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
Gecko
Serpens
While I agree the Lexus solution is far more artful, there's no reason to put the Audi's interior in quotes. That's one of the best interiors in its class; it's actually very well done, as is the Q7 in general. Shame about that exterior though...
I know it's a matter for another thread, but surprised that anyone thinks the Q7 interior is anything close to best in class. Only Audi could get away with that much black plastic and not be heckled for it.
Gecko
Serpens
While I agree the Lexus solution is far more artful, there's no reason to put the Audi's interior in quotes. That's one of the best interiors in its class; it's actually very well done, as is the Q7 in general. Shame about that exterior though...
I know it's a matter for another thread, but surprised that anyone thinks the Q7 interior is anything close to best in class. Only Audi could get away with that much black plastic and not be heckled for it.
S
Gecko
I know it's a matter for another thread, but surprised that anyone thinks the Q7 interior is anything close to best in class. Only Audi could get away with that much black plastic and not be heckled for it.
Have you been in other cars in that class? Not uncommon-GX460, GLE-class, X5, RR Sport all have plenty of plastic. Even the XC90 does, although that is my favorite in the class.

I think that's one of the most interesting elements of the full-size sedan class these days. Cars like the LS500, S-class, 7-series, etc. that start in the $80k-$90k range don't yet have SUV equivalents that start at the same prices, so their interiors are usually much nicer.

I can't wait to see the pricing of the LS500. I really hope Lexus charges a premium compared to the LS460, as I think it's about time they priced the car for its worth.
S
Gecko
I know it's a matter for another thread, but surprised that anyone thinks the Q7 interior is anything close to best in class. Only Audi could get away with that much black plastic and not be heckled for it.
Have you been in other cars in that class? Not uncommon-GX460, GLE-class, X5, RR Sport all have plenty of plastic. Even the XC90 does, although that is my favorite in the class.

I think that's one of the most interesting elements of the full-size sedan class these days. Cars like the LS500, S-class, 7-series, etc. that start in the $80k-$90k range don't yet have SUV equivalents that start at the same prices, so their interiors are usually much nicer.

I can't wait to see the pricing of the LS500. I really hope Lexus charges a premium compared to the LS460, as I think it's about time they priced the car for its worth.
zeusus
Black Dynamite
It's been a couple of days and I feel no better about being swerved by Lexus on the concept. The concept shouldn't have been sent out if it had nothing to do with the production car. This car looks weak and lacks every ounce of presence the LF-FC had.
BD
I see some people have been spoiled rotten by the LC and thus expects every production Lexus car to look like it's concept version.

I really don't think its a reasonable expectation to have. Concepts are meant to be forward looking exercises in design. Some results are more realistic than others. The LS concept had hologram technology, do you expect in-car hologram wave sensing technology in late 2017 too?

Or should Lexus just have given up on that part of the concept simply because you believe, "The concept shouldn't have been sent out if it had nothing to do with the production car".
zeusus
Black Dynamite
It's been a couple of days and I feel no better about being swerved by Lexus on the concept. The concept shouldn't have been sent out if it had nothing to do with the production car. This car looks weak and lacks every ounce of presence the LF-FC had.
BD
I see some people have been spoiled rotten by the LC and thus expects every production Lexus car to look like it's concept version.

I really don't think its a reasonable expectation to have. Concepts are meant to be forward looking exercises in design. Some results are more realistic than others. The LS concept had hologram technology, do you expect in-car hologram wave sensing technology in late 2017 too?

