rjacket

Totally agree with you on the IS. It's perfectly formed, holistic and fluid. ES & LS come close. 3GS, for me, is the furthest from being a complete exterior design while interior design fluidity is amongst the best.

Having read the press release in detail, this is potentially the intent of what Lexus did;

1) They want to get feedback on individual exterior design elements so put a lot of different things in to see what the reaction is. The danger with this approach is the feedback will be on the individual elements which somebody will have to choose very carefully to make sure they are compatible in the overall design for future models.
2) Some interesting ideas eg minimalistic exterior mirrors, trying to make a GT with enough luggage space, enough space for 4 (not 5) passengers, yet with sporty characteristics hence it being a GS slightly bigger with emphasis on the boot. A hybrid between a GS & an LS. Wonder how big the steering wheel is?
3) They have reacted to the complaints about interior quality which is encouraging. Had they done this 5 years ago then they would have perpetuated what they started in 1989:

"Use of gen*uine, high-quality mate*ri*als and rich, finely honed details help cre*ate a dri*ver and pas*sen*ger space con*sis*tent with the idea of a full-fledged grand tour*ing sedan. It is an inte*rior designed to respond to the needs of cus*tomers who know true qual*ity, and are par*tic*u*lar about details."

Looking at it again from a front 3/4 view, it looks like a Maxima.

Take a look at the video if possible. It looks more together out on the road. Fast forward to the motion video else you'll spend 5 minutes looking at zooming pictures (who approved this video for release I have to ask?)

LexFather

^^^ Well they say this is the design direction for all new Lexus but named this LF Gh. So we are thinking this is the next GS pretty much. The new ES/IS/LS also debut soon. So maybe this is just a design for all future models and not just the GS?

I guess I'm kind of surprised b/c my sources all told me people feel the car looks "beautiful" and that is not beautiful, especially from the front. I would have expected people to say "striking" or "bold" just based on the front end.

While the E60 has grown on me and I like the LS if I wanted one of those based on looks I would be driving one of those. That is what is irking me. I mean there is a LS sport now. I prefer the GS keep its traditional cues
1. Quad lamps
2. Short/high deck
3. Rounded roofline

None of these are on this concept.

I watched the video....3 times.. .hoping I could see myself behind the wheel. I can appreciate the traditional 3 box design but not sure I want it. Its also tough not knowing what engine(s) will be offered.

The grill isn't growing on me at all

rjacket

Inside Line says: The world's briefest pre-show striptease is over — thank goodness. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent

The Lexus homepage says:

"Brace Yourself Here comes the Bold New Expression of Lexus"

Really? This has to be the most underwhelming concept car I've seen. And the hype they've tried to create around it is embarrassing.

And the confusion on the home page continues with the event on the 19th where they will discuss the intellectual topic of what a bold design can mean for a company and a culture.

Why? Why do you need to talk about design? Probably because the design doesn't speak for itself.

The folks who did the interior should be congratulated. The exterior and the hype are embarrassing and show me that Lexus are not firing on all cylinders.

It's not a good precursor for the 4GS but I would love to be proven wrong. The good news for us consumers is that Hyundai is kind of doing now (in a tougher competitive and economic environment) what Lexus did 20 years ago. So maybe the next generation of Lexi will be vastly improved at the current prices just to prevent loss of market share to Hyundai.

*Batman*

Yes it is more bold than beautiful. We were certainly misled by the tipsters. Plus they mentioned it was supposed to be Maserati like!!!

Hopefully some info on engines in NY. I also want to know about weight. They say light and agile. I would want it to be 400lbs lighter than an F10 paired with a 420hp+ engine to deliver 0-60 in 4.5 seconds just like the Infiniti V8, but with the tossability of the Panamera.

rjacket

I like the grille because it is different as are the mirrors, but nothing much else is different. I don't like the shape at the front around the grille nor do I like the lights.

Again, I think Lexus is confused. Probably too many opinions and executives directing what should be done and a incredibly poor compromise is the result. The interior is fluid so has a different design approach to the exterior which does not jive with what drove the design as per the design GM. Design is about passion and you don't get passion by consensus. You get design confusion which is what we have here.

Stormforge

+1 on the grill, i don't know what the designers were thinking?

the more i look at my 3GS (compared vis-a-vis to the LF Gh), the more i like my GS (imho at least).

