Interview with Lexus LS Interior Designer Junko Itou


Design Milk has an insightful interview with Lexus LS interior designer Junko Itou on the need to balance tradition with innovation inside the flagship sedan:

Design Milk: Is there any friction in the process of bridging tradition with the necessity of innovation?

Junko Itou: No. While I admit there is difficulty in simultaneously working between tradition and progress, I find the conflicting elements can ultimately create harmony. We believe that we are the brand who always overcomes these difficulties. It is Lexus. We believe the definition of luxury changes over time, and it is our mission to balance traditional and visionary luxury.

Design Milk: There seems to be a material narrative across every panel and surface inside your design – distinct yet coexisting harmoniously. What was the process in determining which materials to use and how to coordinate their coexistence without creating visual/tactile disharmony?

Junko Itou: We’ve been thinking how we can make things seem conflicting, yet compatible at a high level when choosing each material. Also, choosing materials in line with interior designer’s intention is paramount. To coordinate the coexistence of several materials, we began by formulating three concepts: Superior, Emotional, and Timeless.

Based on each of those themes, we selected color, material and finish as our focus. As the idea of the LS interior world became clear, we were able to coordinate the appropriate color, material and finish, even if it seemed difficult. Additionally, Takumi craftsmanship was necessary to complete it.

Lexus LS: Fourth Generation
Comments
mikeavelli
Yes :) These are all my personal pictures. I will debut a Flickr Folder soon and another video. The first is below.



I'll start with that I don't like which is the rear 3/4 quarter. Not that its ugly but I am not in love with it. I love the size, its obvious this is a big car, you cannot confuse this with what people are currently saying "it looks like____". Especially the front. It is mind blowing how sculpted and curvaceous it is leading into the rest of the design. When I walked back to my LS F-Sport, it suddenly looked like a box. I'm driving a new BMW 740iL now and it also seems like a box in comparison. This is one super stylish car. I am completely positive it will be grand slam based on design alone.

Oh that reminds me, we have some comparison shots of the 2018 LS with a 2017 LS. Lexus Enthusiast ftw :)
I meant to look at this video when you put it up but forgot. I think looking at it the LS gets better and better. I guess those that don't like the spindle grill just never will as I think the LS has one of the best ones. Either way great video it's awesome to be able to on this site get some info that not everyone might be able to see. Thanks for the close up mikeavelli!!
mikeavelli
Yes :) These are all my personal pictures. I will debut a Flickr Folder soon and another video. The first is below.



I'll start with that I don't like which is the rear 3/4 quarter. Not that its ugly but I am not in love with it. I love the size, its obvious this is a big car, you cannot confuse this with what people are currently saying "it looks like____". Especially the front. It is mind blowing how sculpted and curvaceous it is leading into the rest of the design. When I walked back to my LS F-Sport, it suddenly looked like a box. I'm driving a new BMW 740iL now and it also seems like a box in comparison. This is one super stylish car. I am completely positive it will be grand slam based on design alone.

