The Altezza went on sale in japan in 1998, and was most likely developed in 1996-97 The E46 compact went on sale in 2001, and most of the european motorpress at the time made a note about how the germans had borrowed the rear lights from Lexus. This was WAY before the term Altezza-lights started to be used.

 

I agree... But i specificaly remember being blown away that the germans would be the first ones copying this style... Definately didnt expect that, at the time

 

http://books.google.com/books?id=U_c...s%20xf&f=false

Even the chief designer, Ian Callum said "it looks like a Lexus"

 

That Fusion reminded me of the early 90's Honda Prelude.

 

Blueprint: Although this probably wasn't your intended reaction, I'm actually more amused by the "National Herbarium" than the car comparison. Lol, why would they choose to shoot the cars in front of a plant museum? At least go to a place where the building title isn't visible..

 

Interesting ideas here. The only real comment that seems a bit much is in regard to the E-class quad headlight array coming from the GS. That array has come and gone on the e class over many years going back as far as the 50s. The simply resurrected it on the newer e-class.

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/mercede...ss-ar1867.html

 

Oops, you are very right! My mistake, I apologize about that. I'll re-read that Bangle interview again and see how I misread that. Usually since BMW and Lexus follow the 2-to-2.75 years design-to-production rule, it is absolutely correct and obvious that BMW copied the Altezza taillights right upon it's 1998 debut. I had looked at an LCI variant that had different tails and got confused.

 

When did anyone dispute that? It's an English 3GS basically, as everything about it points in that direction. Anyone that can't see that is either intentionally blind or horribly stubborn.

 

Heh, i was blind before. I never really noticed the similarities between he jag xf and the 3rd GS until those pictures were posted.

 

One thing to add, being someone who loves to study the creation and development process of vehicles, the Altezza was pitched in '93 and then green-lighted in 1994. In 1996, they finished the design process and contemplated a Lexus version(later trademarked in November 1997). Some people have accused Lexus of copying the BMW E36 3er, but I do want everyone tell me this.
Do you see ANY remote similarity to the E36? I mean, I can't imagine where anyone would get that idea. Honest answers please.

Mk.I




Mk.II (IS300)





BMW E36

 

Honestly, i see a little resemblance between the first IS and the E36, but only in the diagonal shots of the exterior. They are similar but i do not think copied. My reasoning is because at that time, most of the small compact luxury sedans weree "boxy" and there is only so much you can do with a boxy design.

On a sidenote, compare the 2014 Mazda6 rear with the 2013 Lexus GS. Very similar, especially in small pictures. But the Mazda is still certainly a very handsome car.

 

This is a great thread, should be a sticky and required reading for all new ClubLexus members .

 

Even Buick got the L-finesse treatment in their line up.

2010 lacrosse. A mix of ES/LS







2008 lacrosse

 

^^
The 2G Lacrosse is actually inspired by the 3GS.

 

Every manufacturer borrows and contributes. If this thread proves anything is that all car designs evolve. Lexus has borrowed and innovated as has most every single other manufacturer. I don't think there is any single design out right now that doesn't have some inspiration of a competitor.

I will agree that the modern quad-headlight setup was sparked by the original SC. Beautiful design... but I am biased.