Interview with Lexus LS Interior Designer Junko Itou

Dani

Here is a picture that gives us a little hint of the new infotainment design. I haven't seen the infotainment on the new LC yet and i don't know if its different from it or not. But in my opinion it looks not to bad at all. Hopefully we have not to wait too long for more information.

At the moment it's too early to judge the car.

For $100k, you need to do a lot better than "not too bad." This needs to compete with the S-Class and it is failing miserably
BD

I took several shots from the reveal video to share... sorry that there are so many, but

1) Lexus' press photos are always way over-processed and the cars never look like that in real life. Shadowy and dark and yet totally overexposed.

2) Auto show lighting is barely better than point 1, with lots of harsh lights.

3) Even though these are a CGI car, I think they're a lot more representative of what the LS will look like in the flesh:





This shot is particularly gorgeous. Look at that profile - that roofline - those curves!!






Hood is similar to the LC here - low, wide, wheels tucked under wide fenders:



A couple of points about the design.

With the photos above and very few others that I've seen, I like this car a lot more. The LS 500 looked overstyled to me in many of the other photos, both Lexus' own and some of the other press coverage. I felt like there were too many curves and too much happening, but I also had a hunch that the car "came together" better in person. I think I am right on that.

I feel like the creases and curves that look so sharp and dramatic in pics will actually be more subtle in person. Especially looking at the low hoodlike, wide fenders and that series of rear profile shots of the car above...... This car is beautiful.

At first, I thought I saw similarities to the Infiniti Q70. I lined up pics side by side, and I am wrong.

Someone posted pics of the new Buick LaCrosse and I can see a few similarities there.

However, I do not really see the Hyundai references, and if they're there, I don't see that as Lexus' fault. Hyundai has been stealing cues from other brands for a while now, so if the back half of the car looks similar to the Genesis, I more feel that the back half of the car is very true to LS lineage, which Hyundai ripped off with the Genesis.

Just my .02.

Can anyone spin Lexus going twin-turbo V6, when competing with twin-turbo V8s, as a market advantage?
Unless fuel economy has become the #1 buyer consideration in the Prestige sedan class, with gas under $2 a gallon, I'm not seeing it......

I see execs at BMW and Mercedes lighting up a big fat spliff right now.....
BD

Interior is stunning....






As a comparison....This might really challenge the S-class for best in class.....if not pass it, no small feat.. (pic below is the optional high end stitching on the dash and Nappa leather)

Black Dynamite

Can anyone spin Lexus going twin-turbo V6, when competing with twin-turbo V8s, as a market advantage?
Unless fuel economy has become the #1 buyer consideration in the Prestige sedan class, with gas under $2 a gallon, I'm not seeing it......

I see execs at BMW and Mercedes lighting up a big fat spliff right now.....
BD

I'm currently driving a new BMW 740iL ..it makes 320hp...in all honestly as a V-8 Flagship "Purist" I was expecting to be let down but honestly its very very good. 90-95% of the time I'm fine. Lexus trumps this with 95 more hp. Honestly I don't think people will miss the V-8, especially since the V-6 makes 442lbs of torque which I assume will be at the low end.

Now like you I do want to see the 5.0 V-8 in there as a 471hp Option. Also surprised no LS 500h announced at launch.

My imagination says

LS 500 TT V-6
LS 500h Hybrid
LS 500 V-8 (okay now I'm confused lol)
LS hydrogen
LS F TT V-8

Maybe a new V-8 is coming first? To call it the LS 550? No idea.

Black Dynamite

Can anyone spin Lexus going twin-turbo V6, when competing with twin-turbo V8s, as a market advantage?
Unless fuel economy has become the #1 buyer consideration in the Prestige sedan class, with gas under $2 a gallon, I'm not seeing it......

I see execs at BMW and Mercedes lighting up a big fat spliff right now.....
BD

I agree the V6 while I think are great cause they are quick Lexus does need to add the V8. Maybe they are waiting for LSF for that which really competes against the Germans.

Black Dynamite

For $100k, you need to do a lot better than "not too bad." This needs to compete with the S-Class and it is failing miserably
BD

Like I said before, it's only a hint. We have to wait for more Pictures or Videos. One Picture alone can't tell much of the System and their presentation. But what I wanted to say is that this Picture looks very elegant to me. For the exterior, you have to see it in person. Lexus always look a lot better in real than on pictures.

Just my .02.[/QUOTE]

Gecko

I took several shots from the reveal video to share... sorry that there are so many, but

1) Lexus' press photos are always way over-processed and the cars never look like that in real life. Shadowy and dark and yet totally overexposed.

