THE PHILOSOPHY OF L-FINESSE DESIGN

L-finesse has been the collective term for Lexus design language since its official introduction in 2003, but what does the term actually mean and how has it enabled Lexus design to evolve over the past decade?

In its most succint form, L-finesse can be described as ‘leading-edge design and technology applied with finesse’. This deceptively simple definition conceals a much deeper design philosophy, the understanding of which is unlocked through a greater appreciation of the word ‘finesse’.

Within this sphere of design, ‘finesse’ refers to the depth of thinking behind the luxury found in Lexus vehicles. It is a philosophy that draws heavily on the deeply rooted principles of Japanese hospitality and aesthetics, while simultaneously having the ability to expand into a highly dynamic, evolving concept.

This concept can be dissected into three core principles:

SEAMLESS ANTICIPATION

True to the concept of Omotenashi – the Japanese spirit of hospitality – Lexus endeavours to do more than simply meet a person’s needs and desires. It wants to anticipate them and seamlessly deliver on that promise, so that whatever is required is always immediately available, whether that be smooth and responsive power or a discrete guiding sequence of interior lighting. ‘Seamless Anticipation’ places customers at the centre of the Lexus experience – calm, in complete control, and delighting in every moment.

INCISIVE SIMPLICITY

Lexus seeks to continually expand the possibilities of automotive technology and design. This presents a challenge, however, because Lexus believes that everything it creates must be a pleasure to behold and joyfully intuitive to use – regardless of the inherent complexity of the product. Therefore, by reducing and cutting through complexity, purity of purpose and expression is revealed. The outcome is what Lexus calls ‘Incisive Simplicity’.

INTRIGUING ELEGANCE

Lexus vehicles have become well-known for their power to catch the eye. But once captured, the challenge is to hold a person’s attention; because the more you look, the more you are drawn into the experience. In that respect, Lexus designers speak of the cars employing visual journeys: broad expanses of elegant bodywork flowing into intriguing details, dynamic changes of pace, and bold visual expressions fusing with elegant composure. ‘Intriguing Elegance’ means that every L-finesse design must possess both movement and stillness.

HOW THE NEW 2016 LEXUS RX CHEATS THE WIND

Vehicles in the sports utility (SUV) segment are not normally known for their wind-cheating properties, primarily due to their more upright cabin architecture and raised ride height.

However, a number of aerodynamic measures have been incorporated into the design of the 2016 Lexus RX that not only improve its drag coefficiency and fuel efficiency but also contribute to the car’s driving stability and low cabin noise.

These measures include:

A lower front chin spoiler has been added to slice through air heading around the car from that passing underneath. Airflow passing under the car is further channelled by spats around the leading edge of the front and rear wheel wells, which serve to further suppress turbulence around the tyres. These elements endow the RX with a stable feel to the front end that is akin to that of a saloon car.

Flat covers are installed on the underside of the body to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase downforce.

Arrow-shaped corner sections in the front fascia beneath the headlights not only form an important element of the RX’s lines but improve airflow along the sides of the vehicle. The flatter corners of the front bumper additionally serve to correct the airflow as it passes over the front wheels, minimising turbulence in the wheel arches.

The A-pillars have been carefully shaped to increase their rake and reduce wind noise during high-speed driving.

Small fins protrude from the outer edges of the rear lenses for additional aerodynamic stability at the rear of the vehicle. This is in addition to a single blade-like fin rising vertically between the C-pillar and rear screen that helps to reduce the low-pressure area of trailing wake pulling on the back of the car.

A new rear spoiler design extends the roofline and hugs the glass area of the tailgate in order to reduce lift and add downforce.

The departure angle at the bottom of the rear bumper has been optimized. This is especially evident on the RX 450h, where the diffuser element helps to smoothly draw airflow from beneath the vehicle to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve stability.

2016 LEXUS RX DESIGN EXPLAINED

The new Lexus RX displays the latest interpretation of Lexus L-finesse design – a broad philosophy that for this model was given an additional, more tightly focused direction under a design theme of Seductive Strength.

But what does Seductive Strength mean and how is this theme exemplified in the physical appearance of the new Lexus RX? Let us take you on a walkaround to reveal the answers.

2016 Lexus RX design

In terms of an overall design theme, Lexus wanted to infuse its next-generation RX model with a look that kept its premium character intact. It had to immediately deliver the strong, athletic appearance expected of a sports utility vehicle, but juxtaposed with a hint of seductiveness that would only become apparent the more you studied the car.

