Lexus L-Finesse Design Analysis: IS is IT!

Thanks, Lexus. No, not for the free food. Not even for the chance to experience an exclusive acoustic performance by jacksoul. Rather, I thank Lexus for L-Finesse. For the LF-A, LF-C and LF-S concepts. And now for the IS. The IS is the first model to be designed from start to finish, exclusively with the principles of L-Finesse applied to every detail and the sum of the whole.

For those asking, "What about the GS?" Well, the GS also inherits some of its original Giugiario profile and headlights, so its neither exclusively nor purely L-Finesse. Mind you, the three all-black GSs parked in front of the restaurant were just "sick" no matter what design language label you want to hang on them; which could be described as fusing Italian design-house chic with Japanese contemporary-luxury simplicity.

Lexus has been developing its L-Finesse styling theme for some time now, and in the span of three short years I have watched them introduce the HPX wagon, then the LF-S, LF-C and LF-A concepts. The HPX (or LF-X as it was later renamed) combined the practical ingenuity necessary to impress an ever-more demanding family audience and the freedom of exploring a new design language.

But it wasnt until the LF-S, LF-C and LF-A concept cars that I began to realize the great beauty of L-Finesse. I could imagine the first sketches being drawn using a traditional Japanese brush and ink, thin dark slashes using the brushs tip filled in by soft, varied gray surfaces pressing down with the width of the brush, using more water than ink. Simplicity leading to passionate design.

When they finally introduced a production model that combined the artfulness of L-Finesse and the realism imposed by mass-manufacturing processes, it was the GS sedan. The GS left me somewhat flat, its size and softness negating the tension and hard-edged excitement of the concepts. Its bulging hood and flush bumpers and roofline were all too uniform and pillowy. And then came the new IS.

"From concept to execution, Lexus has created in the new IS series a luxurious sport sedan with a performance to thrill," said Stuart Payne, Lexus. "Driven by the L-Finesse design philosophy introduced earlier this year on the GS, Lexus has infused the IS series with a new sense of passion and innovation."

L-Finesse back with all its slashing, angled forms balanced against the curving fluid surfaces coming together, marrying the cold, precise accomplishments of technology with the comfort and welcoming ambience of fine craftsmanship combined with soft, rich earth tones.

This marriage is perfectly demonstrated by the door handles and arm rests: the dominant switchback shape of the dark grey upper curves into the lower armrest, where a grip of curved aluminum rises up from behind to meet it and fill it, yet the grey curves back forward and into a small panel of dark wood that houses the power window switches, all set against the backdrop of cream-colored leather. Traditional meets modern in a door handle and arm rest.

The base model gets a 2.5-liter V6 making 204-horsepower, with optional all-wheel drive. But most attention will be spent on the models optional 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 driving the rear wheels, good enough for sub-6 second sprints to 100km/h.

To go back to Stuarts comments, "The passion and innovation continue with a thrilling driving experience, with IS delivering the powerful acceleration, precise braking and superb handling that will positively wow drivers."

The technology imbued in the IS doesnt stop with a 300-horsepower V6 or all wheel drive. Theres the six-speed automatic with F1-style paddle shifters for manual actuation, reputed to be perform quicker shifts than anything less than Audis DSG or Ferraris F1 sequential-manual transmissions. The IS alsofeatures a full array of driver aids, all managed by a VDIM, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, which seamlessly orchestrates all additional braking, stability control and traction assist programs.

Another nifty aspect of the IS that Mr. Payne mentioned was its shape. As sexy as it is, it is also functional. Those sinuous slashes, curves combined with the rising beltline act to provide downforce, making the car itself a spoiler.

Amidst the hip music, eclectic food and beautiful people, I always kept the IS in open view. It was hard to get too far away from it, not only because Lexus had positioned to be the center of attention, but also because it just seemed to belong in the picture.

Driving excitement, luxurious comfort, aesthetic satisfaction, and envy in the eyes of so many other drivers as the IS easily pulls away from them. Thats what many premium drivers covet.

As far as Im concerned, the IS is Lexus first step to becoming an object of desire.