LexusNN
  • August 7, 2012
Isn't this on the GS also?
    K
    • K
      krew
    • August 8, 2012
    No, this is brand new -- the wood on other models is similar in color, but not in process.
    L
    • L
      Lexus Loyalist
    • August 8, 2012
    It certainly looks very much like the linear espresso wood in my GS350--at least in these photos.  I haven't seen any rationale for going to all this trouble to produce the synthetic shimamoku when very similar real wood is readily available.  What are the synthetic's advantages?
    B
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      Brad
    • August 8, 2012
    It is real wood.The logs that were being burned are Hinoki logs.They're burned from end to end for 7 min. & then extinguished with water.Next,the craftsmen brush the charred pieces into the wood grain with a wire brush & then they rub them with natural oils.This type of wood is used for exterior siding in Japan also & lasts in the elements for 80 years. 
    B
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      Brad
    • August 8, 2012
    Shou-sugi-ban is the name.I looked into ordering some for my residence the other day.
Y
0:16 in the video , that headlight is different ... so that one is HID version of headlight ?
W
  • W
    wtf
  • August 7, 2012
they should show more of these vids at lexus dealerships
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    Brad
  • August 7, 2012
Pretty hard for haters to say that Lexus is copying off the Germans when they're using Japanese techniques.Pretty hard to say their cars are built without a soul.
    H
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      Hyper24
    • August 8, 2012
    Never underestimate the Hate some people have towards the Lexus Brand. They will find a way to hate because that's what they do ! But hell with them ! :) 
    B
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      Brad
    • August 8, 2012
    Great point & you're right...I have better things to worry about!
W
  • W
    wtf
  • August 7, 2012
I like to see Americans cars put this kind of craftsman ship into there cars... HA
F
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    F1
  • August 8, 2012
Amazing.. Japanese craftsmanship is the best in the world.. Even their watch brands like Seiko & Citizen are superior to everything else..
    B
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      Brad
    • August 8, 2012
    I've owned my Seiko for 15 years with no problems.Thinking about purchasing a Seiko Ananta spring drive.
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    Travis
  • August 8, 2012
Awesome.. If I owned a LS I would never eat inside the car.
C
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    Car Nut
  • August 8, 2012
I never eat ( and do not allow anyone to eat) in my LS460. I allow drinks as long as they are clear beverages. So no coffee spills. I know it is a little OCD but cleaning up spilt food and drink  in the car is too heartbreaking for me.
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    Hoangdaniel1
  • August 13, 2012
i love that song
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    AstonMartin
  • August 20, 2012
Its too late for 2013 however I do hope the 2014 Lexus GS F Sport is offered with this beautiful shimamoku wood.  To deny prospective owners the beauty of the this wood and simply continue offer brushed aluminum is an injustice.  Lexus, please offer shimamoku wood on the GS F Sport.

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