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iTrader: (1)

Well they can go with no grill on the next GS(which is also not good imo) and maybe even all of their performance models but it will be a major fail if they produce the next LS without a nice shiny in your face grill . IMO, the GS needs one from a styling standpoint but a GS-F i can see having that massive, charcoal burner of a grill thats on the LF-Gh.

TRDFantasy

"Front face identity" ... does NOT mean the EXACT implementation of the front grilles on the LF-Gh will be seen on future production models. Identity is just synonymous for the overall styling theme. The production models may have a simple body-colored bar or bumper part that cuts across the grille, eliminating the "gaping" look. Fact is, we just don't know yet since we haven't seen the production 4GS. Of course, you can continue jumping to conclusions as you are well known for doing .

Did you also happen to read where Humphries mentioned that the LF-Gh is a pure concept? As in, it won't make it to production in exactly the same form.

Absolutely no way that the next-gen ES and LS would get such a grille design.

Humphries mentioned from the CT onwards, the upper grille has almost no purpose, and is only there for symbolism and styling. They're not just cutting air intake in half; it's obvious that they will slightly enlarge the lower air intakes as well.

There is such a thing as too much air going into the engine or engine bay. Humphries mentioned that they've discovered it's more efficient to plug the upper intake and only use the lower intake.

Actual benefits though are numerous, including better fuel economy, more efficient performance, and things like reduced front end lift. Aerodynamically it's more efficient to plug the upper grille intake AFAIK.

dunnojack

lexus is getting ballsy.

you never know. they might put a big gaping grille on the ES.
i would love to see that.

LexFather

No grill=fail in most sedan cases, especially luxury cars

The Avanti really came to the forefront with it.


Isuzu stylus



And the best known in regards to luxury cars, the failed Q45 which changed grills seemingly every other year.

SaintNexus

Lexus already has a model with NO upper grill, but a lower one. Having them continue to do that to their entire line up just makes sense.

SaintNexus

In case you guys were wondering what model it's this:



^No upper grill, just lower, and it looks sick. Try and picture the LF-Gh in production form with a grill similar to that. The head lights will definitely change, but it's going to look nice.

ydooby

Actually there is an upper grille in the LFA, just a small one at that. The correct car to your description should be the 1SC.

LexFather

True but those are coupes and they do not have upright grills. Coupes with no grille look fine. Sedans with no grill usually don't do so well and hurt the looks of the vehicle.

LFA concept 1 was more upright and had a grill outline but no actual grill

LexFather

Yeah but it was a sports coupe and not upright like a sedan...they then added a small horizontal grille which clearly grew onto the SC 430...

JHStrange

63 Studebaker Avanti by Raymond Lowey also didn't have an upper grill. This is an original supercharged version by brother bought new and he's giving it a restoration.

LexFather

Awesome! Maybe start another thread and share with everyone? That is sweet!

TRDFantasy

Big grille on the ES? Possibly.
Gaping grille on the ES? Extremely unlikely. A gaping grille on the ES would be alienating to the market segment and ES owners. ES is an entry-level luxury sedan, not some sports sedan or niche high performance product. It would be a very foolish move to give the ES a gaping grille.

Big gaping grille on something like the GS F though? That is very possible.

You are correct. What Simon Humphries was talking about though is that on future Lexus models, the upper grille intake would be plugged up. The traditional *grille* WILL still definitely exist for Lexus models, for the purposes of styling, symbolism, and stature. It just won't be intaking that much air. Humphries comments make it clear that future Lexus models will primarily use the lower grille/lower bumper as air intake for the engine and engine bay. The way the LF-Gh has the grille setup I think is a big hint as to how future Lexus will implemented. The LF-Gh has a very bold and in your face grille, but notice behind the mesh the upper portion is blocked off, and air intake only occurs in the lower portion of the grille.

LexFather

^^^Hmmm good interpretation. So you are saying the top will still have a grill just no minimal air vents.

Most supercars have their side radiator and oil coolers in the lower front portions of the car. Maybe this is a way for Lexus to make hoods still look good with the Euro pedestrian standards?

SaintNexus

Can someone photoshop the lf-gh without a top grill? I know Sick, you said it looks good on coupes, but like Lexus said, they're going with a new direction, and I'm sure they can pull it off.

TRDFantasy

Based on what Humphries said, this seems to be the case. Also looking at the LS600h grille for example, it certainly is pointing toward this direction.

Lexus did mention a lower center of gravity for the LF-Gh concept. Also you can definitely bet what Lexus learned with the LFA will be applied to future models. If the upper grille no longer functions as an air intake, then technically radiators and coolers can be mounted lower in the front end of the car. This benefits not only styling as it gives designers options, but also of course things like traction, handling, and center of gravity.

I highly doubt they will go with that direction on their sedans. Coupes are another story though.

Here is a rough photoshop of the LF-Gh without the upper grille. IMO, it looks strange without the upper grille.