Or should Lexus just have given up on that part of the concept simply because you believe, "The concept shouldn't have been sent out if it had nothing to do with the production car".
meth.ix
Joaquin Ruhi
and wish they hadn't fallen into the German (and Lexus' own hybrid) inflated number naming conventions. (Why not just call it an LS 350t? It would be so much more honest)
The number 500 gives the illusion that the car is much more powerful and prestigious than saying 350. If we had the number 350, that would look bad IMO because it would seem like it has the same engine in the IS. 500 makes more sense because it has the power of a 5 liter V8 but in reality it is a 3.5 liter TTV6
meth.ix
Joaquin Ruhi
and wish they hadn't fallen into the German (and Lexus' own hybrid) inflated number naming conventions. (Why not just call it an LS 350t? It would be so much more honest)
The number 500 gives the illusion that the car is much more powerful and prestigious than saying 350. If we had the number 350, that would look bad IMO because it would seem like it has the same engine in the IS. 500 makes more sense because it has the power of a 5 liter V8 but in reality it is a 3.5 liter TTV6
Joaquin Ruhi
meth.ix
The number 500 gives the illusion that the car is much more powerful and prestigious than saying 350. If we had the number 350, that would look bad IMO because it would seem like it has the same engine in the IS. 500 makes more sense because it has the power of a 5 liter V8 but in reality it is a 3.5 liter TTV6
I understand that's the rationale that Lexus' new LS, BMW and Mercedes are using, but I guess I personally prefer the approach Lexus used with the NX 200t and Audi's (which uses the actual displacement in liters plus a "t" do denote boost in its badges beyond the A, Q or R model names) versus the arbitrary equivalencies. And now, at Lexus, "500" is just as likely to denote a 5-liter V8 as a 3.5-liter twin turbo V6. How do you tell them apart were Lexus to offer the 5-liter naturally aspirated V8 in the LS or the 3.5-liter twin turbo in the LC?
Joaquin Ruhi
meth.ix
The number 500 gives the illusion that the car is much more powerful and prestigious than saying 350. If we had the number 350, that would look bad IMO because it would seem like it has the same engine in the IS. 500 makes more sense because it has the power of a 5 liter V8 but in reality it is a 3.5 liter TTV6
I understand that's the rationale that Lexus' new LS, BMW and Mercedes are using, but I guess I personally prefer the approach Lexus used with the NX 200t and Audi's (which uses the actual displacement in liters plus a "t" do denote boost in its badges beyond the A, Q or R model names) versus the arbitrary equivalencies. And now, at Lexus, "500" is just as likely to denote a 5-liter V8 as a 3.5-liter twin turbo V6. How do you tell them apart were Lexus to offer the 5-liter naturally aspirated V8 in the LS or the 3.5-liter twin turbo in the LC?
S
zeusus
I see some people have been spoiled rotten by the LC and thus expects every production Lexus car to look like it's concept version.

I really don't think its a reasonable expectation to have. Concepts are meant to be forward looking exercises in design. Some results are more realistic than others. The LS concept had hologram technology, do you expect in-car hologram wave sensing technology in late 2017 too?

Or should Lexus just have given up on that part of the concept simply because you believe, "The concept shouldn't have been sent out if it had nothing to do with the production car".
I will admit Im disappointed the FC didnt translate directly into production like the LC as I expected. However I must say Im not disappointed in this execution. After a few days of studying the design, Im falling in love. I can only imagine it looks better in person and in other colors (deep blue, white, black)
S
zeusus
I see some people have been spoiled rotten by the LC and thus expects every production Lexus car to look like it's concept version.

I really don't think its a reasonable expectation to have. Concepts are meant to be forward looking exercises in design. Some results are more realistic than others. The LS concept had hologram technology, do you expect in-car hologram wave sensing technology in late 2017 too?

Or should Lexus just have given up on that part of the concept simply because you believe, "The concept shouldn't have been sent out if it had nothing to do with the production car".
I will admit Im disappointed the FC didnt translate directly into production like the LC as I expected. However I must say Im not disappointed in this execution. After a few days of studying the design, Im falling in love. I can only imagine it looks better in person and in other colors (deep blue, white, black)
mikeavelli
It's stunning in person. It's a complete 180 from past designs. The box look that was made curvy is now a stylistic knock-out.

You have to see it in person. Especially the front and side. The rear is my least favorite part.

More to come :) KREW will chime in as well.

#lexuslens
View attachment 2049
mikeavelli
It's stunning in person. It's a complete 180 from past designs. The box look that was made curvy is now a stylistic knock-out.

You have to see it in person. Especially the front and side. The rear is my least favorite part.

More to come :) KREW will chime in as well.

#lexuslens
View attachment 2049
S
mikeavelli
It's stunning in person. It's a complete 180 in past designs. The box look that was made curvy is now a stylistic knock-out.

You have to see it in person. Especially the front and side. The rear is my least favorite part.

More to come :) KREW will chime in as well.

#lexuslens
View attachment 2049
wooooooowwwwww!!! Im now in love
S
mikeavelli
It's stunning in person. It's a complete 180 in past designs. The box look that was made curvy is now a stylistic knock-out.

You have to see it in person. Especially the front and side. The rear is my least favorite part.

More to come :) KREW will chime in as well.

#lexuslens
View attachment 2049
wooooooowwwwww!!! Im now in love
White Beach
mikeavelli
It's stunning in person. It's a complete 180 from past designs. The box look that was made curvy is now a stylistic knock-out.

You have to see it in person. Especially the front and side. The rear is my least favorite part.

