Interview with Lexus LS Interior Designer Junko Itou

Posted by Kevin on January 31st, 2018

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
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Comments
Rydo
I must say that this latest Lexus newsletter is a bit snide. Honda have been using sound suppression active noise cancelling on the Bose system fitted to their Legend model since 2004.

Less of the 'new technology' lies.


View attachment 2521
Rydo
I must say that this latest Lexus newsletter is a bit snide. Honda have been using sound suppression active noise cancelling on the Bose system fitted to their Legend model since 2004.

Less of the 'new technology' lies.


View attachment 2521
C
  • C
    CIF
  • August 17, 2017
Yeah, whoever wrote that newsletter is not very informed. In my experience, active noise cancellation in vehicles doesn't do much in real world conditions. I've driven several vehicles with active noise cancellation, and still found their interiors to be plenty noisy at higher speeds.

Here I thought that the 2018 LS cabin was very quiet because of things like acoustic glass, and various sound-insulating and sound-deadening materials.
C
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    CIF
  • August 17, 2017
Yeah, whoever wrote that newsletter is not very informed. In my experience, active noise cancellation in vehicles doesn't do much in real world conditions. I've driven several vehicles with active noise cancellation, and still found their interiors to be plenty noisy at higher speeds.

Here I thought that the 2018 LS cabin was very quiet because of things like acoustic glass, and various sound-insulating and sound-deadening materials.
Ian Schmidt
The LS has always been quiet because it just is. I don't see a need for active noise cancelling.
Ian Schmidt
The LS has always been quiet because it just is. I don't see a need for active noise cancelling.
mikeavelli
Madi
Here another article :



http://www.german-autos.com/2017/08/06/spyshots-2019-lexus-ls-f-spotted-could-pack-twin-turbo-v8/

This statement got my attention :

At the back, we noticed a trunk lid spoiler which the LS 500 F Sport doesn’t have, there to offer extra high-speed stability. Our photographer also says the sound of the engine was unusually loud for a Lexus, despite not having visible exhaust tips.

Theres been a spoiler on one or two on the show circuit not in the USA I believe. Bigger brakes usually tell a bit too but you can't see it there.
mikeavelli
Madi
Here another article :



http://www.german-autos.com/2017/08/06/spyshots-2019-lexus-ls-f-spotted-could-pack-twin-turbo-v8/

This statement got my attention :

At the back, we noticed a trunk lid spoiler which the LS 500 F Sport doesn’t have, there to offer extra high-speed stability. Our photographer also says the sound of the engine was unusually loud for a Lexus, despite not having visible exhaust tips.

Theres been a spoiler on one or two on the show circuit not in the USA I believe. Bigger brakes usually tell a bit too but you can't see it there.
LexusTechSA
LexusTechSA
M
Magnificent color. LS is definitely one of few flagships that can carry actual colors instead of infinite hues of BWG with some splash of dark blue.
M
Magnificent color. LS is definitely one of few flagships that can carry actual colors instead of infinite hues of BWG with some splash of dark blue.
C
  • C
    CIF
  • August 31, 2017
Wait how did that get there? Did Lexus send a pre-production model on tour across various dealerships worldwide? Is this part of dealer training for the 5LS?

Full disclosure: I did not listen to 100% of the video dialogue, so not sure if this was mentioned in the video.
C
  • C
    CIF
  • August 31, 2017
Wait how did that get there? Did Lexus send a pre-production model on tour across various dealerships worldwide? Is this part of dealer training for the 5LS?

