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
mmcartalk
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.
Yes, I agree. And that could compete with the S400's 329 hp. But they're not going to make an "S550-fighter" (this LS500) and call it something that looks numerically to be on about the same level as the S400.
mmcartalk
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.
Yes, I agree. And that could compete with the S400's 329 hp. But they're not going to make an "S550-fighter" (this LS500) and call it something that looks numerically to be on about the same level as the S400.
If Lexus is introducing a high end hybrid above the LS500, why haven't we seen any trademark filings of a LS600h or LS500h?

As I was writing this post, I decided to google "LS500h trademark" and it looks like Lexus did indeed trademark the LS500h.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/05/lexus-ls500h-trademarked-in-europe.html

I'm hoping for a V8 hybrid, but then it would have been called the LS600h right?
If Lexus is introducing a high end hybrid above the LS500, why haven't we seen any trademark filings of a LS600h or LS500h?

As I was writing this post, I decided to google "LS500h trademark" and it looks like Lexus did indeed trademark the LS500h.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/05/lexus-ls500h-trademarked-in-europe.html

I'm hoping for a V8 hybrid, but then it would have been called the LS600h right?
mordecai
If Lexus is introducing a high end hybrid above the LS500, why haven't we seen any trademark filings of a LS600h or LS500h?

As I was writing this post, I decided to google "LS500h trademark" and it looks like Lexus did indeed trademark the LS500h.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/05/lexus-ls500h-trademarked-in-europe.html

I'm hoping for a V8 hybrid, but then it would have been called the LS600h right?
The engine of the LS 500h doesn't need any speculations.

It's definitely a Multi-Stage Hybrid system with NA V6 3.5L

This video explains the system ( It's exceed the previous V8 hybrid model in terms of performance, quietness, fuel economy, and electric only driving speed ):

mordecai
If Lexus is introducing a high end hybrid above the LS500, why haven't we seen any trademark filings of a LS600h or LS500h?

As I was writing this post, I decided to google "LS500h trademark" and it looks like Lexus did indeed trademark the LS500h.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/05/lexus-ls500h-trademarked-in-europe.html

I'm hoping for a V8 hybrid, but then it would have been called the LS600h right?
The engine of the LS 500h doesn't need any speculations.

It's definitely a Multi-Stage Hybrid system with NA V6 3.5L

This video explains the system ( It's exceed the previous V8 hybrid model in terms of performance, quietness, fuel economy, and electric only driving speed ):

