Lexus Life

Inspired by the acclaimed LF-LC concept that debuted in 2012, the Lexus LC represents a shift in Lexus’ engineering processes and design ideologies, and makes the strongest statement yet about the brand’s future product direction. Alongside the provocative and athletic V8-powered LC 500 is the next generation hybrid model, the LC 500h, featuring a world-first Multi Stage Hybrid System designed specifically for performance cars. Combining avant garde elegance with dynamic coupé proportions, the LC’s seductive form symbolises the heightened collaboration between design and engineering groups, while remaining true to the key design elements, proportions and visual dynamism of the award-winning LF-LC concept car that inspired it. Visual appeal is defined by an athletic aerodynamic shape with sensuous curves, creating a low and wide imposing stance. A sweeping roofline tapering from…

Right from the outset, the IS sports sedan has been engineered for an engaging and entertaining drive. The redesigned model features an evolved and more aggressive expression of the Lexus spindle grille and headlamps, while the LFA-inspired cockpit boasts improved in-dash controls and display for a more driver-focused experience. For the South African market, the IS is available with an efficient inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine as well as a potent V6 unit. ESSENCE EVOLVED A range of new alloy wheels complement the refreshed design and utilise revised spoke arrangements and machined surfaces to create a powerful visual statement. The updated rear design includes more pronounced L-shaped LED light guides with a triple layering feature in the tail light housing. New rectangular chrome exhaust tips also accentuate the IS sedan’s sporting…

The Lexus Hoverboard project began through collaboration with a team of scientists from IFW Dresden and evico GmbH in Germany, who specialise in magnetic levitation technology. Following extensive testing with pro skateboarder and hoverboard test rider Ross McGouran, the team was determined to push the hoverboard to its limits. McGouran has been skateboarding for more than 20 years, one of the fastest and most engaging skaters around, but the hoverboard experience was in a class of its own. He began skating on the concrete surfaces of his local skate park in Britain, and the professional skater is now part of the Element Europe team and a pro-rider for Vans Europe. “Without friction it feels like I’ve had to learn a whole new skill, particularly in the stance and balance in…

The 2016 Lexus Design Awards (LDA) was the fourth installment of the annual international design competition targeting up-and-coming creators from around the world whose work contributes to shaping a better future for all. Under the theme ‘anticipating the needs of people and society’, this year’s winning design was from AMAM, a trio of designers who banded together and who were awarded the Grand Prix title with their concept, Agar Plasticity. The contest is a unique opportunity for four of the selected finalists to work with globally recognised designers as mentors to design full prototypes of their designs. As one of its core principals, Lexus’ engineers and designers have always strived to develop products and services that anticipate the needs of people and society. For the Lexus Design Awards, only innovative…

The first Intersect by Lexus was conceived in Tokyo, a metropolis that is constantly changing yet retains a traditional and distinctive personality. Next was Dubai, a city known as a symbol of global innovation and progress. The newest addition is in cosmopolitan New York. The Intersect spaces were designed by Masamichi Katayama, world-renowned designer and founder of interior design firm Wonderwall. Katayama’s concept was a simple one. Anyone can walk into an Intersect to enjoy fresh coffee, meet friends in the bistro, sip expert cocktails or peruse handcrafted design. Most importantly – as reflected in its name – it is a place for connection: regular talks, parties and events aim to bring together innovators, developing an urban sanctuary for sharing ideas. He considers it a third space, a comfortable destination…

In order to reach the small fishing village of Paternoster on the West Coast north of Cape Town, drivers leaving the urban congestion must follow a long, windswept stretch of road. For great distances, the road is lonely and barren. Vacant sandy beaches line the route to the left; while on the right, sun-scorched fields appear overgrown with arid bush and scrub. To the uninitiated, the region seems devoid of the conditions necessary to create fresh produce: there are neither obvious pastures for game, nor nutrient-rich soil for fruit and vegetables. Even the sea, rough and foamy, seems incongruous with life. But first impressions can be deceiving: reach the end of the road and riches await. On a sunny, bright afternoon, Cape Town foodies Matthew Freemantle and Andrew Kai drove…