Interview with Lexus LS Interior Designer Junko Itou

Gecko

In the live reveal, Bracken reviewed the wheel options... but that was clipped from the version that was put online. I wonder why?

From AutoSpies.com

My biggest problems are three:
1. They threw away the V8, for no good reason, where a twin-turbo V6 has to fight against German twin-turbo V8's. Why? How?
2. Apparently, the concept design was thrown right in the garbage, and that is EXACTLY what I wanted the car to look like. That would have crushed the market, and they could have printed money, if it looked like that. What happened to the concept's design?
3. The infotainment design and functionality looks even more outdated than ever. That alone will probably lose Lexus deals if the buyer has ever set foot inside a new Mercedes sedan. Lexus threw in the towel here, and didn't even try to compete.

If Lexus hit a home run here, they could have sold 1500-2000 units a month for the first couple of years! The market wants a bold, sexy design, like the concept provided, and Lexus misread the market, badly. This is a shadow of what the concept's design would have brought back in sales. It looks good if the light hits it just right, and it looks like a stretched GS from most angles.

If you told me this was a tweener vehicle, like the 6-series Gran Coupe or the Cadillac CT6, I'd look at it much more positively, because Lexus does need a vehicle in that segment. Or if you said this was replacing the SWB LS.

This does not live up to the promise made by the well-received concept. They sold me a bill of goods. Not cool. I had dreams of the next LS and this was not it. THIS WAS NOT IT! (Russell Crowe in 'Gladiator')
BD

Black Dynamite

2. Apparently, the concept design was thrown right in the garbage, and that is EXACTLY what I wanted the car to look like. That would have crushed the market, and they could have printed money, if it looked like that. What happened to the concept's design?

BD

Jheez... how many times on this forum have we said that the 5LS was designed way before the LF-FC was designed?

meth.ix

Jheez... how many times on this forum have we said that the 5LS was designed way before the LF-FC was designed?

The problem is, they can make a good design like on the LF-FC, and they choose not to... They preferred a stretched ES as Flagship..
What frustrating about lexus is that they are always were capable of doing more but for some reason they dont..

Black Dynamite

My biggest problems are three:
1. They threw away the V8, for no good reason, where a twin-turbo V6 has to fight against German twin-turbo V8's. Why? How?

What would be the reason to keep a V8 if you get the performance you need out of the TT V6 other than being able to say you have a V8? I don't think this should really effect a large number of potential customers as it provides the power, should get greater fuel efficiency and have good NVH. A 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds should be more than enough for a large luxury sedan like this.

This doesn't mean that I don't think a potential LS-F shouldn't have a TT V8 but a car like that is all about the performance/numbers it puts out regardless of how little that power gets used on a daily basis.

Black Dynamite

My biggest problems are three:
1. They threw away the V8, for no good reason, where a twin-turbo V6 has to fight against German twin-turbo V8's. Why? How?
2. Apparently, the concept design was thrown right in the garbage, and that is EXACTLY what I wanted the car to look like. That would have crushed the market, and they could have printed money, if it looked like that. What happened to the concept's design?
3. The infotainment design and functionality looks even more outdated than ever. That alone will probably lose Lexus deals if the buyer has ever set foot inside a new Mercedes sedan. Lexus threw in the towel here, and didn't even try to compete.

If Lexus hit a home run here, they could have sold 1500-2000 units a month for the first couple of years! The market wants a bold, sexy design, like the concept provided, and Lexus misread the market, badly. This is a shadow of what the concept's design would have brought back in sales. It looks good if the light hits it just right, and it looks like a stretched GS from most angles.

If you told me this was a tweener vehicle, like the 6-series Gran Coupe or the Cadillac CT6, I'd look at it much more positively, because Lexus does need a vehicle in that segment. Or if you said this was replacing the SWB LS.