2) Auto show lighting is barely better than point 1, with lots of harsh lights.

3) Even though these are a CGI car, I think they're a lot more representative of what the LS will look like in the flesh:



This shot is particularly gorgeous. Look at that profile - that roofline - those curves!!






Hood is similar to the LC here - low, wide, wheels tucked under wide fenders:



A couple of points about the design.

With the photos above and very few others that I've seen, I like this car a lot more. The LS 500 looked overstyled to me in many of the other photos, both Lexus' own and some of the other press coverage. I felt like there were too many curves and too much happening, but I also had a hunch that the car "came together" better in person. I think I am right on that.

I feel like the creases and curves that look so sharp and dramatic in pics will actually be more subtle in person. Especially looking at the low hoodlike, wide fenders and that series of rear profile shots of the car above...... This car is beautiful.

At first, I thought I saw similarities to the Infiniti Q70. I lined up pics side by side, and I am wrong.

Someone posted pics of the new Buick LaCrosse and I can see a few similarities there.

However, I do not really see the Hyundai references, and if they're there, I don't see that as Lexus' fault. Hyundai has been stealing cues from other brands for a while now, so if the back half of the car looks similar to the Genesis, I more feel that the back half of the car is very true to LS lineage, which Hyundai ripped off with the Genesis.

Just my .02.

We all know when a new car debuts its compared to everything and a letdown until later :D Rarely does a car debut and get glowing praise like the LC. Being told info I couldn't share the exterior met my expectations. It was going to be sportier but no LC. I think that was clearly accomplished. The front is distinctly Lexus and the rear continues the L shaped theme with the usual Lexus exhaust cut outs. The LS lost its more traditional 3 box shape for a swoopier profile. We heard this was coming and the Panamera was a huge design influence.

My biggest gripe is the D-pillar which lost its usual LS version of the Hoffmeister Kink for something more generic. I understand the reason, to match the more coupe like roof but we have seen this before many times. The good news is unlike the concept the bottom of the windows sweep upward for a sportier look. I am not a fan of drooping window-lines into the rear.

That said to me in this class it and the Panamera have the most style with the Quattroporte up there.

These vids help visualize the exterior better...

Black Dynamite

Can anyone spin Lexus going twin-turbo V6, when competing with twin-turbo V8s, as a market advantage?
Unless fuel economy has become the #1 buyer consideration in the Prestige sedan class, with gas under $2 a gallon, I'm not seeing it......

I see execs at BMW and Mercedes lighting up a big fat spliff right now.....
BD

You seem really burned by the omission of a V8. Truth is that Lexus new TT V6 is closer to Mercedes/BMW's V8s than their V6s, and the LS is lighter. If the V6 also allows for a better weight distribution - probably very close to 50/50, then I am on board with the V6.

I've been having a hard time with the extinction of the V8, but for some reason, I feel really good about this application. Think about 90% of LS buyers, and really, S Class and 7 Series buyers. They could get along just fine with 240hp.

415hp/442lb-ft is major power. It's going to feel like a V8. The torque is probably going to make it feel like Lexus' most powerful engine outside of the LFA's V10.

This is the first time that Lexus has delivered a higher horsepower engine that isn't torque deficient since maybe the 3UZ-FE.

mikeavelli

Also surprised no LS 500h announced at launch.

I'm not the least bit surprised. Since the 4GS launch (if not earlier), Lexus has been spreading out its new generation variant launches across multiple shows. LC 500 launched at last year's Detroit show, with LC 500h being saved for Geneva last year in late February/early March. The pattern should repeat for LS 500h.

Joaquin Ruhi

I'm not the least bit surprised. Since the 4GS launch (if not earlier), Lexus has been spreading out its new generation variant launches across multiple shows. LC 500 launched at last year's Detroit show, with LC 500h being saved for Geneva last year in late February/early March. The pattern should repeat for LS 500h.

I guess thats right, I was thinking of the LC release last NAIAS.... Geneva makes sense for hybrids (Europe market).....

mikeavelli

Just my .02.


We all know when a new car debuts its compared to everything and a letdown until later :D Rarely does a car debut and get glowing praise like the LC. Being told info I couldn't share the exterior met my expectations. It was going to be sportier but no LC. I think that was clearly accomplished. The front is distinctly Lexus and the rear continues the L shaped theme with the usual Lexus exhaust cut outs. The LS lost its more traditional 3 box shape for a swoopier profile. We heard this was coming and the Panamera was a huge design influence.

