L-FINESSE

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L-FINESSE
Initially demonstrated through the highly
acclaimed LF-S and LF-A concept cars
and subsequently inaugurated in the latest
generation GS, IS and LS model ranges,
L-finesse is a ground-breaking design
rationale at the very heart of Lexus passionate
pursuit of perfection. Under the two key tenets
of Leading Edge and Finesse, this unique
design philosophy represents a rigorous
reinterpretation of the essence of luxury.

A NEW DESIGN LANGUAGE

Technologically advanced, yet intrinsically
humanised, L-finesse is deeply rooted in
Japanese culture, with references drawn from
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the timeless heritage of true iconography

design, both ancient and modern. The new
design direction expresses three fundamental
elements: Incisive Simplicity perhaps best
explained as purity, Intriguing Elegance a
sense of depth that appeals to the emotions,
and Seamless Anticipation part and parcel
of traditional Japanese hospitality, such as the
tea ceremony, wherein the anticipation of an
event is fundamental to its ultimate enjoyment.
The L-finesse design philosophy not only
reflects the perfect harmony of simplicity and
complexity inherent in the intriguing elegance
and purity of traditional Japanese aesthetics.
It is also committed to the pursuit of unique
human-interface engineering solutions, which
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offer the ultimate in luxury through pre-emptive

anticipation of passenger requirements.
L-finesse informs every aspect of the
Lexus premium sedan model ranges. Its
complex rationale is reflected not only in the
development of harmonious visual synergies
between the interior and exterior design,
but also in the combination of leading edge
engineering with unparalleled refinement and
simplicity of function.

LUXURY REDEFINED
The number of luxury users in the premium
automotive segment is increasing, and with that
increase comes diversity and change. Todays
definition of luxury has moved away from the
traditional basis of overt status symbols and
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towards experiences and services. In other

words, luxury as an aid to the savouring of time.
L-finesse recognises this transition through
both the personalisation and simplification of
the ownership experience - making it unique
for every customer - as well as the seamless
anticipation of the occupants desires.
For instance, the Smart Keyless Entry System
anticipates the arrival of the driver alongside
the vehicle, unlocking the doors in advance
and obviating the need for the key to be
removed from a pocket for either entry to or
the starting of the vehicle. At the same time,
sequenced internal and external illumination
heightens both entry to and egress from the
vehicle at both a pragmatic and perceptual
level. Amongst other examples, a new electrochromatic filter to the Optitron dials installed

on the Lexus GS - anticipates the need

to remove instrument glare, automatically
adjusting dial brightness in accordance with
ambient light levels.
This concept of time in design is a highly
significant tenet of the L-finesse philosophy,
equally applicable to the exterior design
of the vehicle. The use of long, integrated
coachwork lines not only simplifying form,
but also requiring the observer to spend time

reading them. This, allied to the wrap-around

rear surfaces inherent in every model in the
Lexus sedan range, ensures the observer
must spend time moving around the vehicle in
order to fully understand the complexities of
the overall form.

EXTERIOR DESIGN
Guided by the two key phrases incisive
simplicity and intriguing elegance, L-finesse

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styling promotes the objective of creating

products that are leading edge, bold
and modern, yet simultaneously have an
understated air of mystery and elegance.
Achieving this challenges the paradox
that simplicity inevitably leads to clinical,

mathematical design, and that, conversely,

intriguing design must be complex.
Though often a design pre-requisite these
days, simplicity need not, in fact, be simple. It
can be imbued with emotion. An example of
this may be found in the traditional Japanese
aesthetic of the Zen garden. Within such a
construct, simplicity need not mean minimal.
Rather, it represents a contrast in composition
between background and focal point. And
this is exemplified within the L-finesse design
rationale by the sharp contrast between the
crisp simplicity of bonnet surfacing and the
intensity and overt curvature of the front wing
of the latest generation of Lexus premium
sedans.