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

I'm pretty sure those mirrors will not be in production, the grill makes me want to get it but the rear, i dont know maybe its me but it looks like Honda civic a little just me but the interior def. reminds of the new BMW 5 series theu got that right, but the outside is a little confusing, and if it went to production I would def buy it.

I'm sorry but this car looks great except for the back the rolling shots like Batman said it looks great when in motion its something you need to see in person, I got my deposit ready just put it into production as is.

dunnojack

spindled out.... biznatch.

EyeKutr

iTrader: (5)

DJ
nicely done....I am willing to bet the production GS (not GS-H) will look even more tame. Your rendering is pretty cool, now slap on some cool mirrors will ya ?

Bushwack

If the car gets any smaller, they might as well discontinue the IS line.

*I* think Lexus has a six year plan. They will be making the GS and LS smaller and replace the LS with another flagship model that will compete with the S Class and 7 series (BMW). Right now, the LS is too much of a boulevard cruiser. Lexus needs to raise their level of their flagship to compete directly with the high-end MB and BMW.

And...the ES line will eventually be eliminated. No more FWD models will exists in the Lexus line up. Consumers can go to a high end Camry or Avalon if they want FWD.

EyeKutr

iTrader: (5)

I dont see the ES line ever going away, it is one of the best sellers - they can simply make the LS slightly bigger and call it a day, the GS is big enough for the mid size sedan class

LexFather

Bushwack, this GS is an inch wider, an inch taller and 2 inches+ longer

KILLERGS4

Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept Explores Design Features That Will Migrate to Future Lexus Vehicle Lexus
• LF-Gh concept to make world debut at 2011 New York International Auto Show
• Stylish and assertive concept advances notions of premium grand touring sedan
• Concept explores Lexus’ future direction with aggressive and bold spindle-shaped front grille

NEW YORK (April 12, 2011) – The Lexus LF-Gh hybrid concept will make its global debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. The concept, which sets out to redefine the premium grand touring sedan, will be at the Lexus display through May 1.

“For this concept, Lexus designers studied characteristics that are often considered contradictory and difficult to execute together,” said Kengo Matsumoto, general manager, Lexus Design Division, Toyota Motor Corporation. “The captivating design of the LF-Gh concept examines the possibility of balancing what are normally opposing qualities, such as style and functionality.”

Working with a clean sheet of paper, Lexus Design Division designers aimed to perfectly blend style, performance, efficiency, and environmental compatibility in a premium, grand touring sedan while trying to leverage advanced, new technologies.

The team explored how a future grand touring sedan would look standing still and on the road, and what design approaches might work to convey an extraordinary combination of attributes. They came up with a design that unites hard and soft; and energetic and soothing elements.

Through this exercise, the definition of L-Finesse, the marque’s design philosophy since 2001, has been refined and evolved to include a bolder, more distinct projection of what a premium car could become in a modern world. The result is the LF-Gh concept, which conveys original thoughts and ideas that will migrate to future Lexus vehicles on a global scale.

“Customers have been waiting for a bold concept like this from Lexus,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “We look forward to their feedback and integrating some of these exciting design features into future Lexus vehicles.”

In The Grand Touring Tradition
With the LF-Gh, Lexus takes the idea of the grand touring sedan one step further. The LF-Gh was designed to be a high-performance concept capable of providing a moving driving experience, and comfortably transporting multiple occupants at higher speeds on long-distance drives. It combines a strong sense of presence and emotional appeal with functional attributes, supplying enhanced creature comforts plus the practical ability to transport personal supplies and luggage necessary for extended travel. Even while maintaining serene passenger comfort, it is a car designed to inspire and captivate the driver as hours behind the wheel accumulate.

The bold, wide stance is consistent with the goal of inspiring dynamic excellence on the road. Fundamentally, these are the proportions of an agile, responsive sedan built on an advanced rear-wheel-drive platform. The distinctive long greenhouse design provides the potential for functional passenger benefits, such as generous interior room for all four passengers, ample cargo area, and excellent forward visibility.

LED lighting hints at the range and scope of new materials, electronics and dynamic systems that endow this concept vehicle with state-of-the-art performance, driving control, and safety features. Overall, the LF-Gh’s styling embodies the definition of what an authentic grand touring sedan from Lexus could be.

