So let's all be clear on what the "Spindle" really is...
Guest
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The "Spindle" is not just the grill. It is a design where the front end shares the hourglass shape but can be interpreted differently. We already see it with the GS/ES/LS where they share the same shape but are different with the LS the most aggressive.
How can anyone just call it a grill? B/C the "spindle" offers TWO grills, the Lexus horizontal slants and the F-sport mesh. It is a design.
Then the new Lexus design are ultra aggressive headlights with the L-shaped LED lights.
While I may not be in love with the spindle I have now see the new ES on the road and it is so distinctive like the GS. Now you can tell a Lexus coming a mile away and if ANYONE COPIES it clearly will be easy to say "wow like a Lexus". Lexus is trying to do their best to separate their front ends and they cannot be confused with anything else anymore.
If thats good or bad, well thats up to your opinion
How can anyone just call it a grill? B/C the "spindle" offers TWO grills, the Lexus horizontal slants and the F-sport mesh. It is a design.
Then the new Lexus design are ultra aggressive headlights with the L-shaped LED lights.
While I may not be in love with the spindle I have now see the new ES on the road and it is so distinctive like the GS. Now you can tell a Lexus coming a mile away and if ANYONE COPIES it clearly will be easy to say "wow like a Lexus". Lexus is trying to do their best to separate their front ends and they cannot be confused with anything else anymore.
If thats good or bad, well thats up to your opinion
Lexus Champion
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From: CA
As a matter of fact, the first ever Toyota model, the AA built as a prototype in 1935 has a large grille very similar in shape to that of the Audi:
So, all the claims that Audi were copied by japanese are pure joke. Besides, the Audi grille was created by a japanese - Satoshi Wada. Very underrated designer by the way, author of the A5, the prevoius A6 and Q7.
So, all the claims that Audi were copied by japanese are pure joke. Besides, the Audi grille was created by a japanese - Satoshi Wada. Very underrated designer by the way, author of the A5, the prevoius A6 and Q7.
Last edited by ydooby; Aug 13, 2012 at 12:54 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: CA
As a matter of fact, the first ever Toyota model, the AA built as a prototype in 1935 has a large grille very similar in shape to that of the Audi:
So, all the claims that Audi were copied by japanese are pure joke. Besides, the Audi grille was created by a japanese - Satoshi Wada. Very underrated designer by the way, author of the A5, the prevoius A6 and Q7.
So, all the claims that Audi were copied by japanese are pure joke. Besides, the Audi grille was created by a japanese - Satoshi Wada. Very underrated designer by the way, author of the A5, the prevoius A6 and Q7.
Right down to the hub caps.
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Switzerland
In fact, cars looked much more similar design-wise back then. However, I doubt the fanboys were as vocal about it as they are now.
I love the spindle on the LF-LC. It is executed well and seems a better fit for a sporty car.
I understand the need for Lexus to do something bold and distinctive though. So many brands are copying each other that you have to find a way to stand apart.
The 4GS is the only spindle that repulses me. It looks better on the other models and I'm willing to accept it as long as it is well integrated into the overall design.
It needs some tweaking to flow better on the GS. Hopefully, the next refresh will see an improvement.
I understand the need for Lexus to do something bold and distinctive though. So many brands are copying each other that you have to find a way to stand apart.
The 4GS is the only spindle that repulses me. It looks better on the other models and I'm willing to accept it as long as it is well integrated into the overall design.
It needs some tweaking to flow better on the GS. Hopefully, the next refresh will see an improvement.
Guest
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Sorry but I have to disagree with all of you who say the grille that Audi "invented" existed before. What Audi has "invented" here is for the upper grille to extend over the bumper to connect with the lower grille to form a large gaping mouth shape. That's right. That's what Audi has "invented" and what others have "copied". It really isn't hard to tell Audi's invention apart from the old-school, tomb-like grille (tomb-like because it's above a ground-like bumper).
The Chrysler 300 debuted what around 2003/2004. If you look while it does share a large huge grill the overall theme is different as its mostly over the lower bumper and not being divided by it.
The LF-gh still gives a good indication of whats to come. Very aggresive headlights, L shaped LEDs, aggresive fog lamp openings and of course the spindle shape.
Mind you every Audi with their grill has the same basic eggcrate inside and chrome frame. Lexus spindle the shape is shared but the grills are indeed different in the ES, RX, GS, LS. For example the LS is the only model kind of like an Audi in the sense that the middle grill bar is painted black/grey and not the color of the car.
Lexus Test Driver
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From: Ontario
I think we are saying the same thing. Having gone through the patent process personally, I am well aware of the difference. Some Euro countries do treat design elements as patentable, which is what I was pointing out.
Rookie
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From: Switzerland
Sorry but I have to disagree with all of you who say the grille that Audi "invented" existed before. What Audi has "invented" here is for the upper grille to extend over the bumper to connect with the lower grille to form a large gaping mouth shape. That's right. That's what Audi has "invented" and what others have "copied". It really isn't hard to tell Audi's invention apart from the old-school, tomb-like grille (tomb-like because it's above a ground-like bumper).
Lexus Champion
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From: CA
LOL yeah, you got me on this one (I've never seen those cars before! What are they?). Although they feel quite different from Audi's modern interpretation they do fit my definition of Audi's "invention" quite well, i.e. the upper grille extends over the bumper to connect with the lower grille to form a large gaping mouth.