A key element in this visual statement is the purposeful lower body, generated by a combination of extended wheelbase, larger wheel diameters and broadened track. This stance is further enhanced with a lower chin on the front bumper.

In the upper half of the body, moving the A-pillars rearward has accentuated the curvature of the windscreen, while the dramatic forward slant of the C-pillars gives the cabin a sleek, almost coupe-like appearance.

The front of the Lexus RX is designed to express a bold, futuristic aura, extending into an elegant silhouette as the sides come into view.

The fold-back, or pinch, point of the spindle grille is positioned relatively high so there is a powerful contrast between the thin and sharp upper section and thick and bold lower section. Within that upper part, the grille and horizontal bars are designed to create a continuity of line and shape with the bonnet.

Examining the side of the Lexus RX, we see the bulk of the C-pillar is hidden from view behind a darkened glass panel – a distinctive design that visually separates the lower and upper halves of the body to create a floating pillar effect.

The sill area features distinct treatment, too, with complex, multi-faceted surfacing creating a gently deviating line that rises to the flared rear wheel arch – a styling cue that can also be found in Lexus IS, NX and RC models.

A similar three-dimensional effect is generated by the twin sculpted beltlines, which carve a sense of dynamic motion into the body even when the vehicle is at standstill. These important skew lines do not run parallel and do not intersect, so initially appear to be independent of each other. However, the shape of the rear doors suggests that the two lines may merge and share a common finishing point just above the rear lenses, thereby scoring a straight line between the front and rear of the car.

The rear of the Lexus RX displays aesthetic balance by subtly echoing the spindle grille design. It suggests this correspondence through the creases of the metalwork, the inner angles of the rear lenses and the location of the tailgate release bar across the visual pinch point.

When illuminated, the rear lenses are visible over a wider section of the vehicle than ever before. Although they integrate into the car’s shoulder line, the lenses do not represent the widest part of the main body. The muscular appearance is reinforced here by the rear arches, which project out from the combination lamps to create a powerful and wide stance for the rear elevation.

Learn more: What is Lexus L-finesse design?

Learn more: Evolution of the Lexus spindle grille

2016 LEXUS RX – ROOM WITH A VIEW

When researching the market prior to developing the new 2016 Lexus RX, owners of the outgoing model cited the vehicle’s dimensions as ideal for their commuting needs. Lexus designers therefore made it a priority to keep the body size of the new fourth-generation car relatively intact, while improving interior packaging.

You can see how the silhouette has evolved in the illustration above, the yellow line being the shape of the outgoing model. But in specific terms, the height of the new RX is identical yet ground clearance has increased by 10mm. The width has also increased by 10mm and the overall length has grown by 120mm. Meanwhile, the wheelbase has been stretched 55mm, resulting in improved legroom with the same ample luggage space.

More space all around

The position of the front seats has been lowered by 19mm, allowing excellent headroom for both driver and passenger. As a result of this, the dashboard position has been lowered and the angle of the steering column has also been lowered by two degrees to reposition the steering wheel closer to the driver. These changes contribute to the interior’s wide open and spacious feel, not to mention a more sport-oriented driving position – an attribute that will be appreciated by enthusiast drivers.

Optimised for five passengers, the new 2016 Lexus RX has a lowered floor section that helps provide rear seating accommodation and headroom comparable to that of the flagship Lexus LS saloon. In doing so, no sacrifice has been made to luggage space; the cargo area still has enough room to swallow four large suitcases or multiple golf bags.

Improved visibility

An important new design feature is an expanded field of vision through the windscreen and out over the bonnet. This improved forward visibility not only increases safety when driving but provides the driver with a more precise estimation of vehicle width. The broader field of vision is illustrated below, with the red line indicating the new 2016 Lexus RX compared to the blue line of the outgoing model.

Key to achieving this was making the A-pillars thinner and increasing their rake for a cleaner, more minimalist appearance to both the interior and exterior design. In addition, the door mirrors have been located slightly further back to reduce the blind spot between the pillar and outside mirror.

Similarly, the C-pillars are narrower than before and the trims surrounding the rear doors are concave in cross-section in order to improve rearward visibility.

Learn more: Key Features of the 2016 Lexus RX explained

Stopping Power - Lexus News

09/25/2015—The partnership between Lexus and Brembo, the Italian performance-brake provider, goes back a long way, and over the years Brembo braking systems have graced everything from Lexus F SPORT models to the LFA supercar.