Dramatic and Bold, Yet Light and Agile
This newest Lexus concept brings together unique, dynamic proportions that lend to its advanced and aggressive stance. The LF-Gh is based on an architecture that enables a spirited, energetic and elegant car with an uncommonly assertive presence.

Viewed from the front, design elements contributing to the assertive effect include a boldly designed spindle-shaped grille that expresses the resolute face of Lexus, contributes to radiator and brake duct function, and is an essential element in achieving excellent aerodynamic performance. Every line in the LF-Gh combines form and function.

As an example, air flows in through front inlets adjacent to the unique vertical LED fog lamps, and exits through similar slim rear outlets that follow the curve of the tail lamps from the rear quarter panel. The concept also explores the minimization of traditional features such as side mirrors and door handles to enhance the sleekness and improve aerodynamics.

The spindle-shaped grille, a powerful design element that contributes to the commanding presence of the LF-Gh, also plays a role in airflow control and enhancing stability. It’s a key feature that integrates distinctive style with engineering functionality without sacrifice in either discipline, and will be inherited by future Lexus models.

An athletic and strong stance is achieved through the contrast of the tapered torso and long cabin, with width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches. The form of the lower body begins from the short front overhang, and is cross cut in the middle of the rocker panel leaving the rear overhang looking light and agile.

Dynamic front fenders work to create a sense of movement, pushing down toward the ground to convey a low, crouching center of gravity. The raised hood implies ready and powerful performance potential. The rear deck has a robust, raised center deck lid that lets the air smoothly glide backward to flow gracefully into the rear fenders. Deeply sculptured dynamic twin spokes stemming from the center of the 20-inch wheels enhance an instinctive sense of driving appeal.

Lexus designers took advantage of increased width that provides an expansive canvas for distinct, wrap-around LED tail lamps. The use of distinctive tail lamps and intricately designed reflectors behind all-red lenses contribute to a strong visual presence. Judicious use of slim chrome trim elements in the bumper exhaust and integrated diffuser adds a subtle premium touch.

Unique LED headlamps and independent L-shaped LED daytime running lights assure that the Lexus face will be like no other car on the road.

A Gracious Interior
Behind dark tinted glass, hints of an all-new, future Lexus interior can be perceived. The cabin of the LF-Gh is the product of a meticulous re-examination of every detail, with the aim of making an interior that is driver-oriented.

The driver’s zone includes a meter panel with excellent visibility and a console with intuitive operability. An all-new analog clock with a three-dimensional face, a contemporary and exclusive timepiece suitable to a premium luxury brand, is a focal point of the interior and represents a shift in Lexus’ design philosophy.

Use of genuine, high-quality materials and rich, finely honed details help create a driver and passenger space consistent with the idea of a full-fledged grand touring sedan. It is an interior designed to respond to the needs of customers who know true quality, and are particular about details.

Hybrid Propulsion
Blue LED Lexus Hybrid Drive badges located on the front grille and rear trunk lid signal an intention to provide equal measures of fuel efficiency and performance on demand. The rear valance blends sculpted exhaust tips for a very clean, finished look, minimizing the presence of the exhaust system to suggest that the flow of exhaust gas will be substantially reduced. Taken as a whole, the treatment emphasizes that this hybrid concept is designed to comply with the exceptionally low emissions requirements of the future.

The LF-Gh design supports engineering that changes current notions of power, efficiency, safety, and environmental consideration in a premium luxury car.

“Although only a concept, we hope the LF-Gh will resonate with our customers worldwide, and communicate our intention to once again advance ideas about the face of Lexus luxury in the years to come,” said Matsumoto.

Lexus LF-Gh Concept Specifications
Propulsion Lexus Hybrid Drive
Length 192.5 inches
Width 73.6 inches
Height 57.1 inches
Wheelbase 112.2 inches
Tire size (Front) P245/35R20
Tire size (Rear) P285/30R20

MichaelPea

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2...auto-show.html

BinaryJay

I can't get over the nose of that thing. It doesn't pull off the big grille as well as Audi does.

Overall I am pretty surprised at how much of the body has stayed similar to 3GS. It looks like they are definitely targetting GS to younger people now, hoping to differentiate it further from the LS (or possible more from the ES).

I definitely can't see the next LS having a face like this...