C
Saw the car in person this afternoon. It is bold, beautiful and elegant, befitting the Lexus flagship. Pictures and videos in my opinion, do not do justice to this magnificent creation. And the interior is unlike anything else in the show and one can easily understand why it won that award.
I also learned that the rear view mirror is actually a camera screen. Explains the two cameras over the rear licence plate. Surprised that I did not hear / read about it earlier.
C
Saw the car in person this afternoon. It is bold, beautiful and elegant, befitting the Lexus flagship. Pictures and videos in my opinion, do not do justice to this magnificent creation. And the interior is unlike anything else in the show and one can easily understand why it won that award.
I also learned that the rear view mirror is actually a camera screen. Explains the two cameras over the rear licence plate. Surprised that I did not hear / read about it earlier.
^^^ Very interesting. With two cameras I wonder if it does any trick processing to show how close to you things are.
^^^ Very interesting. With two cameras I wonder if it does any trick processing to show how close to you things are.
C
Ian Schmidt
^^^ Very interesting. With two cameras I wonder if it does any trick processing to show how close to you things are.
One camera is perhaps for the rear view monitor when reversing the car. I could actually see myself in the mirror through the camera. I think we will hear about the many features of this car in the next few months starting with the Geneva motor show. Very exciting times for all Lexus fans.
C
Ian Schmidt
^^^ Very interesting. With two cameras I wonder if it does any trick processing to show how close to you things are.
One camera is perhaps for the rear view monitor when reversing the car. I could actually see myself in the mirror through the camera. I think we will hear about the many features of this car in the next few months starting with the Geneva motor show. Very exciting times for all Lexus fans.
carnut
I also learned that the rear view mirror is actually a camera screen. Explains the two cameras over the rear licence plate. Surprised that I did not hear / read about it earlier.
Yes, you are probably going to see more and more of that on future upscale vehicles......at least partly because of the crappy rear-visibility that goes with the low rooflines, wide C/D-pillars, Peek-a-Boo rear windows, and raised rear beltlines/window-sills that stylists are putting on so many of today's vehicles.
carnut
I also learned that the rear view mirror is actually a camera screen. Explains the two cameras over the rear licence plate. Surprised that I did not hear / read about it earlier.
Yes, you are probably going to see more and more of that on future upscale vehicles......at least partly because of the crappy rear-visibility that goes with the low rooflines, wide C/D-pillars, Peek-a-Boo rear windows, and raised rear beltlines/window-sills that stylists are putting on so many of today's vehicles.
C
mmcartalk
Yes, you are probably going to see more and more of that on future upscale vehicles......at least partly because of the crappy rear-visibility that goes with the low rooflines, wide C/D-pillars, Peek-a-Boo rear windows, and raised rear beltlines/window-sills that stylists are putting on so many of today's vehicles.
Although I like the high tech nature of the rearview mirror as a screen, in practice I am concerned on its effectiveness as a replacement to a traditional mirror. Road spray, especially salt-laden roads in winter hitting the lens, will immediately blur the image. I see this daily with my rear view backup cam and wiping the lens clean only lasts until the car moves again. Maybe Lexus figured something out in terms of the lens cover minimizing road spray adhesion or with the design or aerodynamics of the car that prevents the spray from reaching the lens.
C
mmcartalk
Yes, you are probably going to see more and more of that on future upscale vehicles......at least partly because of the crappy rear-visibility that goes with the low rooflines, wide C/D-pillars, Peek-a-Boo rear windows, and raised rear beltlines/window-sills that stylists are putting on so many of today's vehicles.
Although I like the high tech nature of the rearview mirror as a screen, in practice I am concerned on its effectiveness as a replacement to a traditional mirror. Road spray, especially salt-laden roads in winter hitting the lens, will immediately blur the image. I see this daily with my rear view backup cam and wiping the lens clean only lasts until the car moves again. Maybe Lexus figured something out in terms of the lens cover minimizing road spray adhesion or with the design or aerodynamics of the car that prevents the spray from reaching the lens.
corradoMR2
Although I like the high tech nature of the rearview mirror as a screen, in practice I am concerned on its effectiveness as a replacement to a traditional mirror. Road spray, especially salt-laden roads in winter hitting the lens, will immediately blur the image. I see this daily with my rear view backup cam and wiping the lens clean only lasts until the car moves again. Maybe Lexus figured something out in terms of the lens cover minimizing road spray adhesion or with the design or aerodynamics of the car that prevents the spray from reaching the lens.
Actually it's not replacement, you can switch between the traditional mirror and the rear view camera, this tech isn't all new see this CT6 :



( I don't know if the Lexus' system have more functions, but I mean the same general idea here )

There are many tricks you can apply to any surface to prevent any thing to adhesion to it, such as using Nano-Technology to process the final layer of the camera, as I see it in a concept of wiperless windshield.
corradoMR2
Although I like the high tech nature of the rearview mirror as a screen, in practice I am concerned on its effectiveness as a replacement to a traditional mirror. Road spray, especially salt-laden roads in winter hitting the lens, will immediately blur the image. I see this daily with my rear view backup cam and wiping the lens clean only lasts until the car moves again. Maybe Lexus figured something out in terms of the lens cover minimizing road spray adhesion or with the design or aerodynamics of the car that prevents the spray from reaching the lens.
Actually it's not replacement, you can switch between the traditional mirror and the rear view camera, this tech isn't all new see this CT6 :



( I don't know if the Lexus' system have more functions, but I mean the same general idea here )

There are many tricks you can apply to any surface to prevent any thing to adhesion to it, such as using Nano-Technology to process the final layer of the camera, as I see it in a concept of wiperless windshield.
corradoMR2
Although I like the high tech nature of the rearview mirror as a screen, in practice I am concerned on its effectiveness as a replacement to a traditional mirror. Road spray, especially salt-laden roads in winter hitting the lens, will immediately blur the image. I see this daily with my rear view backup cam and wiping the lens clean only lasts until the car moves again. Maybe Lexus figured something out in terms of the lens cover minimizing road spray adhesion or with the design or aerodynamics of the car that prevents the spray from reaching the lens.