For those unfamiliar, Brembo is renowned for both its brake-performance research and its high-end components, which is why Brembo brake systems are prized by Formula One teams. Brembo is also an official brake supplier for the IndyCar series.

Naturally, Lexus turned to Brembo when developing brake systems for the latest F models, the GS F super sedan and RC F performance coupe. Lexus engineers recognized that drivers would want as much control when braking as they would when accelerating, so given that both models come with major horsepower (467 hp[1] to be exact), this required some serious stopping power.

For the front wheels, the GS F and RC F sport huge 14.9-inch front brake rotors clamped by massive six-piston aluminum monoblock Brembo® calipers[2], while the rear wheels are equipped with 13.5-inch rotors and four-piston aluminum monoblock calipers.

The brakes also feature a slotted and ventilated rotor design, as well as high-friction brake pads[2], both of which help minimize friction-induced heat as the calipers squeeze the rotors. This in turn helps reduce brake fade, also known as the reduction in stopping power that can occur from heat build-up during repeated or sustained braking.

And like most everything in the GS F and RC F, the brakes are part of the vehicles’ larger sensory experience. Engineers designed the system so drivers could “feel” the braking effect underfoot in a whole range of driving situations.

—BRIAN GILL

At Lexus of Orlando, it is our mission to provide the drivers of Central Florida and beyond with prestigious Newand Certified Pre-Owned, luxury cars, SUV's and Hybrid Vehicles from Lexus. We also provide a unique blend of alternate brand vehicles in our Used Car Department.


The Lexus of Orlando Family is focused on ensuring that each and every Guest receives our World Class Service whether you are purchasing a New, Certified Pre-owned, Used or leased vehicle or having your vehicle serviced at our Service Facility. We invite you to join us and experience in person the dedication we extend to our Guests which has provided them with quality satisfaction that goes beyond just "buying a car", it is a lifestyle! This is evident by the fact that Lexus of Orlando is the consistent recipient of the "Elite of Lexus"award! This honor is based on the acknowledgement of current and past Guests who have expressed their overall satisfaction with our service and attention to detail.


Our sincere gratitude that you have taking time to visit our dealership and are giving us the opportunity to provide you with this exceptional experience firsthand.


Sincerely,

The Lexus of Orlando Family

The Compassionate Leader

October 20, 2015
When you talk to Wil James – the president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) – he gives you his undivided attention. He comes off as a man who genuinely cares about those around him, and as a leader who can galvanize people to do great things.

Over the course of a conversation, it’s easy to see why that is. James grew up in Virginia, with a nurse for a mother and a truck driver for a father. They instilled in him a sense of right and wrong, along with a healthy respect for people.

He still speaks of his parents in reverential tones. And he uses the same type of tone to talk about the team members he leads at TMMK, Toyota’s largest North American manufacturing plant. This week, TMMK began production of the Lexus ES, the first Lexus to be manufactured on U.S. soil.

What lessons from your parents do you carry with you?
My parents were the type of folks who would see a person in need and bring them in. Through my high school and college years, I can’t think of a time we didn’t have someone outside of our immediate family living in our house. There was always a cousin or a neighbor.

What’s an experience that was trying for you?
One that stands out is when I was preparing to go to college. I graduated high school at the top of my class and knew that I wanted to be an engineer. So I went to my college to talk to the dean of engineering. The dean looked at my transcripts and said without hesitation, “Son, I don’t think you have what it takes to be an engineer.” Honestly that’s the first time anyone had ever told me I could not accomplish anything in my life. I was in this guy’s office less than five minutes. I was devastated. I’d never felt like that before. So I left there trying to figure out how to explain to my parents that I’ve maybe changed what I’m going to do. All I ever talked about was engineering.

I’ll never forget. My dad comes home and says, “Let me get this straight. You want to be an engineer?” Yes sir. “You’ve performed well in school all these years?” Yes sir. “You’ve got the grades and were accepted there?” Yes sir. “And you go into a man’s office, a man who you don’t know and who doesn’t know you and in less than five minutes you let him tell you what you’re going to do with the rest of your life?” He waited a second and says, “I thought I taught you better than that.” He got up and walked off. As he walks off, he says, “So, what are you gonna do?”

I couldn’t wait to get to school to show that dean that he was wrong. One of the special moments came two years later when the dean handed me a plaque for the Dean’s List. He remembered who I was and said, “I’m sorry.” And I asked, “How many other people have you done this to?”

