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December 26, 2014
Introducing the New Lexus LS! | Lexus
LEXUS LS | Lexus LS
Lexus's Flagship Saloon, the LS
Unveiled with the Spindle Grille
The Lexus LS, the brand's flagship model, was first launched in 1989 alongside the debut of the Lexus brand. Its 2013 model was unveiled yesterday in the United States. As the latest Lexus, this LS, now featuring the Spindle Grille, has a more clearly defined character. Yasuhisa Shimashita reports from the scene!
Text & Event Photographs by YASUHISA SHIMASHITA
F SPORT Also Available
The world premiere of the newly updated Lexus LS took place in a slightly different manner than the usual new car unveilings. The venue was METREON, a mixed-use complex in downtown San Francisco. Here, Lexus hosted a photo exhibition party titled "LAWS OF ATTRACTION," and within its program, unveiled the new LS.
As such, the majority of attendees filling the venue were not media or journalists. Many were trendsetters and influencers who disseminate information through social media. The venue, filled with individuals expressing their unique styles, exuded an edgy and vibrant atmosphere.
As the excitement in the venue gradually built, the new LS, introduced by Lexus Ambassador Riyo Mori, first captured attention with its significantly evolved styling. The front face adopted the "Spindle Grille," the symbol of Lexus's new design language. The previously understated front design now exuded a strong individuality. The rear view was also refined, emphasizing the L-shaped taillights when illuminated to harmonize with the front fascia. Overall, the styling was enhanced to emphasize its presence more than ever before.
What's more, the interior offers a surprising transformation. The instrument panel has been completely redesigned, adopting a horizontal design theme previously seen in the "CT" and theGS"GS." The addition of a 12.3-inch wide display and Remote Touch further elevated its sophistication.
Significant enhancements have also been made to the driving performance, not just the aesthetics. Particularly, improvements in body rigidity, aerodynamic efficiency achieving a Cd value of 0.26, and advancements in the air suspension, steering, and brakes mean that it's hard to find an area untouched when it comes to handling and comfort.
While the powertrains for both the LS460 and LS600h retain their basic structure, the adoption of the new Drive Mode Select and refinements in various components have led to improvements in both fuel efficiency and power performance.
Furthermore, the new "F SPORT" model, designed to emphasize a more dynamic character, is a notable addition. With its unique interior and exterior design and further refined driving dynamics, the F SPORT possesses a potential that overturns the LS's traditional image of comfort and composure.
At the event, Kiyotaka Ise, President of Lexus International, stated, "Although it is a minor change, we have thoroughly refined the substance. We now have a clear vision of the direction Lexus is heading, so I believe we have achieved an excellent outcome." Indeed, as the flagship of Lexus, which proclaimed a new phase with the new GS, the presence of this LS, symbolized by the Spindle Grille, its driving dynamics, and its quality, is certainly captivating.
Perhaps the world premiere itself was intended to strongly showcase the evolving image of Lexus. While I've included a few snapshots from the event, I believe searching for the hashtag "#LexusAttracts" on Twitter will offer insights into the atmosphere of the venue and the world that the new Lexus aims to create, through the tweets of the attendees.
The announcement and launch of this new LS in Japan are scheduled for October. We expect to share our impressions from a test drive before then. Please look forward to it.