Oh that reminds me, we have some comparison shots of the 2018 LS with a 2017 LS. Lexus Enthusiast ftw :)
I meant to look at this video when you put it up but forgot. I think looking at it the LS gets better and better. I guess those that don't like the spindle grill just never will as I think the LS has one of the best ones. Either way great video it's awesome to be able to on this site get some info that not everyone might be able to see. Thanks for the close up mikeavelli!!
mordecai
What do you guys think about the interior of the LS? In this comparison:
For general looks, in that specific comparison with the S-Class, I think the Mercedes has it beat......but one thing I have learned never to do is judge an interior solely by pictures/images or a video. There is no simply substitute for physically plopping's one butt down into the seat and judging the comfort level/roominess and quality of the trim/materials with your own hands and body. I have found (as with some Kias) that a rather plain-looking cabin can have excellent, durable materials, and that some quite upscale and expensive vehicles may look nice inside but actually have El Cheapo materials underneath that surface glitter (the 1Gen Chrysler 300 and Buick Enclave are good examples).
mordecai
What do you guys think about the interior of the LS? In this comparison:
For general looks, in that specific comparison with the S-Class, I think the Mercedes has it beat......but one thing I have learned never to do is judge an interior solely by pictures/images or a video. There is no simply substitute for physically plopping's one butt down into the seat and judging the comfort level/roominess and quality of the trim/materials with your own hands and body. I have found (as with some Kias) that a rather plain-looking cabin can have excellent, durable materials, and that some quite upscale and expensive vehicles may look nice inside but actually have El Cheapo materials underneath that surface glitter (the 1Gen Chrysler 300 and Buick Enclave are good examples).
mmcartalk
For general looks, in that specific comparison with the S-Class, I think the Mercedes has it beat......but one thing I have learned never to do is judge an interior solely by pictures/images or a video. There is no simply substitute for physically plopping's one butt down into the seat and judging the comfort level/roominess and quality of the trim/materials with your own hands and body. I have found (as with some Kias) that a rather plain-looking cabin can have excellent, durable materials, and that some quite upscale and expensive vehicles may look nice inside but actually have El Cheapo materials underneath that surface glitter (the 1Gen Chrysler 300 and Buick Enclave are good examples).
Exactly. Germans have no understanding of good materials: all show, no substance. First they came with "premium plastics" that only looked (arguable) good when new, but after years of use are worthless, with texture pealing off (Audi A8 for example) while Japanese in general have plastics that hold well (durable) to wear and tear, and are easy to clean. Then Germans came with "gloss black", that looks high-end when clean, but feels thin an frail, prone to permanent scratches, and is always dirty with grease/human fat when used. Now Germans discovered "metal", usually plastic coated in satin finish aluminum, very easy solution, just cover everything with leather and metal, and that is luxury. Boooh!
mmcartalk
For general looks, in that specific comparison with the S-Class, I think the Mercedes has it beat......but one thing I have learned never to do is judge an interior solely by pictures/images or a video. There is no simply substitute for physically plopping's one butt down into the seat and judging the comfort level/roominess and quality of the trim/materials with your own hands and body. I have found (as with some Kias) that a rather plain-looking cabin can have excellent, durable materials, and that some quite upscale and expensive vehicles may look nice inside but actually have El Cheapo materials underneath that surface glitter (the 1Gen Chrysler 300 and Buick Enclave are good examples).
Exactly. Germans have no understanding of good materials: all show, no substance. First they came with "premium plastics" that only looked (arguable) good when new, but after years of use are worthless, with texture pealing off (Audi A8 for example) while Japanese in general have plastics that hold well (durable) to wear and tear, and are easy to clean. Then Germans came with "gloss black", that looks high-end when clean, but feels thin an frail, prone to permanent scratches, and is always dirty with grease/human fat when used. Now Germans discovered "metal", usually plastic coated in satin finish aluminum, very easy solution, just cover everything with leather and metal, and that is luxury. Boooh!
krew [​IMG]

Some initial thoughts on the debut of the fifth-generation Lexus LS.
View the original article post
krew [​IMG]

Some initial thoughts on the debut of the fifth-generation Lexus LS.
View the original article post


"They're serious. This thing is a killer!"


"They're serious. This thing is a killer!"
mordecai
That would be a cool, unexpected twist. Not sure if it's possible at all, but would be neat.

What do you guys think about the interior of the LS? In this comparison:

I feel it holds up well against the S-class, which looks way too boisterous in a luxurious way. The LS on the other hand is very subtle and mature.

In this comparison between the LS500 and 7-series, I feel like it blows away the 7.
In terms of interiors, if anyone can match or surpass Benz its Lexus. Honestly neither interior blows each other away but after looking at the Benz and going to Lexus, I dont feel like Im missing anything. Benz is the strongest representation of German Lux as Lexus represents not only Lexus but Japanese hospitality in the same authenticity.... And to think this comes from Toyota! You cant say that about other brands. The industry will come to respect Toyota after 2017 is over
mordecai
That would be a cool, unexpected twist. Not sure if it's possible at all, but would be neat.

What do you guys think about the interior of the LS? In this comparison:

I feel it holds up well against the S-class, which looks way too boisterous in a luxurious way. The LS on the other hand is very subtle and mature.

In this comparison between the LS500 and 7-series, I feel like it blows away the 7.
In terms of interiors, if anyone can match or surpass Benz its Lexus. Honestly neither interior blows each other away but after looking at the Benz and going to Lexus, I dont feel like Im missing anything. Benz is the strongest representation of German Lux as Lexus represents not only Lexus but Japanese hospitality in the same authenticity.... And to think this comes from Toyota! You cant say that about other brands. The industry will come to respect Toyota after 2017 is over
krew
krew [​IMG]


View the original article post
Great post Krew. Awesome pictures! Now just waiting on the drive reviews!
krew
krew [​IMG]