My biggest gripe is the D-pillar which lost its usual LS version of the Hoffmeister Kink for something more generic. I understand the reason, to match the more coupe like roof but we have seen this before many times. The good news is unlike the concept the bottom of the windows sweep upward for a sportier look. I am not a fan of drooping window-lines into the rear.

That said to me in this class it and the Panamera have the most style with the Quattroporte up there.

Yes, the more I see the car and the video, the more I see the sexy Panamera (and some A7) influence at the rear. The rear is growing on me. I can also envision how much nicer it will look with tinted windows to mask some of the "busyness" in the rear door to the D-pillar.

I think the color unveiled looks to be Atomic Silver (Sonic Titanium) which is appropriately elegant but I bet some of us would have been more excited (and less critical of the rear) seeing it in Ultra White or Obsidian as an F-Sport version with tinted windows. :D

View attachment 2044

A further thought on the LS interior, and versus the S Class:

The big slab of leather right around the door handles and seat memory on the door panel on the LS interior; is that the best Lexus could do? No intricate stitching or detailing there, just a very plain piece of leather. Yes it's not the end of the world, but since the LS will be compared directly to the S Class, top end S Class designo trims have more intricate door panel detailing. It's these small touches that can really make a difference in this class.

Can someone photoshop a different wheel on this car? Like maybe the split 5 spokes from the LC?

I think another thing I'm hating is the TERRIBLE wheel choices that Lexus spec'd out for this car. It looks like a take on these disgusting ES wheels:

Dani

Here is a picture that gives us a little hint of the new infotainment design. I haven't seen the infotainment on the new LC yet and i don't know if its different from it or not. But in my opinion it looks not to bad at all. Hopefully we have not to wait too long for more information.

At the moment it's too early to judge the car.

What is with that absolutely god awful Passenger Airbag light though?

corradoMR2

I think the color unveiled looks to be Atomic Silver (Sonic Titanium) which is appropriately elegant but I bet some of us would have been more excited (and less critical of the rear) seeing it in Ultra White or Obsidian as an F-Sport version with tinted windows. :D

I'm trying to figure out if that is, indeed, the case. It looks a bit darker , warmer and more beige than Atomic Silver (Sonic Titanium) in the pictures, but Lord knows between the lighting and computer monitor calibration differences... I was also wondering if this is, instead, the new Manganese Luster alluded to in the Toyota Global news release.

CIF

A further thought on the LS interior, and versus the S Class:

The big slab of leather right around the door handles and seat memory on the door panel on the LS interior; is that the best Lexus could do? No intricate stitching or detailing there, just a very plain piece of leather. Yes it's not the end of the world, but since the LS will be compared directly to the S Class, top end S Class designo trims have more intricate door panel detailing. It's these small touches that can really make a difference in this class.

I think we are seeing Lexus head more and more towards simplicity as a form of luxury (it's a bigger conversation, but so is much of the rest of the world, in all forms of design). In the early 2000s, everything became cluttered with buttons, knobs and switches and I think some consumers started to revolt against that.

I'm on board for more simplicity, personally. To me, this is gorgeous:

This shot is gorgeous, and IMO, shows that the bulge at the back of the car is more fender than it is a crease, a la Buick and Hyundai. I won't know until we see the car in person. @krew, any insight?

Ahem.

EV Mode? Did Lexus accidentally include a shot from the unannounced LS 500h?

Gecko

I think we are seeing Lexus head more and more towards simplicity as a form of luxury (it's a bigger conversation, but so is much of the rest of the world, in all forms of design). In the early 2000s, everything became cluttered with buttons, knobs and switches and I think some consumers started to revolt against that.

I'm on board for more simplicity, personally. To me, this is gorgeous:

Well it's a fair discussion, and regarding buttons, I think Lexus achieved a great balance on this interior. An extra knob or two would have been ideal IMHO. Regarding interior simplicity, I don't think Lexus has ever gone overboard in terms of interior complexity in previous LS generations, so not sure how much this applies to the LS here. It's all a matter of opinion of course, and IMHO that slab of leather is a bit too simple for me. The rest of the door panel is gorgeous though, with fine detailing and what looks like top level craftsmanship.

I think this is a picture of the heads-up display. Taken from video at Lexus's website...

Gecko

I think we are seeing Lexus head more and more towards simplicity as a form of luxury (it's a bigger conversation, but so is much of the rest of the world, in all forms of design). In the early 2000s, everything became cluttered with buttons, knobs and switches and I think some consumers started to revolt against that.

