Lexus Incorporates Ancient Japanese Design into Modern Vehicles
When it comes to subtle yet stunning Japanese design, Lexus has quite literally cornered the market.
Design Innovations
Lexus quite literally changed the game when it emerged back in 1989, offering a reliable alternative to what was largely (at the time) a group of unreliable and expensive-to-repair vehicles. But Lexus has also made a name for itself over the years in terms of its unique and stunning design features. Today, they're more than happy to celebrate this art form at places like the Lexus Design Dome, an amazing destination Automobile was lucky enough to visit recently.
Photos: Automobile
Simple Yet Complex
Lexus wouldn't allow any journalists to photograph anything they saw within the Design Dome, which houses a number of future concept vehicles. But we get a fairly accurate picture of the craftsmanship going on here through the use of words. One of which involves something as simple as a piece of cloth sitting on a table.
Photos: Automobile
Functional Art
"Like an intricate piece of origami, the cloth is pleated in row after exquisite row, each arcing gracefully downward as the folds within the rows gradually grow smaller and smaller," Automobile said. "It's a stunning work of fabric sculpture, but it's not a museum piece. This is the door trim included as part of a $23,100 Executive package on the Lexus LS 500 flagship sedan. Each pleated piece is folded entirely by hand—from a single sheet of cloth."
Photos: Automobile
Translating Skills
Lexus finds its artists in all sorts of interesting places. In fact, designer Yuko Shimizu made a name for herself sewing wedding dresses. After being lured into the automotive world by Lexus, Shimizu spent a whopping four years perfecting the design for Lexus "L motif" pattern. Each of her pleated panels takes three full days to create. A total of six people provide 60 cars worth of panels each month.
Photos: Automobile
Differentiation Techniques
To differentiate itself from the likes of the Germans, Lexus has taken the time to look to ancient Japanese culture for ideas. "The history of the European marques may be stronger than ours," said Yoshihiro Sawa, president of Lexus International. "But we are not bound by history. In order to make our brand unique, our concept is based on Japanese culture. Many Lexus customers appreciate Japanese expressions of beauty. Lexus should be different from other brands."
Photos: Automobile
Bucking Trends
In a world filled with increasingly robotic production techniques, the use of handmade materials is also quite rare. But Lexus refuses to compromise things like design when they encounter production difficulties. "We almost abandoned the exterior design due to numerous issues," said Tadao Mori, the LC's chief designer. "The front suspension was particularly difficult; we had to make it shorter, but my engineers would not give up until they created a suspension that fit. Also, the deep curves of the bodywork were a challenge. The dies used to make the door panels are completed by hand. It can sometimes take up to a year to make a particular die production-ready."
Photos: Automobile
Setting Priorities
These are the kinds of things that truly set Lexus apart from the competition. And according to the automaker, design will continue to take precedence over everything else in the near future, even if it isn't an easy process. "We are making design a priority," executive vice president and LC chief engineer Koji Sato said. "Lexus needs to be an emotional brand, distinctive. It's what we call 'L Finesse.' It's why we're incorporating traditional Japanese craftsmanship in our products. Our customers are expecting amazing, and we must answer."
Photos: Automobile
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