Lexus dumping L-Finesse Design themes?

Its good to dump design themes every once in a while in order to keep up with consumer preferences and latest trends. However, A good design theme does not need to be completely scrapped instead it can evolve nicely through time. ex. Porsche.

Go to this post: "Want To Know What Most Next-Gen BMW's Will Look Like? Look VERY Closely At This Design Language." Look at the japanese dudes taking pictures of the BMW CS concept. They work for Lexus. They realized lexus design sucks, so now they have to go to the copying board to try to be as sexy an original as BMW.

They already have GoObama08, the current IS, GS and LS all have borrowed some degree of their styling from BMW's current range. Even the magazines are saying it.

If that's the SOLE pic that they're basing their assessment on, how can one realistically determine anything?

'L-Finesse' has worked very well for Lexus, and I see it evolving, not going away...

Huh? Didn't it just come out on the GS three years ago?

Yes, but look at the history of Toyota/Lexus. They have never committed to any 1 design theme. "L-Finnesse" was the first to be implemeted accross the line in Lexus.

Whatever ToyLex comes up with it will be inspired by Mercedes, BMW and Audi.

No doubt ;-)

If that was the case you would like the way they looked, idiot.

Believe me, ToyLex will screw it up like they have many a times in the past ;-)

But then again your not real bright!

I thought "L-finesse" just came out two or three years ago.....

it was first introduced on the Lexus GS, which yeah wasnt that long ago....i think they need a desighn theme that look like it takes cues from BMW or Mercedes, i think they have been around long enough to stop having to look like those 2 in order to be seen as a legitimate luxury sedan

L-Finesse is better than what was before but the look of Lexus cars is the same and has become incredibly monotonous except for the IS-F which is just plain UGLY. Lexus builds great cars that lack inspiration.

what the hell is L-Finesse? How could such bland cars claim a 'design language' of any sort? I always thought it was just some marketing buzzword hype. Lexus designs are subtle and minimally expressive.

You call them bland and you're a fan of the crown victoria. Wow.

crown victoria? what the hell are you talking about??? Lexus is bland. it's the truth. deal with it.

You're obsessed with the anitquated pushrod design so I figured they went hand in hand.

Once again, the limited scope of your automotive knowledge reveals itself. ALL Ford Crown Victorias have been equipped with modular SOHC V8s since at least 1995, maybe earlier. It's certainly been at least a decade since Ford produced a pushrod V8.

Do you even like cars? Why are you here? Go learn something about automobiles before you make comments to me, i know my stuff.

I never said the crown vic has a pushrod, however, both items, the pushrod and the crown vic, although primitive, still exist, and you love it.

nice try dumbass, you could have mentioned just about any GM vehicle to associate with 'Pushrod' but instead you chose the SOHC Crown Victoria. You don't know enough about cars to talk to me.

No, the crown vic is just lamer. Besides, I already knew you were a GM fan at heart. Settle down guy, its just a discussion.

So Lexus is copying Mazda's styling now?

Yup!



Too many times I have mistaken a lexus IS for a mazda 3!

Mazda's have more character in their design, and the Mazda3 came out 2 years prior to the IS. Also, although their FWD, Mazda's handle better!

They need a radical direction like BMW.Some don't like it but we all know how successful it turned out.Maybe they should hire Chris Bangle :)

No rumors anywhere except this supposed article from a British magazine?
Please wait for a more concrete statement. The L-finesse theme has been very successful for Lexus. I doubt they are dropping it after less than 4 years.

Infinitis look nothing like BMWs, MBs or Audis.

Stop generalizing.

Infiniti's look like carbon copies of BMW's.

Don't be so silly!

the borrowed hoffmeister kink on Infinitis scream 'I want to be a BMW!' loud and clear.