More to come :) KREW will chime in as well.

#lexuslens
View attachment 2049
The more I see, the more I love the new LS! I've always needed time to digest/understand the design of every new Lexus model and they've always grown on me in the end. This is surely the case with the new LS and now I'm in love!!!:heart_eyes:

Seeing mikeavelli's photo, I am astonished at how smoothly the side windows integrate with the side pillars, which even makes them look like a single grass! This is very subtle and easy to be overlooked, but it helps minimize wind noise to make sure the new LS is the world's quietest car. This is the good example of the CRAZY attention to detail which Lexus has always been famous for.
White Beach
mikeavelli
It's stunning in person. It's a complete 180 from past designs. The box look that was made curvy is now a stylistic knock-out.

You have to see it in person. Especially the front and side. The rear is my least favorite part.

More to come :) KREW will chime in as well.

#lexuslens
View attachment 2049
The more I see, the more I love the new LS! I've always needed time to digest/understand the design of every new Lexus model and they've always grown on me in the end. This is surely the case with the new LS and now I'm in love!!!:heart_eyes:

Seeing mikeavelli's photo, I am astonished at how smoothly the side windows integrate with the side pillars, which even makes them look like a single grass! This is very subtle and easy to be overlooked, but it helps minimize wind noise to make sure the new LS is the world's quietest car. This is the good example of the CRAZY attention to detail which Lexus has always been famous for.
mikeavelli
Okay one more.. full video coming.. I'll try to upload tonight...

Great remarks on the C-Pillar Glass... we learned a lot about that particular detail..

#lexuslens

View attachment 2050
mikeavelli
Okay one more.. full video coming.. I'll try to upload tonight...

Great remarks on the C-Pillar Glass... we learned a lot about that particular detail..

#lexuslens

View attachment 2050
B
zeusus
I see some people have been spoiled rotten by the LC and thus expects every production Lexus car to look like it's concept version.

I really don't think its a reasonable expectation to have. Concepts are meant to be forward looking exercises in design. Some results are more realistic than others. The LS concept had hologram technology, do you expect in-car hologram wave sensing technology in late 2017 too?

Or should Lexus just have given up on that part of the concept simply because you believe, "The concept shouldn't have been sent out if it had nothing to do with the production car".
It is reasonable to expect it to look something like the concept, not nothing like the concept. You trash the concept if the people reject it. This si clearly a "Plan B" design, and it is much less worthy of interest to me. And Lexus has a history of staying true to their concept's designs, and not throwing them away entirely.

If you want a cut-rate design, have at it. There is no good reason why they couldn't use the design of the concept and adjust the styling for production. It is unreasonable to expect the production car to look nothing like the concept, given Lexus' history, with the LC most recently.

This looks like just another luxury car, and after waiting 8 years, I think we deserve better. They pretty much told us last year to expect the best, and then they wimp out. Why go all in on the LC, and get all kinds of positive press for it, and then punk out here? Who was bashing the LF-FC Concept, in any way?
BD
B
zeusus
I see some people have been spoiled rotten by the LC and thus expects every production Lexus car to look like it's concept version.

I really don't think its a reasonable expectation to have. Concepts are meant to be forward looking exercises in design. Some results are more realistic than others. The LS concept had hologram technology, do you expect in-car hologram wave sensing technology in late 2017 too?

Or should Lexus just have given up on that part of the concept simply because you believe, "The concept shouldn't have been sent out if it had nothing to do with the production car".
It is reasonable to expect it to look something like the concept, not nothing like the concept. You trash the concept if the people reject it. This si clearly a "Plan B" design, and it is much less worthy of interest to me. And Lexus has a history of staying true to their concept's designs, and not throwing them away entirely.

If you want a cut-rate design, have at it. There is no good reason why they couldn't use the design of the concept and adjust the styling for production. It is unreasonable to expect the production car to look nothing like the concept, given Lexus' history, with the LC most recently.

This looks like just another luxury car, and after waiting 8 years, I think we deserve better. They pretty much told us last year to expect the best, and then they wimp out. Why go all in on the LC, and get all kinds of positive press for it, and then punk out here? Who was bashing the LF-FC Concept, in any way?
BD
zeusus
Black Dynamite
It is reasonable to expect it to look something like the concept, not nothing like the concept. You trash the concept if the people reject it. This si clearly a "Plan B" design, and it is much less worthy of interest to me. And Lexus has a history of staying true to their concept's designs, and not throwing them away entirely.

