HOT TOPICS: Chief Designer of Lexus LC 500 Talks Design
Tadao Mori had to do something different with the LC 500, and he found inspiration inspiration from the most interesting places.
Lexus is currently in the middle of rebranding its image, heading toward younger, more evocative vehicles. And the car that’s been tasked with leading the charge is the gorgeous Lexus LC500. Robb Report recently sat down with the LC500’s chief designer, Tadao Mori, to get some background on what inspired the incredible design.
When asked what inspired his design, Mori stated, “We had a 2012 motor-show car, the LF-LC, but that was simply a design study. That car looked great, but it was impossible to build.” The LF-LC was a radical concept with a sloping front end, sleek overall design, and compact rear end. It’s clear to see the design cues that carried over, some of which came from Lexus’ supercar, the LFA.
“Also, many small details carry over from the LFA, like the ring meter on the instrument cluster and the control stalks on either side,” said Mori.
Mori, though, didn’t get all of his inspiration from Lexus’ past, as some weird things played into the LC 500’s design, as well. When asked about other things that influenced the car’s design, Mori revealed some unorthodox items. “We found some leaves and plants and did digital scans, then transformed those shapes on the computer and put them into the car,” said Miro. “Also, we studied housing and architecture.”
As Mori states, the overall design of the LC500 came from various places. And the result is impressive. When questioned on styling elements that Mori was particularly proud of, he responded with, “The exterior has lots of depth. You can see a very three-dimensional shape, especially at the rear fender.” The interior of the car is also something that Mori is proud of as “we have almost no [visible] plastic parts, so it has a very welcoming feeling, and luxurious,” he said.
The LC 500 is one of the prettiest cars on the market today and Mori, who got inspiration from some weird places, did an incredible job. If the LC 500 is an example of what’s to come, we can’t wait to see what Lexus has in store.