Full disclosure: I did not listen to 100% of the video dialogue, so not sure if this was mentioned in the video.
Spunky D
Spoke to my Lexus General Manager in Melbourne Australia and he said he was hoping to have the LS500 available for viewing in November.It will not go on sale till February 2018!!!
Spunky D
Spoke to my Lexus General Manager in Melbourne Australia and he said he was hoping to have the LS500 available for viewing in November.It will not go on sale till February 2018!!!
krew
CIF
Wait how did that get there? Did Lexus send a pre-production model on tour across various dealerships worldwide? Is this part of dealer training for the 5LS?
There are LS models touring all around the world right now -- just heard there was one in London, Ontario yesterday.
krew
CIF
Wait how did that get there? Did Lexus send a pre-production model on tour across various dealerships worldwide? Is this part of dealer training for the 5LS?
There are LS models touring all around the world right now -- just heard there was one in London, Ontario yesterday.
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  • September 1, 2017
krew
There are LS models touring all around the world right now -- just heard there was one in London, Ontario yesterday.
That's what I figured. Ohh, you should go take a look if you have the chance and get some TLE exclusive scoops :D:cool:.
C
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    CIF
  • September 1, 2017
krew
There are LS models touring all around the world right now -- just heard there was one in London, Ontario yesterday.
That's what I figured. Ohh, you should go take a look if you have the chance and get some TLE exclusive scoops :D:cool:.
S
Revamped Lexus LS 500 to start above $75,000

SAN FRANCISCO -- Lexus will sell its redesigned LS 500 flagship sedan for around $76,000 for the base model, up from $73,515 on the outgoing model, in a bet that its more aggressive design and enhanced performance will draw brand loyalists who have been waiting for a redo of the four-door as well as newcomers to the brand.

Final pricing on the LS 500 will be released before the car goes on sale in February 2018.

"We do expect to attract people from different brands who may have drifted away," said Brian Bolain, general manager for Lexus marketing.

The press kickoff for the sedan was set in San Francisco where the original LS was introduced and established the Lexus brand in 1989. The LS was a surprise hit and became the benchmark for Japanese luxury cars.

Lexus is hoping to draw buyers of luxury sport sedans by focusing on performance and styling as much as a smooth ride and the brand's traditional cushy interiors. Bolain said its natural competitors will be German sport-luxury sedans such as the Mercedes S class, the BMW 7 series and the Audi A8.

The U.S. market for large luxury sedans has dropped 4.1 percent this year while overall car demand across the industry is on track to decline for the fourth consecutive year. Sales of the current LS have dropped 29 percent to 2,670 this year through August.

Lexus engineers and designers say the latest LS was designed to return to its Japanese roots and not mimic European sedans. They see the reworked sedan as a unique option in the segment and expect to sell about a thousand a month in the U.S. Annual U.S. sales of the LS haven't topped 10,000 units since 2013 or 12,000 units since 2010.

The 2018 model is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, with a more coupelike silhouette.

One controversial choice by Lexus was to go with a turbocharged V-6 engine rather than an eight-cylinder that has defined the class for decades. Lexus says the LS 500 is competitive in acceleration with competitors while delivering better fuel economy.

The V-6 engine, with two turbochargers, makes 416 hp and is mated to a new 10-speed transmission that it shares with the all-new LC 500 flagship coupe.

Lexus expects the EPA to rate fuel efficiency for the gasoline engine with rear-wheel drive at 19 mpg in city driving driving, 29 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined. The hybrid rear-wheel-drive version is expected to be rated at 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway/28 mpg combined.

Both models are available with all-wheel drive.
http://www.autonews.com/article/201.../redesigned-lexus-ls-500-to-start-above-75000
S
Revamped Lexus LS 500 to start above $75,000

SAN FRANCISCO -- Lexus will sell its redesigned LS 500 flagship sedan for around $76,000 for the base model, up from $73,515 on the outgoing model, in a bet that its more aggressive design and enhanced performance will draw brand loyalists who have been waiting for a redo of the four-door as well as newcomers to the brand.

Final pricing on the LS 500 will be released before the car goes on sale in February 2018.

"We do expect to attract people from different brands who may have drifted away," said Brian Bolain, general manager for Lexus marketing.

The press kickoff for the sedan was set in San Francisco where the original LS was introduced and established the Lexus brand in 1989. The LS was a surprise hit and became the benchmark for Japanese luxury cars.

Lexus is hoping to draw buyers of luxury sport sedans by focusing on performance and styling as much as a smooth ride and the brand's traditional cushy interiors. Bolain said its natural competitors will be German sport-luxury sedans such as the Mercedes S class, the BMW 7 series and the Audi A8.