This does not live up to the promise made by the well-received concept. They sold me a bill of goods. Not cool. I had dreams of the next LS and this was not it. THIS WAS NOT IT! (Russell Crowe in 'Gladiator')
BD

Please do us all a favor... wait until autumn, go to your next dealer and look at the new LS in Person! It is way too early to bash the car.

Look at this interior, its the only one can beat the S-Class' one :

Blom1974

Dissapointed seeing a CD/DVD player! Is anyone using this now days. Better streaming and Apple car play / Google play where are you ?!?

James

Okay I did some research on competitors to the LS.

The Audi A8 3.0 (V6) goes 0-60 in 5.5 sec.
The Audi A8 4.0 (V8) goes 0-60 in 4.4 sec.
The Audi S8 4.0 (V8) goes 0-60 in 3.7 sec.
The Audi RS7 4.0 (V8) goes 0-60 in 3.6 sec.
The BMW 740 3.0 (V6) goes 0-60 in 5.4 sec.
The BMW 750 4.4 (V8) goes 0-60 in 4.3 sec.
The BMW 760M (V12) goes 0-60 in 3.6 sec.
The MB S550 4.7 (V8) goes 0-60 in 4.8 sec.
The MB S600 6.0 (V12) goes 0-60 in 4.5 sec.
The MB S63 5.5 (V8) goes 0-60 in 3.9 sec.
The MB S65 6.0 (V12) goes 0-60 in 4.2 sec.

The new LS is projected to get about 4.5 secs with a turbo V6. Which means it is only .1 or .2 slower than the BMW 550, MB 600, and Audi A8 4.0 which are all V8's. Lexus is very close with a V6 and hopefully even gets better gas millage than those German cars. Or even Lexus now gets the we are better for the environment crap cause we have a V6 instead of a V8. Now does the Lexus need a V8? Absolutely it does. A twin turbo V8 can hopefully get them to the BMW 760M and Audi RS7 range of 3.6 secs. If Lexus can do that I think the LS will be even more successful than it already is. The inside of this LS is great and just wait for the different colors to come out. Also, I think the biggest mistake by Lexus for this was the rim choice. I agree those aren't that great of a choice but wait I am sure they will come out with one that will blow your pants off that also will make the car much better. I am excited for this LS and very excited to see it in person here shortly this weekend. The LS and LC are great cars and I think 2017 will be a great year for Lexus. As a lot of people have said wait to see it live and in person before you truly bash it.

weight plus transmission is the reason for such good performance.

Also, Lexus UK posted about 0-62 mph for AWD version with 4.5s as a spec too... AWD should slower and 0-62 is also usually 0.1-0.2s slower.

helping the LS post a projected nought to 62mph acceleration time of 4.5 seconds (with all-wheel drive).

Lexus engineers used lightweight materials, including ultra-high-tensile steel and aluminium, to carve more than 90kg from the weight of the current LS’s platform and body.

Active anti-roll bars and Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) with independent front and rear steering further enhance the LS’s handling. VDIM can also aid stability when driving on split-friction surfaces, such as icy patches on dry Tarmac.

Active anti-roll bars in UK and JP as well as independent rear steering.

White Beach

From AutoSpies.com

1, 2 and 4 are hideous. 3 is directly from the LC. 5 has the most promise...

BUT DAMN. COME ON, LEXUS! You've been designing decent rims for a while, but this group is a huge let down!

Gecko

1, 2 and 4 are hideous. 3 is directly from the LC. 5 has the most promise...

BUT DAMN. COME ON, LEXUS! You've been designing decent rims for a while, but this group is a huge let down!

Agreed that 3 and 5 would be my choices for an LS. I wouldn't go as far as calling 1 and 2 hideous, but 4 is definitely the worst of the lot, and that's the one they chose for the 5LS unveiling!

Madi

Look at this interior, its the only one can beat the S-Class' one :

Looking another way, the S-Class is even not the one to beat, given how the S Class is not even exclusive: exterior and interior is basically the same as C Class and E Class, same sausage, different length.