A good point.....and a legitimate concern. That's one reason (among many) why I like a conservative body-design with high rooflines, large windows, and good outward visibility to start with. But, as you note, there are some tricks that engineers can use to keep the camera-lenses relatively clear even in sloppy conditions, including spoiler-devices to use deflected air-currents to blow salt and water away from the camera lens. The lens can also be placed as far away from the road surface as feasible for the design of the vehicle.
corradoMR2
Although I like the high tech nature of the rearview mirror as a screen, in practice I am concerned on its effectiveness as a replacement to a traditional mirror. Road spray, especially salt-laden roads in winter hitting the lens, will immediately blur the image. I see this daily with my rear view backup cam and wiping the lens clean only lasts until the car moves again. Maybe Lexus figured something out in terms of the lens cover minimizing road spray adhesion or with the design or aerodynamics of the car that prevents the spray from reaching the lens.

A good point.....and a legitimate concern. That's one reason (among many) why I like a conservative body-design with high rooflines, large windows, and good outward visibility to start with. But, as you note, there are some tricks that engineers can use to keep the camera-lenses relatively clear even in sloppy conditions, including spoiler-devices to use deflected air-currents to blow salt and water away from the camera lens. The lens can also be placed as far away from the road surface as feasible for the design of the vehicle.
C
mmcartalk
A good point.....and a legitimate concern. That's one reason (among many) why I like a conservative body-design with high rooflines, large windows, and good outward visibility to start with. But, as you note, there are some tricks that engineers can use to keep the camera-lenses relatively clear even in sloppy conditions, including spoiler-devices to use deflected air-currents to blow salt and water away from the camera lens. The lens can also be placed as far away from the road surface as feasible for the design of the vehicle.
I went to the auto show again and the rear view mirror can be switched from regular view to the camera view by flicking a lever on the mirror. Also noticed that the trunk space was generous.
C
mmcartalk
A good point.....and a legitimate concern. That's one reason (among many) why I like a conservative body-design with high rooflines, large windows, and good outward visibility to start with. But, as you note, there are some tricks that engineers can use to keep the camera-lenses relatively clear even in sloppy conditions, including spoiler-devices to use deflected air-currents to blow salt and water away from the camera lens. The lens can also be placed as far away from the road surface as feasible for the design of the vehicle.
I went to the auto show again and the rear view mirror can be switched from regular view to the camera view by flicking a lever on the mirror. Also noticed that the trunk space was generous.
Do we have any idea what the gas mileage will be with this new turbo V6?
Do we have any idea what the gas mileage will be with this new turbo V6?
So Lexus what's next??? New IS? GS? RXL? What do we have to look forward too?! I know we have the LS500h in Geneva but let's move past LS for just a sec where does Lexus go next? 2017 will be a great year!
So Lexus what's next??? New IS? GS? RXL? What do we have to look forward too?! I know we have the LS500h in Geneva but let's move past LS for just a sec where does Lexus go next? 2017 will be a great year!
Black Dynamite
Hate to say it, but this is what I see. It's a bigger.......




And the Buick has a MUCH nicer interior! It doesn't try too hard to be different, or stylish, just for the sake of doing it. Understated elegance.
Agreed. I'm interested in a new LaCrosse myself.....though the awkward E-shifter and non-defeatable engine stop/start system may be deal-breakers for me.
Black Dynamite
Hate to say it, but this is what I see. It's a bigger.......




And the Buick has a MUCH nicer interior! It doesn't try too hard to be different, or stylish, just for the sake of doing it. Understated elegance.
Agreed. I'm interested in a new LaCrosse myself.....though the awkward E-shifter and non-defeatable engine stop/start system may be deal-breakers for me.
I don't think this video has been posted (but correct me if I'm wrong).

Anyhow, this video give a lot of close-ups of both the interior and exterior.

I don't think this video has been posted (but correct me if I'm wrong).

Anyhow, this video give a lot of close-ups of both the interior and exterior.

M