However, the overall Infiniti design concept is unique. Other than some proportions and the hoffmeister kink, Infiniti hasn't borrowed from BMW or anyone else. If anything, Infiniti design is distinctively 'Nissan.' It is easy to look at the Altima, Maxima, G35, M, and see that they are all related somehow.

nissan introduced a design theme FAR MORE COPIED than the kinky hoffy c-pillar.

just about ALL 4-dr sedans with a smooth fastback line that extends from the roof down to the BUMPER POINT (including those of lexus, mb, honda, acura, toyota, vw, et al), follow in the footsteps of a mid-90s nissan maxima which FIRST introduced that theme.

it is a sophisticated, subtle theme, because part of line is only SUGGESTED, being interrupted by the trunk box. it manages to integrate a regular size trunk with a smooth fastback line. the bangle butt was but a CRUDE attempt to do the same.

practically the WHOLE INDUSTRY followed nissan's theme, rather than the awkward bangle butt.

whoever Hoffmeister was, neither he nor bmw was the first to use that kink on the c-pillar either.

toyota had that design element in the early 1970s. gm used a less elegant version in the 1950s, and even in the late '40s.

further, there ARE clean elegant versions, AND clunky ugly versions. most brands who blindly try to emulate bmw have clunky versions. i just saw one of the FEW clean attractive versions tonite, on a subaru.

Slow news day??

I prefer Lexus offering a unique style to each model, with very subtle shared design cues.

I loved the early period of Lexus where you had the LS, SC, and RX for example. Each was unique, but also had some shared style points (tail-lamp style, headlight construction, chrome accents etc.).

I truly dislike the "same car different size" design mentality a lot of auto companies practice in today.

I applaud you for adding to the discussion.

I'm not even into Lexus', yet I cant stand the bias losers that are attracted to these threads just to talk trash. I agree with you, I think the 2nd Gen GS had much more character than the 3rd.

Also, whether they like it or not, the Toyota Altezza (not point in calling it IS300) started the biggest aftermarket trend in the past 2 decades. Clear tailights. Yes, this was idolized mostly by Honda Accords and Civics, however, I have seen several BMWs, VWs and Audis with them (and it looks awful). The dumbest part is, 50% of the time you'd see them advertised as "Euro Lights"...people are so stupid.

The early Lexus models took styling queues from their German counterparts. That is why I prefer the current generation for being more unique.

M35MT, you are such a dumbass. Lexus didn't start the trend with clear tail lights.

European cars had clear tail lights and side markers for many years before the IS/Altezza. It used to be illegal for cars on American roads to have these clear lights, which is why it hasn't come to this country until fairly recently.

The European cars had it first. That is why they are called 'Euro lights.' You are extremely opinionated, and yet you seem know very little about automobiles.

drop dead chump.

'European cars' = the models sold in Europe.

BMWs, Audis, Volkswagens all had clear lenses in the early 1990s. Check out an old issue of CAR, or another European car mag.

pushrod, you are the dumbass.

Yes, no shit, american standards make cars have amber lighting and red reflectors on the rear of their cars...not what I was talking about!

The actual tailight DESIGN was copied and sold as an aftermarket piece.

You really all bent out of shape because of the crown vic comment? c'mon, you know you love 'em.

I don't care about your Crown Vic comment. i've never liked any Ford, but i know enough about cars in general to know that Crown Vics haven't had pushrods in over a decade.

Like TTAC concluded in their review of the LS: 'Lexus is the car for people who don't really like cars.'

Yep, the clear taillight housings became popular after being used on the Toyota Supra, original Lexus RX, and 1st gen IS.

They might have been used prior to that in Europe, but they weren't popular here in the states at that time.

Also, Porschinator, what German car was the original SC modeled after?.........That's what I thought.

you guys are morons. i tolerate it when i hear women going on and on about how great Lexus is, but guys are supposed to know better.

Lexus is to cars what Olive Garden is to Italian cuisine. A perfectly nice and acceptable product for your average consumer, but it will not satisfy a connoisseur.

If you love Lexus, then you are probably not a good enough driver or automotive enthusiast to know the difference between a Lexus and a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. As such, you would view Lexus as their equal, having no personal appreciation for the difference.

Hey pushrod,

Check your calender. It's not 1990 anymore. While the Germans still build some amazing cars they aren't the only ones.

You're probably one of the idiots who would prefer a C class Benz to a LS Lexus because of "heritage". Or maybe you're in the camp that thinks Nissan's GTR is a "poser" car because its designers don't have a Bavarian home address.

