Topic: What happened to Lexus styling?

[Snowman]

I'd offer that much of the bland design is yet another example of the MBAs screwing stuff up.  In the absence of good leadership, it's hard to argue against going more conservative.

Those that have gone the way of a unique design have had much to gain and nothing really to lose - I would put Hyundai, Kia, Maserati in that group.

Bold design shouldn't be confused, IMO, with good design either.  You can have a unique, bold design that's ugly...and you can have a bland design that is still handsome just due to good proportions.  Infiniti and even Subaru learned the lesson that bold designs are not enough.

And what is wrong with bug eyes 

[Mike]

^^ This goes back to a discussion I had before.  People look past 'looks' of a car if it is a real performer.  The bugeye Subaru stlye was laughed at when it first came out, but it was the first (and lightest) gen of WRX in North America and now it is looked back teary-eyed by enthusiasts as a 'pure, raw, enthusiasts WRX'.  Maybe my GR version of the WRX will get the same treatment one day

Then take the skyline GT-Rs from R32-R34 (and even the current GT-R).  None were gorgeous lookers as cars, but their performance and presence has made them become awesome looking cars.  I'll be the first in line to say a R34 GT-R is one sexy beast!

[dave]

Lexus used to be sleek and sexy (I'd have killed for the old SC's at a time I couldn't afford a Yugo).  Now, I'm looking at my next upscale purchase and after looking at the Lexus AWD offering...blech. It's no longer my father's Oldsmobile (since they are no longer), now it's my father's Lexus.

Seriously, guys. What happened to your styling?  Bland is not beautiful.

I don' think the IS series is bland.  And the LS series looks better than it ever has.  I don't think the RX styling could be labeled as bland either (as far as SUVs go).  The G series?  Boring...but the new G is going to be quite nice (IMO).

If you can wait...wait for the next G series or IS series.  They are both being re-designed.

I personally think the RX350 is about as bland as mid size luxury SUV's get (along with the new SRX).  My GF and I were driving last week and a FX35, Q7 and RX350 were all playing roadblock side by side on the 403.  She turned to me and said, 'wow that infiniti looks aggressive compared to those other two.  The Lexus looks old and dated'. I fully agreed.

I agree with you though the new GS should be a looker.

The Infiniti FX may be "aggressive", but you can't carry F-all in it.  If you're willing to compromise utility for aggressive styling, why get an SUV/CUV at all?  My brother has a 2009 FX35...looks great, sounds great, but it's totally useless.  He couldn't fit 1 Muskoka chair in it...the Passat fit 8.

I personally like the RX for what it is.  Conservative, yes, but right on the ball for it's market.  I also agree that the IS and LS are a great looking cars.