Report: Lexus to Jettison L-Finesse Design Language
According to a print-only report in the January 18 issue of Autocar, Lexus has gotten the desired results from its L-Finesse design language and will now move on to a new theme. The L-Finesse design language has appeared on concept cars like the LF-A and LF-A Roadster and on production cars like the LS, GS, and IS. L-Finesse was created by Leonardo Fioravanti.
The top dogs at Lexus are looking for a new design language to replace L-Finesse. We’re hoping the new language provides enthusiasts with an emotion reaction outside of the current yawn. What direction should Lexus take? Let us know in comments. Meanwhile, check out the latest example of the L-Finesse design language in the gallery below.
Comments
chartguy
I can't imagine that Lexus will "rock the boat". The LS had the highest model loyalty of ANY vehicle in the J.D. Powers survey.
It's boring and doesn't appeal to enthusiasts, but that's not what their business is.
Temple
Wasn't aware Fioravanti was working for Lexus. That's a surprise. He's a legend; he did design the Ferrari Dino, Daytona, GTO, P5/P6, amongst others after all.
Russ Bellinis
Was Fiorvanti working for Lexus, or did they hire his design firm to do some work for them?
Ducati Minor
I disagree with chartguy. The Lexus IS design is more alive than what I see from BMW's 3 series, Mercedes's C-Class, or Audi's A4.
Eljay
I love the current design style and the way it's been executed with a strong family resemblance but each model also has it's own identity.
Iain
I think dumping L-Finnesse is a mistake. Seems to me that their designs keep getting better and better - the new LS is way better than the previous "look at me I'm a Merc" version. I would like to see one more generation of the current model range under the current design theme. For example, the new GS could be really mean looking...
Cicero
They should hire Chris Bangle away from BMW, then BMW can go back to non-flamed designs and Lexus can have designs that stand out
Jonathan Fung
I like the way the current LS, GS, and IS look. And if that was L-Finesse, I guess I liked it. I don't see any reason for switching it for something new. But I wonder what they have coming next...
SAAB95JD
I actually quite like the current design look, and I really think the new LS is FINALLY less than derivitave. I think the GS needs an update, but even the ES350 looks better with more creases.
white_fly
I was also a personal fan of the L-Finesse language and the resulting models. I can't imagine Lexus taking a step in the right direction after this.
Son of a Beach
Seriously, L-Finesse, besides being a stupid name, is a great design language for Lexus. Lexus started out as a yawn dynamically, and sold like crazy, and now they have struck out on a cautious unique design language that says "I am a Lexus". To throw that away is typical Toyota thinking, it is a wonder they do as well as they do. I guess reliability counts a lot for some morons.
chris mich
Wow, if they are ready to get rid of L-finesse this soon after just making a handful of sexy models, I say bring on the new stuff cause it can only get better. :)
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