If you want a cut-rate design, have at it. There is no good reason why they couldn't use the design of the concept and adjust the styling for production. It is unreasonable to expect the production car to look nothing like the concept, given Lexus' history, with the LC most recently.

This looks like just another luxury car, and after waiting 8 years, I think we deserve better. They pretty much told us last year to expect the best, and then they wimp out. Why go all in on the LC, and get all kinds of positive press for it, and then punk out here? Who was bashing the LF-FC Concept, in any way?
BD
Not sure what you're looking at.

Another poster said he saw around 80% similarity, I see something between 70-75% similarity. I think its enough like the concept to be suitable for a 2018 model luxury class flagship vehicle.

Some saying this new LS is in no way classy and borderline cheap gimmick aimed at younger buyers and some people like you saying it doesn't look bold or futuristic enough.

I suppose you can't please em all.
zeusus
Black Dynamite
It is reasonable to expect it to look something like the concept, not nothing like the concept. You trash the concept if the people reject it. This si clearly a "Plan B" design, and it is much less worthy of interest to me. And Lexus has a history of staying true to their concept's designs, and not throwing them away entirely.

If you want a cut-rate design, have at it. There is no good reason why they couldn't use the design of the concept and adjust the styling for production. It is unreasonable to expect the production car to look nothing like the concept, given Lexus' history, with the LC most recently.

This looks like just another luxury car, and after waiting 8 years, I think we deserve better. They pretty much told us last year to expect the best, and then they wimp out. Why go all in on the LC, and get all kinds of positive press for it, and then punk out here? Who was bashing the LF-FC Concept, in any way?
BD
Not sure what you're looking at.

Another poster said he saw around 80% similarity, I see something between 70-75% similarity. I think its enough like the concept to be suitable for a 2018 model luxury class flagship vehicle.

Some saying this new LS is in no way classy and borderline cheap gimmick aimed at younger buyers and some people like you saying it doesn't look bold or futuristic enough.

I suppose you can't please em all.
mikeavelli
Exhausted.....I had to upload this clip of the 2018 Lexus LS we were granted access too..Its absolutely stunning....I could stare at the details of the grill for hours...
mikeavelli
Exhausted.....I had to upload this clip of the 2018 Lexus LS we were granted access too..Its absolutely stunning....I could stare at the details of the grill for hours...
meth.ix
too bad the windows were tinted :(
meth.ix
too bad the windows were tinted :(
L
Black Dynamite
It is reasonable to expect it to look something like the concept, not nothing like the concept. You trash the concept if the people reject it. This si clearly a "Plan B" design, and it is much less worthy of interest to me. And Lexus has a history of staying true to their concept's designs, and not throwing them away entirely.

If you want a cut-rate design, have at it. There is no good reason why they couldn't use the design of the concept and adjust the styling for production. It is unreasonable to expect the production car to look nothing like the concept, given Lexus' history, with the LC most recently.

This looks like just another luxury car, and after waiting 8 years, I think we deserve better. They pretty much told us last year to expect the best, and then they wimp out. Why go all in on the LC, and get all kinds of positive press for it, and then punk out here? Who was bashing the LF-FC Concept, in any way?
BD
I agree, but I just do not take the FL-FC into account now, it was "just" a concept, and I look at the new LS as if we had no concept. I think if you would not have seen the concept, it the new LS would not be that bad. The LC is once in a lifetime case (well two if we count the LFA).

But look at the Germans, remember how BMW went from VFL to 7 Series?
L
Black Dynamite
It is reasonable to expect it to look something like the concept, not nothing like the concept. You trash the concept if the people reject it. This si clearly a "Plan B" design, and it is much less worthy of interest to me. And Lexus has a history of staying true to their concept's designs, and not throwing them away entirely.

If you want a cut-rate design, have at it. There is no good reason why they couldn't use the design of the concept and adjust the styling for production. It is unreasonable to expect the production car to look nothing like the concept, given Lexus' history, with the LC most recently.

This looks like just another luxury car, and after waiting 8 years, I think we deserve better. They pretty much told us last year to expect the best, and then they wimp out. Why go all in on the LC, and get all kinds of positive press for it, and then punk out here? Who was bashing the LF-FC Concept, in any way?
BD
I agree, but I just do not take the FL-FC into account now, it was "just" a concept, and I look at the new LS as if we had no concept. I think if you would not have seen the concept, it the new LS would not be that bad. The LC is once in a lifetime case (well two if we count the LFA).

But look at the Germans, remember how BMW went from VFL to 7 Series?

L