Levi

I take my words back. It looks stunning.

Yeah... this pic is drop dead gorgeous. I'm sold. It's sophisticated, elegant, futuristic and upscale looking. This car is really very different looking from any other Lexus sedan before it. There is a lot more detailing, and I feel like there are more curves. The design is more complex than any other Lexus, but it works beautifully.

Levi

Looking another way, the S-Class is even not the one to beat, given how the S Class is not even exclusive: exterior and interior is basically the same as C Class and E Class, same sausage, different length.

Gecko

Yeah... this pic is drop dead gorgeous. I'm sold. It's sophisticated, elegant, futuristic and upscale looking. This car is really very different looking from any other Lexus sedan before it. There is a lot more detailing, and I feel like there are more curves. The design is more complex than any other Lexus, but it works beautifully.

There is no doubt that S-Class exterior is ugly as hell, 7-Series is better looking but the design is way too old. Interior wise S-Class is the best but its classic, so I see Lexus interior is more modern and more beautiful, "The 2 knobs on the top for example is like an Asian style bamboo scroll hold a waterfall curtain, followed by paper folding lanterns." Lexus designer said they went full Japanese style on this interior and that's why I love it.

In conclusion the LS now is the best looking car in this segment inside and out .

Tech. wise its too early to judge, but I'm glad to see some world's firsts in the reveal of this 5LS.

Gecko

1, 2 and 4 are hideous. 3 is directly from the LC. 5 has the most promise...

BUT DAMN. COME ON, LEXUS! You've been designing decent rims for a while, but this group is a huge let down!

White Beach

From AutoSpies.com

I'm happy, huge opportunity here for Vossen :D..... I need to add the new LS to www.vossend3d.com :D

mikeavelli

I'm happy, huge opportunity here for Vossen :D..... I need to add the new LS to www.vossend3d.com :D

Ha ha, I hadn't thought of it that way. You're absolutely right! :laughing:

Joaquin Ruhi

Ha ha, I hadn't thought of it that way. You're absolutely right! :laughing:

I was sent this last night :D

View attachment 2047

mikeavelli

I was sent this last night :D

View attachment 2047

:heart_eyes: Can't wait to see the aftermarket start working on this.

Levi

Land Cruiser V8 Diesel is 1VD-FTV and produces 650 Nm.

LDeleuran

Argh! You are right. I was too fast on the configurator. The 1UR-FE is the 4.6 petrol, while the 1VD-FTV is the diesel. So the new LS has -almost- as much torque as the diesel Land Cruiser!

You're right guys, my bad. I had forgotten about that engine variant, as it is not that common. The single turbo version of the V8 diesel still makes less torque than this LS engine. Only the twin turbo V8 diesel makes more torque than this engine.

So in reality, the LS500 engine still makes the most torque of any gasoline engine Toyota has ever offered.

This car (along with the LC) is going to be a hell of a canvas for some sick, sick aftermarket stuff. I can't wait to see it.

The S Class is a force to be reckoned with in this class, and probably always will be. However, it wasn't so long ago that the S Class and LS were always neck and neck, trading the first and second spots in numerous comparison tests throughout the years. The 7 Series was always the odd dog out, offering much more to the enthusiast driver in terms of sport and performance than the other two... but it had it's niche in the market.

Lexus neglected the LS for a decade and in that time, BMW has changed course to a much more "something for everyone" formula that has sacrificed their "ultimate driving machine" heritage for something softer. There is almost no better embodiment of this change in philosophy than the 7 Series, and I think BMW has paid dearly for it. The 7 Series is not nearly as luxurious or plush as the S Class or something like this LS, nor is it as sporting as it used to be... so they ride the middle ground, and I think that's turned out to be no man's land. Lavish luxury isn't really BMW's turf, and I think they've struggled to find their identity in this segment.