Sad that people such as yourself limit your life by your juvenile and elitist "German only" crap. You're missing out on some great cars!

I love the GT-R. I've had several Nissans (a 1992 Q45, a 1998 Maxima, and a 2001 Maxima.) I really like Infiniti.

I don't care for Lexus. Their concepts are derivative and bland.

You criticize me for bashing Lexus, but you are the same people who automatically dismiss any American car sight unseen.

I love cars in general. I despise Lexus. It's a basic application. Maybe it's my personality. I consider myself to be creative and unique. I hate unoriginal copycat concepts wherever i see them.

"Also, Porschinator, what German car was the original SC modeled after?.........That's what I thought."

answer, I for one am very happy that a German car isn't what the SC was modeled after.

Pushrod, I dont hate American cars. I dont hate any cars. You're the one filled with hate.

BTW, the 1992 Q was a great car. Too bad they lost sight of what it should be to try and conform to Lexus' success with the LS. If you did in fact have a '92 Q, you know that at the time it had more HP and was quicker to 60 than the 7, S or the LS. Minus your 'magic' Bimmer feel, of course.

Ah, ya got me. I am a highly vitriolic and spiteful individual. it's just who i am. i do, however appreciate spirited debate where ever i find it.

I think Lexus did invented the clear taillight lenses, think 1st gen IS, then current RX. then it started a ghastly trend where aftermarket makers created them for many cars, ccommonly civics, and it just looks like sh...

I don't know why lexus would do this. Their new cars based on the L finesse design theme, especially the LS and the IS are simply the best looking cars in their class. I really don't see why Lexus has to all of a sudden change their looks to make their cars look very aggressive. Their cars are modern and edgy, while not being rude to the eyes, they simply a joy to look at. Why would lexus dump their design theme? This is totally irrational. And agree with the first comment, the design should be evolutionary, because Lexus is already doing great, it's not as if like they are in trouble like Jaguar, who had to revolutionize their design in CXF, just to become known to people again. I think Lexus has come into this idea, after seeing how striking next BMW designs are going to be if based on the CS (BMW is Lexus' biggest competitor in the US), so probably in order to keep up with BMW i think they are trying to make their cars looks even more sharp and sporty looking. But in this way Lexus will loose it's identity and characters. I don't know why but nowadays there seems to be not real variety in terms of design theme like in the olden days, everything is becoming less distinct and rather very generic.

'The LS and IS are the best looking cars in their class'

What are you smoking? I know that looks are subjective, and that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But objectively speaking, your opinion is really stupid.

Are you guys serious? The LS looks like a swollen Camry. You think that looks better than the Audi A8?

go to hell.

Lexus's current generation is far better asthetically than the last. L-Finesse is a good thing and is a trademark of Lexus. I do not believe they should stray from it; just do an evolutionary change.

I guess this is a good move. Afterall, there is already L-Finnesse cars so they're old news.

I thought that the first SC looked like a shoe and out of proportion. I expected something more sporty but instead lexus gave us a 2 door LS.

You are correct. The original SC was a great looking car, both inside and out. It's was sleek, sporty, and classy on the outside. The interior remains one of my favorite of all times. It was functional, attractive, and made of rich materials.

The original GS was gorgeous. Of course the design was created by Giugaro and purchased by Lexus. The truly horrible frog-faced, ill-proportioned 2nd. generation GS is what happened when Lexus tried their own styling. The new GS looks good, but only because they incorporated the proportions of the original Italian-designed GS with modern jewelry.

What ever lex does I find very boring, let all cut the crap and never mention them again.

I just dont get why this damn company is scared to take chances. There isnt one competitor that failed after trying something different. But whatever, the dullards that buy them seem to be happy with toyota-lookalikes.

"The styling is a huge improvement over the previous two generations, but the front end sags and the wheels are too small -- it's like seeing a guy in a Paul Smith suit wearing K-Mart shoes..."

From M/T, and I couldnt agree with them more.

L-Finesse has been fine. Current Lexuses are not bad looking vehicles.

o_O

it looks like the slut eyed bmw. Just like the new music and movies THEY SUCK!

Are you serious? You can't see the 7-series in the LS profile and rear end?