What’s the most effective way to lead people?
First of all, you have to have a vision for where you want the organization to go, and be able to communicate that vision in a way that people want to go with you. Not because they have to, but because they see what’s in it for them and why it’s important for the team to move in that direction.

And you have to have compassion. Things happen all the time, and some things are not within people’s control. You’ve got to be able to recognize that that’s the case and be open to supporting people. An old saying I heard: That people don’t care what you know until they know that you care. It is absolutely true. It’s got to be about the people.

I believe the strongest leaders think about working for the employees as opposed to the employees working for them. I really do. I treat the members of my team like I work for them. My job is to find the issues that get in their way and remove them so they can focus on what they need to do.

What’s one thing you do that people might find odd or surprising?
I’m not a boastful person, but I’m one of the best table tennis players that I know. I actually stopped playing because I couldn’t find anyone that would give me serious competition.

I don’t play anymore because I started seeing a side of myself that I didn’t like. Being the guy that’s a little boastful, inviting folks up to the table, taking them out quickly and walking off. That’s not the kind of guy I really am. But yeah, I haven’t lost very many table tennis games in my life.

Let’s talk about the Lexus ES line. What does that mean to TMMK?
Back in 2010-11, I discussed with our team that if we were ever going to be truly considered for something of that magnitude, we couldn’t just talk about wanting to do it, we had to show we were able. So we started on a path back in 2011 to show TMC that we should be a serious competitor for it.

How did you show that?
Through our quality activities and working on our product while improving our operations. We implemented hundreds of different kaizens. I asked team members to go back to the absolute basics of not letting a defect get by you. If you see something wrong, stop the line. Let’s make it right and then let’s proceed. We had to explain it until everyone in the organization got it. Once that happened, all our indicators headed in the right direction. That’s when we started thinking more Lexus-like. It became a passion for the organization and we are a far better plant today having gone through that preparation stage.

What’s your favorite part of your job?
Having the opportunity to work with all of the team members at TMMK. Considering all the things we’ve been able to achieve over the years, I am blessed to have such a strong team in Georgetown. We are a huge plant, but work tirelessly to make it a big family.

The Flagships - Lexus News

10/02/2015—Look up the word flagship and, in addition to the naval context describing ships that carry a fleet’s highest-ranking officer, you’ll also come across variations on this wider modern meaning: the best among a peer group.

In the case of Lexus, this is a best-of-the-best scenario, as all Lexus models are standouts. But among the group, two models exemplify flagship qualities—the Lexus LS, the founding model, and the latest Lexus LX.

The reasons for their flagship status, definable and indefinable, are just too many to include, but here’s a quick list of examples:

They light up when you’re around: With its Advanced Illumination System, the LS welcomes owners with a sequence of soft, warm lights, and both the LS and 2016 LX are surrounded with LED lighting, from the turn signals to the headlamps and taillamps to the daytime running lights.

Indulgent—and advanced—seat comfort: The 2016 LX includes a 14-way power adjustable driver’s seat with dual-function lumbar and cushion extender. Meanwhile, in addition the LS’s 16-way adjustable drivers seat, the model’s rear-seat passenger amenities include an optional right-rear seat with built-in ottoman-style leg rest[1][2] and shiatsu massager, and an air purifier.

They can entertain you: In the LS, the Rear-Seat Entertainment System features a large nine-inch high-resolution screen and Blu-ray/DVD player. Likewise, the 2016 Lexus LX’s available Rear Seat Entertainment System includes substantial 11.6-inch dual screens, one each for the left and right middle-rear passengers.

Top safety technologies: The 2016 LX 570 is one of the first Lexus models to include Lexus Safety System +, which combines Lane Departure Alert (LDA)[3], Intelligent High Beams (IHB)[4], All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control[5], and the Pre-Collision System (PCS)[6] with pedestrian detection.

Lexus LS safety systems are too numerous to list here, but they include the available Advanced Pre-Collision System (PCS)[7], which can detect an imminent frontal collision and respond by retracting the front seatbelts and preparing Brake Assist[8], as well as detect pedestrians and other three-dimensional objects in the vehicle’s path under certain conditions.

Their cabins are like concert halls: Both models are acoustic triumphs that, without exaggeration, offer concert-hall-quality sound. The LS offers the available 19-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound Audio System[9], while the 2016 LX offers an available 19-speaker Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound audio system.

—BRIAN GILL