At the same time, after two generations of oddities and growing pains, Mercedes really delivered with the W222: stately, beautiful, upscale, great detailing, beautiful interior, top tech. There's no denying that this car is the default. My problem with the S Class is that I really dislike many of the interior design elements and don't feel like the interior and exterior design mesh well. Exterior, to me, is exactly what I would expect from a top tech Mercedes flagship. The interior... I feel like they tried to fit Maybach design details into the basic S Class as a cost saving/transition measure, and I don't think it worked. The standard 2 spoke steering wheel is hideous and the round AC vents are too traditional for the rest of the car, IMO. The execution and integration - or lack thereof - with the infotainment screen looks cheap to me. It looks like someone just sat a tablet on the dash and built a housing around it. Even with those nitpicks, the car stands out in this class and it should.

I had a hunch that Lexus wasn't directly going to challenge the S Class head on with the 5LS, and I think I was right. Let's be honest - Lexus spent a lot of years trying to build a better S Class at a value, and that was evident in different elements of the interior and exterior design, as well as packaging. I personally think that the 4th gen LS was the first sign of departure from the "Japanese S Class" philosophy - Lexus got confident in L-Finesse and decided to work in a different direction - SWB, LWB, hybrid, F Sport. 4LS was a huge growth period for the LS line. A lot has happened at Lexus since the 4LS debuted, and there's no doubt that many of those events greatly contributed to the delays for the 5LS. The IS F, LFA, F Sport, GS F, LC 500, GA-L, etc. Lexus is a completely different company now than they were a decade ago - they're confident in building cars that drive well and they have a somewhat clearer sense of identity.

With that said, I think the 5LS is the first time in a long time that Lexus can stand the LS on it's own two legs and say, "This is the Lexus LS," and have that mean something specific. It's not a cut rate Japanese S Class. It's not a wannabe sporty car with tacked on side skirts and a mesh grille. It's a completely unique proposition for a flagship. This is absolutely the car that Lexus had to build, and it sucks that it took a while to get here - but here we are. The most obvious proof in Lexus' confidence in their own execution is the engine: an all-new twin turbo V6 mated to the world's first 10-speed automatic. 415 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Could Lexus have just easily dropped in the 5.0L V8 and called it a day? Yes, but that engine is short on torque and does not compare well in a straight line against the S Class and 7 Series. 442lb-ft of torque and 10 short gear ratios is going to make this car incredibly fast - probably as much so as the S550 and 750iL. Lexus engineered for performance - not for the spec sheet.

The second element that speaks volumes about the mission and development of this LS is the GA-L platform and suspension engineering. An all-new platform that employs Lexus' best thinking with a lower center of gravity. It's Lexus stiffest platform ever, and also wider, lighter and offers better weight distribution. An entirely new multi-link suspension with double ball joints, active stabilizer bars, Lexus dynamic handling, rear steering, adaptive suspension standard. We've got a good idea for how all of these elements work together because of the LC 500, but this is much more substantive thinking and engineering than we've ever seen before.

Third, look at this car inside and out. Many of us have been split on the exterior, and for good reason. I believe the 5LS is Lexus' most complex exterior design ever. While handsome, L-Finesse I was relatively clean and somewhat sterile; classic proportions and simple detailing, but it worked. L-Finesse II became very busy, and IMO, not in a good way. The spindle took over and Lexus began incorporating bizarre design elements that didn't quite work together. This LS seems to look both backward and forward, paying tribute to LS history while reinventing it for the future. Strong shoulder lines blend into curves at the front and back, the greenhouse cuts a swept back profile that's revolutionary for an LS, wide fenders set a stance that helps to push the wheels out to the corners and the front end makes a bold statement unlike any LS before. This is a very different type of car for Lexus. Inside, Lexus took the LFA's simplicity and ran with it - the inspiration is clear in the LC and now this LS. No more symmetry, no more waterfall dash, no more gated shifter, no more boundless wood trim and chrome. This is a new era that's heavily influenced by JAPANESE craftsmanship. This amount of Japanese identity and influence has never been as evident in a Lexus interior. It's clean, simple and beautiful with incredible detailing. It's not trying to be anything else. It's as much of a new frontier for Lexus and the LS as GA-L or any other element of this car.


