German Car Forum

Hi guys,

Well with the release of the Lexus HS250h and Subaru Legacy Concept at NAIAS 2009, I made a post regarding in the HS250h as to how dispapointed i was with Lexus/Toyota's execution. That led me to another broader topic about Japanese automotive design. For the sake making sense I will paste the post I had made in HS250h thread:

upsetting, very upsettting


I used to like Lexus because I like what they represented: a quality made car that was bulletproof, good quality materials, ergonomically sound interiors, and excellent craftsmanship and fit/finish. Yes, the exteriors were too derivative of the Germans (and sometimes still is, i.e. the LS is rather similar to the 7er), but I forgave them because the Japanese design philosophy was to emulate quality. That's why Japanese cars from the 60's had many American design attributes.

Now Lexus has raised my ire. With the RX and now the HS, they seem to show a complete disregard to proportions. trying to break from criticism of being to conservative, their lights are gaudy in appearance.

In some ways, Lexus designers, and in some ways, Japanese car designers as whole, are in a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation. If they design something restrained, they are thought of being too econobox. If they attempt to be funky, it's construed as over-the-top. If they attempt to emulate what people aspire for and respect then thye are breanded as copy-cats. If they design are car that's too reliable, by that extent, well-engineered, they are thought to be soulless appliances. Now it seems that I'm victimizing the entire Japanes design society, but I'm not. There has been flourishes of hope in original design that's generally well received, such as Mazda. Their designs are distinctly Japanese, but daring and elegant. Subaru, with their current legacy/liberty is great example of well-designed car with character that's not over the top, is well engineered, and has plenty of character.

Sorry about the rant there, I was about to erase it but it's an observation that I have noticed and may warrant it's own thread for further discussion. It does digress from the actual point that Lexus, not only has potential, but resources in Toyota's rather large piggy bank. They had an opportunity but it has been squandered. Now their cars look plasticky and the materials inside look cheap. The only quality looking car in their stable is the LS and, maybe, the GS.

Now I am not well-versed with history or design since I'm just a mere enthusiast, but I do want to your guys' take on this.

Also, I do see the potential of this being a somewhat inflammatory topic, so let's keep it civil and not resort to bashing a nationality or resort to fan-boyism. From what I've seen on this forum so far, the great majority of the members are pretty mature, and I probably do not need to make that warning, but just in case.

To the moderators, since thread is regarding Japanese car design, I figure I would put in the Japanese Car category. However, if it warrants being in the Concept & Design category, or another category for that, I apologize, and please feel free to move it to the appropriate category. Thanks.