Yup. If you've seen HGTV lately, you've noticed their designers all took an abrupt turn around 2014. Now, large clean surfaces with nothing breaking them up are in, as are grey colors and aluminum trim. To me, the 5LS fits all this to a "T". It's not an accident they're showing it in Atomic Silver (err, Manganese, as per Mike).

corradoMR2

Yes, the more I see the car and the video, the more I see the sexy Panamera (and some A7) influence at the rear. The rear is growing on me. I can also envision how much nicer it will look with tinted windows to mask some of the "busyness" in the rear door to the D-pillar.

I think the color unveiled looks to be Atomic Silver (Sonic Titanium) which is appropriately elegant but I bet some of us would have been more excited (and less critical of the rear) seeing it in Ultra White or Obsidian as an F-Sport version with tinted windows. :D

View attachment 2044

Its a new color called "Manganese" per KREW at the show......

The LS in Atomic Silver will be mind-blowing. I'm sure you will buy one in two weeks :D

Enthusiast88

cruise control on the steering wheel! (I know they did this on the LC too)
I am definitely out.

Wait, that's a bad thing? You mean you liked the ugly parts bin stalk that you are forced to reach for underneath the wheel?

Can

I think this is a picture of the heads-up display. Taken from video at Lexus's website...

NICE FIND!!!!

Gecko

You seem really burned by the omission of a V8. Truth is that Lexus new TT V6 is closer to Mercedes/BMW's V8s than their V6s, and the LS is lighter. If the V6 also allows for a better weight distribution - probably very close to 50/50, then I am on board with the V6.

I've been having a hard time with the extinction of the V8, but for some reason, I feel really good about this application. Think about 90% of LS buyers, and really, S Class and 7 Series buyers. They could get along just fine with 240hp.

415hp/442lb-ft is major power. It's going to feel like a V8. The torque is probably going to make it feel like Lexus' most powerful engine outside of the LFA's V10.

This is the first time that Lexus has delivered a higher horsepower engine that isn't torque deficient since maybe the 3UZ-FE.

Since owning the RC F and enjoying the 5L V8, to be honest, I'm more than fine with the new V6TT in the LS while keeping the V8 to the sportier more visceral LC. I bet the new V6TT is smoother, quieter, and with more low end torque (something the V8 is missing until about 3600 rpm), which is more appropriate in a serene premium luxury sedan. I bet if the 5L V8 was the engine, we'd be complaining about its age, etc.

A quick note to point out regarding nomenclature. We now see that Lexus may or may not incorporate "t" or "tt"in their car names. This opens the door to future speculation on new car name registrations that do not have any "t" in it. I'm fine with that since the LS 500's name is far better suited in terms of lineage and prestige over an "LS 350tt"! :)

As for future V8s in the LS... I'm definitely still wanting one in it but I like the idea of a V8TT exclusive to the LS F. :thumbsup:

The official Lexus Europe news release is up now:

http://newsroom.lexus.eu/with-the-all-new-2018-ls-lexus-reimagines-global-flagship-sedan/

Not much new, but I did spot what are either new tidbits or just stuff I missed from skimming the USA and Global releases:

The 3,125 mm wheelbase is 35 mm longer than the current LS long-wheelbase model.

Compared to the current LS, the new model is about 15 mm lower, while the hood and trunk are approximately 30 mm and 41 mm lower, respectively.

Well guys, I am by no means a regular on here but the LC, LF-FC and believe it or not, as a 25 year old, the LF-SA concept have sparked my interest in Lexus as a brand. I currently own a 2007 Honda Legend, or Acura RL, so do like a luxury barge. Here are my thoughts.

• Can't quite make my mind up on the styling. The front look great from some angles and then awful and stuck on from others. The rear is a huge disappointment...just a refresh of what we have, not all-new like LF-FC was.
• Colour of LF-FC not shown and can't quite see if its being offered yet, in my opinion one of the things that made the car.
• Huge HUD looks incredible in that photo, goes beyond just a silly little speed readout and one or two other things.
• Infotainment hard to gauge, but some shots it still look dated. Lexus want to predict what customers will demand they say in their Press Release...so why are they still insisting on no Apple CarPlay? If it's anything like the rubbish in current Lexus vehicles, it's dead in water vs Merc/Audi.
• Overall, total disappointment when compared to the gorgeous LF-FC, but then I was told to keep my expectations low as LF-FC came way after 5LS was basically finished.

CIF

Regarding interior simplicity, I don't think Lexus has ever gone overboard in terms of interior complexity in previous LS generations, so not sure how much this applies to the LS here.

The 3LS was verging on it, with the stacks of buttons on either side of the screen (which became, properly, elements *on* the screen in the 4LS).