to the design goals of L-finesse. The IS, GS and

LS model ranges share numerous styling cues
which achieve a unique harmony of simplicity
and complexity through the dynamics of
contrast. They marry the incisive simplicity of
powerful, sweeping lines with the intriguing
elegance of natural but sudden contrasts in

form, allied to convex and concave shadow

surfacing. This reinforces the central tenets of
the new design philosophy and subtly conveys
the power and dynamism of each vehicle.
The proportions of a Lexus sedans long
cabin are unique to the new L-finesse design

The integration of a wide dynamic range of

surface and architectural language is integral
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philosophy. They create a new balance in

spacing both windscreen and rear window
bases proportionally equidistant from the
vertical axes of their respective wheel hubs,
reinforcing the generous interior dimensions
of each model range.

surrounding elements such as front grille and

headlamps feature a large inside radius with
the counterpoint of a pinpoint outside radius.
This detail simplifies and sharpens overall
form, without detracting from its depth.

INTERIOR DESIGN

To the front of every Lexus sedan, headlamp

clusters are positioned on a higher plane than
the grille itself, creating a unique frontal balance
which reinforces the dynamism of the new car.
This carefully considered disposition of the
key frontal elements is a unique characteristic
of L-finesse design, focusing the eye at the
very apex of the vehicle to strengthen the
impression of speed and agility.

L-finesse develops a strong visual synergy

between the interior and exterior design of
the new sports sedan. It incorporates leading
edge engineering and technology developed
with painstaking artistic finesse to combine
a lasting depth of sensual appeal with an
entirely humanised, extra-ordinary simplicity
of function.

The arrowhead motif is a further, key

L-finesse styling motif. For instance, the frames

The surface composition of every Lexus

interior expresses a richness of craftsmanship

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fundamental to the Japanese aesthetic

tradition. The highest quality wood, genuine
leather and elegant metal highlights are
combined with unprecedented precision
management of fit and finish throughout the
cabin.

reflected in a stunning interior which combines

convex and concave surfaces. The seamless,
dynamic flow of the door panel surfaces into
the dashboard culminates with the projecting
instrument binnacle, the focal point of the IS
cabin.

On board the IS model range, for instance,

the L-finesse design philosophy is perfectly

Within the GS model range, the creation of a

unique spatial perception within the passenger
compartment is central to L-finesse. The
design strategy combines proportion,
architecture and surface to achieve a one
motion solution. Structural elements such
as instruments, centre console, air vents,
handles and armrests have been painstakingly
integrated within material finishes of the
highest quality. The aim is to create a modern
design graphic which emphasises the
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continuous, three-dimensional qualities of the

interior space.
The transfer of the front grille image to the
instrument panel centre console reflects the
synergy of interior and exterior elements within
the GS, whilst the high quality aluminium scuff
plates and bespoke, sequenced illumination
promote the image of the entrance to a luxury
home.

Reflecting the numerous, technologically

ground-breaking safety features incorporated
in the new LS range, the interior design evokes
a carefully considered synthesis of protection,
luxury and tranquillity. The cabin is, therefore,
clearly divided into four independent areas,
the architecture of the seats and door trims
designed to securely envelop each occupant.

and in the fluidity to the leather seam line of the

front door trim, which extends up to the belt line,
following the contours of the occupants body.
The wide centre console, which grows from the
transmission tunnel and then extends laterally
across the dashboard and into the panel

trims of both front and rear doors, effectively

encapsulates the entire cabin. Further reinforcing
the synergy between exterior and interior
design, the language of contrasts inherent in the
headlamp grille and glazing frames is repeated
in the surround to the centre console touch
screen.

Throughout, a distinct horizontal division of the

cabin, reinforced by front and rear armrests and
the corresponding detailing of the front seat
backs, creates a strong sense of enclosure and
security at the lower level, whilst opening out
into a light, spacious upper compartment.
Once again, the aesthetics of the L-finesse
design philosophy are reflected in numerous
areas, including the top of the centre console

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