LIVING

CRAFTSMANSHIP

SHIMAMOKU ORNAMENTATION

One of the first things you notice when you step into a Lexus is the wood ornamentation that adorns its steering wheel, dashboard and door panels. Simple as they may seem, the manufacturing of these shimamoku pieces is a long and detailed process that requires 38 days and 67 specialized stages.

First, Agathis wood is pressed, cured and sliced into wafer-thin sheets. Then a complex layering technique that alternates bands of contrasting color begins as the wood is shaped, sanded, polished and varnished by hand under the exacting eye of a master craftsman.

The result is a shimamoku ornamentation that gives a feeling of spaciousness without austerity and opulence without ostentation.

THE SPINDLE GRILLE

The spindle grille, a bold and dashing visual feature heralding Lexus’s design language of the future, is a Lexus seal of authenticity.

An incredible amount of developmental work was taken to craft it as the perfect embodiment of Lexus. Hundreds of drawings and clay models were put into action, with each part of the grille sculpted and positioned by the slimmest of margins. The end result is a grille with a seamless surface, with even half-hidden parts crafted and finished to exacting standards.

DIAMOND-CUT FORGED WHEELS

In a vast factory tucked away 250 kilometers from Tokyo, a group of 300 expert craftspeople produces some of the most sought-after wheels in the world. Not only are these forged wheels stronger than their cast counterparts, they also are significantly lighter.

It all begins with the heating of a round piece of aluminum billet to 480°C. Then, placed into a large hydraulic press three floors high, 9,000 metric tons are dropped onto this heated billet to form a mold. This process is repeated twice until the face of the wheel takes shape. Thereafter, spinning, stretching and cooling are applied to the metal to help it retain its strength and lightness.

Finally, to create the samurai sword-like shape and finish seen on F series wheels, an additional diamond-cutting process is executed. In this expensive buffing process, the spokes and rims of the wheel are shaved by a specialized cutter with diamond blades to produce a smooth, clean metallic surface with sharp edges.

SASHIKO QUILTING

Sashiko is a traditional form of Japanese embroidery that is over 1,200 years old. With up to 10 stitches per inch, the strong and aesthetically pleasing technique is popularly used in uniforms for martial arts like Judo and Kendo.

We gave this classic stitching technique a contemporary twist by combining computational methods that map out the ideal position of the stitches. The quilted leather is decorated with perforation patterns that form curves and gradations in perfect alignment, resulting in beautiful new designs created by juxtaposing technological innovation with traditional techniques.

STRUCTURAL BLUE

Our inspiration for this all-new shade of blue comes from the wings of the morpho butterfly. A closer inspection of its wings reveals that although they are colorless, microscopic details reflect light such that our eyes perceive an iridescent blue.

By creating a similar layer of nanostructures, we produced the first-ever paint that emanates different shades of blue through the manipulation of light. The Structural Blue pigment creates a vibrant color when looked at directly, but appears dark from a different angle, highlighting the car’s dynamic design and unique appearance when in motion.

KIRIKO GLASS ORNAMENTATION

Kiriko glass cutting is a centuries-old technique known for its complexity and unique nature. The doors of the all-new LS are elegantly fitted with a kiriko-cut glass piece for an instantly distinctive character. During the process of glass arrangement, our designers scrutinized the reflection of light when the door is opened and closed to deliver the most pleasing experience for the eyes.

The kiriko glass ornamentation is only available in selected markets. Please contact your local dealer for more information.

ORIGAMI-INSPIRED PLEATS

By employing a folding technique similar to origami, our pleating transforms a piece of fabric into a work of art. The doors of the LS are layered with these pleats, creating a striking juxtaposition with the kiriko-cut glass. It involves a unique three-dimensional pattern that is carefully designed to be both pleasing to the eye and touch. Each piece of fabric is skilfully folded into beautiful geometric shapes, delivering the finest of Japanese craftsmanship.

The origami-inspired pleats design is only available in selected markets. Please contact your local dealer for more information.

WASHI PAPER INSPIRED TRIM

The dashboard of the all-new UX is inspired by Japanese paper grain, known as washi. Washi paper is commonly used in shoji, paper sliding doors used in traditional Japanese architecture to create a calm and warm ambience.

The washi dashboard is only available in selected markets. Please contact your local dealer for more information.