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Lexus Has Big Plans For The Spindle Grille
Jun. 06, 2022 7:58 AM ET by Jarryd Neves Design / 8 Comments Instead, the polarizing design cue will evolve with the brand's electrified lineup. Ever since Lexus was introduced in the late '80s, the brand has been a purveyor of quietly styled luxury cars that whispered success instead of shouting it. That all changed in the last few years with the advent of the spindle grille. The controversial design feature hasn't found favor with everyone and is often criticized for looking too aggressive and a touch vulgar, particularly on the LX 600. The enlarged grille as a concept has since spread across the automotive world, with rivals such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz now placing larger items on the front facias of their respective models. But it seems Lexus is ready to move on and forge a new design path. Speaking to Automotive News, company design chief Koichi Suga said the polarizing design is in the process of a redesign, already seen on the recently revealed Lexus RX crossover. Lexus Lexus Lexus Lexus From here on out, the spindle grille will morph into the "spindle body" and, as seen on the RX, will flow into the body paneling in a more harmonious way. This is also in response to the fast-approaching electric era. The brand's first global EV, the RZ450e, does away with the grille completely but still retains the signature design cues pioneered by the grille. Furthermore, not all Lexus customers were pleased with the rather sudden front-end treatment. Suga notes feedback was a mixed bag, with some likening the grille to an electric shaver or the fictional Predator monster. But, like Goldilocks, it seems Lexus has listened to its clientele and got the styling recipe just right. Market research in the United States showed larger iterations of the spindle grille to be a turnoff for customers. "The new spindle execution is based on this learning...we need the right balance," he remarked. Lexus Lexus Lexus Lexus The grille will also evolve based on functionality - an electric car doesn't need a massive grille. The mostly hybrid RX range strikes a balance between the past and future. As such, it boasts a pronounced lip perched atop the grille where the spindle design slowly melds into the bodywork. Now considered a signature design cue of the brand, it's interesting to see Lexus evolve the spindle, unlike BMW which continues to place ever-growing Kidney grilles on its models, including the electric vehicles. This trend can arguably be traced back to Audi's of the '00s, with many mocking the German brand for placing a "goatee" on its offerings. In comparison to most modern vehicles, Ingolstadt's trailblazers look positively demure. Interestingly, the spindle grille is actually a tribute to Toyota's humble beginnings as a loom maker. As for whether this toned-down design language will boost Lexus sales remains to be seen. The brand has been off its game for a while in the USA where BMW continues to dominate. Lexus Lexus Lexus Lexus Source Credits: Automotive News Join The Discussion
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Lexus RX Jarryd Neves Associate Editor After wandering onto the wrong career path, Jarryd quickly abandoned his legal studies to pursue a career in journalism. An internship at a leading motoring magazine nurtured his love for reporting and prepared him for the world of finance and investment writing. Thrilling as it was, Jarryd's first love has always been motoring, and joining CarBuzz in 2022 put him back where he belongs - covering the latest automotive news and events. In his spare time, he trawls the classifieds for cheap (and ruinous) classic luxury sedans or simply cruises around in his own aging German luxobarge. Contact Jarryd @jarrydneves LoginSign Up Home News Features Car Reviews Car Advice 2021 CarBuzz Awards New Cars Used Cars Future Cars Compare Cars Sell My Car Car Dealerships Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Reviews Popular Tags Cars # Video # TOP # Spy Shots # Reveal # Rumor # Auto Show # Supercar # Tuning # Car Culture # Industry News # Motorsport Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Make Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Car Type SUVs Crossovers Sedans Coupes Trucks Sports Cars Wagons Vans Hatchbacks Convertibles Small Cars Luxury Cars Electric Cars Hybrid Cars Future Cars By Price Up to $15K $15K - $25K $25K - $35K $35K - $45K $45K - $55K $55K - $75K $75K - $100K $100K - $200K $200K - $300K Above $300K Back To Top