Hybrids are nothing new to Lexus. Like its parent company Toyota, it’s been augmenting internal combustion engines with battery packs and electric motors for years. The optional Naguri-style trim in the Lexus GS F can – in a way – be considered a hybrid as well.
Why? Because, according to Lexus UK, “The word naguri comes from a traditional Japanese wood-shaving technique, which originated from the random artistic patterns local craftspeople would carve into the trunks of chestnut trees after removing the bark to repel bugs.” Lexus applies that method to aluminum trim.
The popularity of Naguri hit a low point by the late 19th century, but it wasn’t completely forgotten. It still hasn’t been. Yamaha told Lexus one of its suppliers came up with a way of treating aluminum that it thought would look at home in sporty cars. Lexus agreed.
The optional Naguri-style aluminum trim in the UK version of the GS F (the USDM model only seems to be available with carbon fiber interior accents) and the F Sport package for the GS has a classic diamond pattern. Lexus is secretive about the exact process used to generate such a seemingly simple design, although it does state that it runs aluminum sheets through a machine that uses dozens of special blades. Those cut the pattern into the metal, which is then coated with a dark, protective paint.
Ultimately, this aluminum treated in the style of woodwork looks somewhat like a third surface: a snake’s skin. Talk about a hybrid…
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
Where do you go for answers when you have a Lexus with a gorgeous leather interior but are not sure about how to maintain that luxurious look? The "Club Lexus" forums, of course.