View the original article post
Great post Krew. Awesome pictures! Now just waiting on the drive reviews!
R
  • R
    RAL
  • January 18, 2017
You always hit the nail on the head, Kevin ... it is all about YET ... the sport of performance, yet luxurious!
And it is no longer German-esk, it is Japanese!
The first LS stole Germany's thunder. This new LS forges new THUNDERLIGHT!
R
  • R
    RAL
  • January 18, 2017
You always hit the nail on the head, Kevin ... it is all about YET ... the sport of performance, yet luxurious!
And it is no longer German-esk, it is Japanese!
The first LS stole Germany's thunder. This new LS forges new THUNDERLIGHT!
1. I am glad that chrome is making a come back. I love that balance of sculpted chrome around the side windows, door handles, and the bottom of the doors.
2. Lexus is finally branding itself. I love that it says, "Lexus," on the headlights!
3. I like the seemingly consistent glow of the LED DRLs. I hate inconsistent LEDs, and it gets worse when you view them from off-angles.
1. I am glad that chrome is making a come back. I love that balance of sculpted chrome around the side windows, door handles, and the bottom of the doors.
2. Lexus is finally branding itself. I love that it says, "Lexus," on the headlights!
3. I like the seemingly consistent glow of the LED DRLs. I hate inconsistent LEDs, and it gets worse when you view them from off-angles.
This video shows LS with LC rim design


looks a lot better than the official debut and press images
This video shows LS with LC rim design


looks a lot better than the official debut and press images
sl0519
This video shows LS with LC rim design


looks a lot better than the official debut and press images
It seems those wheels will be optional. Good eye :)
sl0519
This video shows LS with LC rim design


looks a lot better than the official debut and press images
It seems those wheels will be optional. Good eye :)
C
mikeavelli
It seems those wheels will be optional. Good eye :)
btw, glad you took that video because it confirms what I envisioned. That is, the LS is sexy as hell with tinted windows hinting at the Model S.

@krew I anticipate the same reactions when I will see the LS in the flesh. Already very impressed now... :)
C
mikeavelli
It seems those wheels will be optional. Good eye :)
btw, glad you took that video because it confirms what I envisioned. That is, the LS is sexy as hell with tinted windows hinting at the Model S.

@krew I anticipate the same reactions when I will see the LS in the flesh. Already very impressed now... :)
GuoxJason
I am glad that chrome is making a comeback. I love that balance of sculpted chrome around the side windows, door handles, and the bottom of the doors.
+1. :thumbsup:

I've always felt that body-color-painted or flat-black trim-surfaces (which many consider sport-oriented) looks cheap. Give me chrome any day of the week, as long as it is not in a position to reflect glare from the sun into the driver's eyes...that's why chrome wiper-arms were outlawed in American-spec cars decades ago.

One (useful) exception, though, is the unpainted lower-body-cladding on SUVs and vehicles designed for winter use...it protects the lower-body from paint-damage from gravel and debris on the road.
GuoxJason
I am glad that chrome is making a comeback. I love that balance of sculpted chrome around the side windows, door handles, and the bottom of the doors.
+1. :thumbsup:

I've always felt that body-color-painted or flat-black trim-surfaces (which many consider sport-oriented) looks cheap. Give me chrome any day of the week, as long as it is not in a position to reflect glare from the sun into the driver's eyes...that's why chrome wiper-arms were outlawed in American-spec cars decades ago.

One (useful) exception, though, is the unpainted lower-body-cladding on SUVs and vehicles designed for winter use...it protects the lower-body from paint-damage from gravel and debris on the road.
White Bear
I think they are taking on a horsepower-/torque-related numbering system.But really, what the others are naming their cars is probably the most important factor. The marketing people would want an LS350 competing with an S550 (or whatever...too lazy to look up exact model names).
Sorry. I meant "The marketing people would NOT want an LS350 competing with an S550..." But I think somebody else made this point much clearer.
White Bear
I think they are taking on a horsepower-/torque-related numbering system.But really, what the others are naming their cars is probably the most important factor. The marketing people would want an LS350 competing with an S550 (or whatever...too lazy to look up exact model names).
Sorry. I meant "The marketing people would NOT want an LS350 competing with an S550..." But I think somebody else made this point much clearer.
White Bear
Sorry. I meant "The marketing people would NOT want an LS350 competing with an S550..." But I think somebody else made this point much clearer.

I think a N/A LS350 would make sense for those who like the LS's ride and comfort, but don't care much about power or a large engine. I'd (possibly) be interested in one myself.....though an LS is a little large for my condo parking space.
White Bear
Sorry. I meant "The marketing people would NOT want an LS350 competing with an S550..." But I think somebody else made this point much clearer.

I think a N/A LS350 would make sense for those who like the LS's ride and comfort, but don't care much about power or a large engine. I'd (possibly) be interested in one myself.....though an LS is a little large for my condo parking space.

M