The U.S. market for large luxury sedans has dropped 4.1 percent this year while overall car demand across the industry is on track to decline for the fourth consecutive year. Sales of the current LS have dropped 29 percent to 2,670 this year through August.

Lexus engineers and designers say the latest LS was designed to return to its Japanese roots and not mimic European sedans. They see the reworked sedan as a unique option in the segment and expect to sell about a thousand a month in the U.S. Annual U.S. sales of the LS haven't topped 10,000 units since 2013 or 12,000 units since 2010.

The 2018 model is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, with a more coupelike silhouette.

One controversial choice by Lexus was to go with a turbocharged V-6 engine rather than an eight-cylinder that has defined the class for decades. Lexus says the LS 500 is competitive in acceleration with competitors while delivering better fuel economy.

The V-6 engine, with two turbochargers, makes 416 hp and is mated to a new 10-speed transmission that it shares with the all-new LC 500 flagship coupe.

Lexus expects the EPA to rate fuel efficiency for the gasoline engine with rear-wheel drive at 19 mpg in city driving driving, 29 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined. The hybrid rear-wheel-drive version is expected to be rated at 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway/28 mpg combined.

Both models are available with all-wheel drive.
http://www.autonews.com/article/201.../redesigned-lexus-ls-500-to-start-above-75000
bogglo
supra93
Revamped Lexus LS 500 to start above $75,000



http://www.autonews.com/article/201.../redesigned-lexus-ls-500-to-start-above-75000
That price is not bad. I think they would definitely move at that price. and seems like a V8 version would be somewhat affordable
bogglo
supra93
Revamped Lexus LS 500 to start above $75,000



http://www.autonews.com/article/201.../redesigned-lexus-ls-500-to-start-above-75000
That price is not bad. I think they would definitely move at that price. and seems like a V8 version would be somewhat affordable
Ian Schmidt
I think that's reasonable pricing for the base model, and being able to get a decent number of options for less than a stripper S-Class is downright attractive.
Ian Schmidt
I think that's reasonable pricing for the base model, and being able to get a decent number of options for less than a stripper S-Class is downright attractive.
S
CIF
Yeah, whoever wrote that newsletter is not very informed. In my experience, active noise cancellation in vehicles doesn't do much in real world conditions. I've driven several vehicles with active noise cancellation, and still found their interiors to be plenty noisy at higher speeds.

Here I thought that the 2018 LS cabin was very quiet because of things like acoustic glass, and various sound-insulating and sound-deadening materials.
did i miss them calling it world first or something? they should not point out tech in their newsletter unless they invented it first? They have also been using noise cancelling on their japanese Toyota's for at least 10+ years but not on Lexus.
S
CIF
Yeah, whoever wrote that newsletter is not very informed. In my experience, active noise cancellation in vehicles doesn't do much in real world conditions. I've driven several vehicles with active noise cancellation, and still found their interiors to be plenty noisy at higher speeds.

Here I thought that the 2018 LS cabin was very quiet because of things like acoustic glass, and various sound-insulating and sound-deadening materials.
did i miss them calling it world first or something? they should not point out tech in their newsletter unless they invented it first? They have also been using noise cancelling on their japanese Toyota's for at least 10+ years but not on Lexus.
C
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    CIF
  • September 16, 2017
spwolf
did i miss them calling it world first or something? they should not point out tech in their newsletter unless they invented it first? They have also been using noise cancelling on their japanese Toyota's for at least 10+ years but not on Lexus.
The point is, this is beneath Lexus to be even spending time on, or focusing on this technology. This is a very standard technology, that as you mentioned, has been used on Toyotas for many years. Also a number of competitors have used this technology for years as well. There is nothing 'new' about it.
C
  • C
    CIF
  • September 16, 2017
spwolf
did i miss them calling it world first or something? they should not point out tech in their newsletter unless they invented it first? They have also been using noise cancelling on their japanese Toyota's for at least 10+ years but not on Lexus.
The point is, this is beneath Lexus to be even spending time on, or focusing on this technology. This is a very standard technology, that as you mentioned, has been used on Toyotas for many years. Also a number of competitors have used this technology for years as well. There is nothing 'new' about it.

C