ANY Audi is better looking than any L-finesse Lexus. If you disagree, then you must smoke pcp.

If BMWs are so ugly, why does every car realeased post-2002 7 series incorporate some aspect of its design?

Like i said, you must be one of these people who considers Olive Garden to be authentic Italian cuisine.

IF there is a similarity in the profile of the LS and the 7, it is only because bmw finally DUMPED (or strongly modified) the FUGLY bangle butt and morphed it to the smooth line that the nissan maxima first introduced, which i referred to above.

the LS, and for that matter ALL 4-drs from lexus and toyota and near everyone else, ALSO adopted that nissan "fastback 4-dr" line. (which also sorta looks like a stretched 911.)

the c-pillar on the LS is a "flying buttress" type, NOT a kinky hoffy.

taking just ONE element, headlights, the japanese have ALWAYS been more adventurous and innovative than the germans. and most of their designs are STILL more pleasing to the eye. why does MB and VW now pick up on asian influenced headlight cues?

bmw was such a stick in the mud, they NEVER had anything but ancient "traditional" round headlights. they sat out the whole cycle of rectangles, until round lights CAME BACK into fashion. now they do round lights (still, of course) with ugly dame edna eyebrows.

the angel eyes are classic theme

XYZZ I agree and disagree. The Bimmer's angel (halo) eyes look awesome, and I'm loving the LED's on the new Audis (same theme there).

i MITE change my opinion when i see one on the road, but from the pics and videos i've seen, the LED running lights on the new audi are NOT PRETTY. they look SPLOTCHY, like a kid playing with makeup and ONLY able to do dots.

maybe we're too used to seeing even, CONTINUOUS lines or masses behind a single lens. whatever, this will take getting used to.

with that LFA-roadster turning heads @ NAIAS i think not......

what a stupid and baseless rumour.

JUGNU

It Doesn't matter what they come out with or call it.If Lexus builds them they will sell.The company is only 17 yrs old and look what they acomplished.When they came out in 1990 I was selling BMW's,they gave us a Q45 and an LS400,I remember saying this crap will never hold us like a german car.Well the rest is history which some people choose to ignore.My opinion and negative comments all those years ago,just like the haters on this site can't stop the dominace of Lexus.

Pfft, the L-finesse design language definitely has design themes that are at least Bangle inspired. Did you know that when Lexus were designing the original IS, they used the silhouette of the 3-series to form its shape. The kink in the rear window? The short front over-hang? The stubby tail? These are all things that have defined how BMW's have looked for years, now Lexus seem to be using a similar design treatment. Now soon after BMW shows the Concept CS which gives a glimpse into the future of BMW design Lexus says they are changing their design language as well? Give me a break.

And as for the Germans "lifting everything that isn't bolted down nowadays", what are you talking about? If you're referring to hybrid technology then read up a little, becuase it was Ferdinand Porsche that invented the hybrid car in 1901: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_Porsche

And as for saying Bangle copyies everything Lexus do, well that just shows you have no credibility whatsoever, are you actually a real Lexus fan? Or just posing as one to mock the other Lexus fans on this site? I wonder...

Oh, and the magazines don't claim BMW knows luxury, they claim they know how to make a great handling and performing car. BMW put more emphasis on handling and performance than on luxury.

Its good to change things around. It was a good study on how to design cars and its philosophy. If lexus were to stay with the same design then lexus fans should be worried. BMW makes great cars and they have created a great following in the 3 series and beyond. Lexus has also started its own fan base and thats great because car companies will drive each other to provide us with great cars to choose from. Imagine if this was USSR and werere stuck with cars from Yugo and Zaporozhets. No competition cars remain the same. Its not who invented it - its who makes it better (BSAF). Carl Benz may have invented the first car BUT....

If USSR took over the world we could be driving these!

http://www.motorpasion.com/2007/07/16-mas-tuning-ruso-esta-vez-con-zaporozhets

And what do you call the Pontiac AZTEC design theme? I would hate to have been part of that one.

You mean the Z9 concept introduced in 2000 two years before the SC430 was released?
http://www.seriouswheels.com/cars/top-2000-BMW-Z9-Convertible-Concept.htm