While a lot of this probably reads like an advertorial, what I have realized about this car is that it's completely different from any LS before. This is probably more of a "restart" for the LS name than at any point prior. The segment has changed, buyer's tastes have changed and Lexus is now ready to deliver a car that sets the tone for the rest of the brand. This is a car that stands firmly on it's own two feet with it's own identity, without asking to be judged as anything different. Yes, there are parts of it that are unconventional, different and maybe shocking - but I think it has to be, and I think Lexus has delivered. Looking at the LC and now this LS, we are dealing with a completely different brand than at any other point in Lexus' 28-year history. It sounds dramatic, but I believe that we are looking at Lexus as a true Tier 1 brand for the first time. No excuses, no imitations.

Gecko

With that said, I think the 5LS is the first time in a long time that Lexus can stand the LS on it's own two legs and say, "This is the Lexus LS," and have that mean something specific. It's not a cut rate Japanese S Class. It's not a wannabe sporty car with tacked on side skirts and a mesh grille. It's a completely unique proposition for a flagship. This is absolutely the car that Lexus had to build, and it sucks that it took a while to get here - but here we are.

Yes! I feel that Lexus was trying to emphasize the essential Japanese-ness of the new LS in the presentation in order to communicate something like your post but it didn't quite come across.

mikeavelli

I'm happy, huge opportunity here for Vossen :D..... I need to add the new LS to www.vossend3d.com

krew

Mega gallery has 64 photos, including technical images.

View the original article post

krew

krew
View the original article post

I wish the press pics showed the panoramic roof... Lovely photos though...



The way they integrated the air vents is uncanny......absolutely magnificent detailing...

Is it just me or did Lexus PR screw up and release the LS hybrid prematurely?
http://www.evo.co.uk/lexus/18694/2017-lexus-ls-in-pictures#9

ydooby

Is it just me or did Lexus PR screw up and release the LS hybrid prematurely?
http://www.evo.co.uk/lexus/18694/2017-lexus-ls-in-pictures#9

Or was that them saying the LS has more coming get ready? It seems like Lexus normally does something on purpose when they release stuff and don't screw up timing.

James

Or was that them saying the LS has more coming get ready? It seems like Lexus normally does something on purpose when they release stuff and don't screw up timing.

But press pictures are supposed to supplement a press release, and the LS hybrid was not mentioned anywhere in the PR of this world debut. I still think this mix-up was an accident by the PR team, who may have had too many LS photos on their hand to sort properly.

I will ask on Thursday.....my take is maybe it is some eco mode?

I doubt its a mix up with another car, when the LSh debuts it likely will use a bamboo interior or something different.

mikeavelli

I will ask on Thursday.....my take is maybe it is some eco mode?

I doubt its a mix up with another car, when the LSh debuts it likely will use a bamboo interior or something different.

It's clearly a mix-up. Here's the same area in the regular LS (curiously, with a spacer on the right of the rightmost of the 4 buttons, unlike the LS hybrid, which has no such spacer on the right despite the same number of buttons):


Thanks in advance for asking about it though.

The attention to detail is something (Japanese cultural quality) can't be equaled by others. So many little details, something I have noticed with Japanese cars, especially Lexus. Even after some years of ownership, there are always new little things to discover.

Among those, already mentioned in the PR, are the flush windows/frames, a first for non-frameless doors. This is usually found only on cars with frameless windows. From the interior, the window frame covers are massive and clean, it looks like designed to easily accommodate armored glass. Actually, the way the side windows are made makes armoring even more discrete.