Lexus: The Evolution of Luxury
Superior design language. Check. Bold, innovative exterior. Sophisticated technology. Check. Welcome to the evolution of Lexus.
At Lexus, evolution doesn’t just mean being number one in sales in the Japan – and it certainly doesn’t stop at being the largest auto maker in the world.
Let’s go back for a minute. In 1983, evolution meant the development of a luxury marque that was competitive with American-made cars.
This translated into time, money, and research put forth into carefully studying the lifestyle and practices of American consumers.
This also meant that the German Big 3 – Mercedes, BMW, and Audi – now had a bold, new luxury line to contend with.
As the popularity of sport utility vehicles like the Ford Explorer began to gain traction in the mid 1990’s, Lexus launched its own four wheel drive, off-road, large sedan to the SUV market segment in 1996 with the LX 450.
With the introduction of Toyota’s sister brand in various auto markets including Japan, Asia, Australia, and South America, the luxury marque soon began its expansion to more than 50 different countries worldwide.
Fast forward to 2011? The evolution continued with the re-introduction of the car maker’s original sport sedan-the Lexus IS.
The emphasis on this particular vehicle, according to Lexus, is that it was built to be more stylish and athletic-looking than its four door predecessor.
This luxury vehicle boasted a brand new aerodynamic design and amazingly low drag coefficient rating of .27, improving speed and fuel efficiency.
Evolution didn’t stop with the introduction of the IS. This year, the auto maker offered enthusiasts the brand’s first 2.0 liter gasoline turbo engine in its only compact crossover truck – the Lexus NX.
The future of the marque seems to fall in line with global conservation efforts with the creation of a new variant – a more responsive, fuel efficient vehicle that features a hybrid drivetrain.
Lexus has breathed new life into the brand with the development of the first ever water-cooled cylinder head, integrated exhaust manifold, and twin scroll turbocharger-featured in the Turbo power train.
The automaker has expanded the CUV’s new technology to include D-4ST fuel injection and Lexus’ continuous variable valve timing with expanded valve opening angles. Together, they deliver superior performance and class-leading CO2 emissions.
Distinct and powerfully sculpted, this compact crossover dons the much-talked about Lexus spindle grill – a mesh patterned design that expands to show off the vehicles wide front track and bold front bumper. Diamond-shaped LED headlamps and belt line are eye-catching, while the rear of the NX has been crafted to feature sharper, more aerodynamic trailing edge detail.
According to engineers at Lexus and the dealers at Lexus of Highland Park, the L-Finesse design philosophy will continue to evolve as the brand grows a sentiment that couldn’t be evident in the design of the NX.
