Reinventing the Lexus IS! - The Downshift Episode 48
Vložit
- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- On this episode of The Downshift, we talk with Junichi Furuyama, the new Chief Engineer of the Lexus IS about the radical changes to the new IS and the reinvention of the Lexus brand.
The Downshift appears every other Tuesday on the new Motor Trend channel.
/ motortrend
Subscribe now to make sure you're in on all the action!
www.youtube.com...
Facebook - / motortrendmag
Twitter - / motortrend
Google+ - plus.google.co...
Website - www.motortrend.com
Just had my IS300hybrid for a week. My first Lexus. BMWs 4 pot diesels and petrol engines with vibrations and no charisma made me search for something else. Test drove the Lexus and it took me 5 minutes and I just knew this was my new car. Fantastic feel and comfort. Steering, suspension, seats, chassis, interior etc etc, this is just too good to be true. Thank you Lexus. Even enjoy the drivetrain with CVT gearbox and the fake engine sound :-) Praise the lord I did not have to drive a 4-pot diesel!! Came from a Jaguar XF 3.0 V6 diesel, fantastic car.
I have never driven a lexus, ( I drove bmw and merc), but based on the reviews I've read, you've made the right choice my friend, enjoy your car buddy. For now I can only dream about these cars, lol, I just bought a brand new nissan pulsar, not quite in the same league haha
It definitely looks unique, just a proud symbol for those Japanese and how they have advanced so much in terms of design and technology.
I really like the chance they took on those head lights. I think it works quite well.
I just got myself a 2014 lexus IS, and I laugh because you can't even compare it to a 3 series or a c-class, this car is truly a piece of art and blows bmw and mercedes out of the water...you can't even compare them...the 3 series and c-class are CRAP compared to this car in every single aspect
even lexus engineer admitted that bmw and benz are ahead of lexus....keep trying to be a car expert haaaa?
logelamutp The Lexus engineer was referring to the last generation Lexus IS which is why he said "As soon as I was selected to be IS chief engineer". He is not referring to the new 2014 model.
Just because you bought that car doesn't mean it's the best. I absolutely love the new IS, but that doesn't even mean the 3-Series is bad. Tastes differ, my friend.
TechHelp I also own a 2014 Lexus IS350F but still admire the BMW 335i and especially the M235i. I understand Lexus has cheaper maintenance and better reliability but Beamers driver great and if the M235i had a better lease deal, I'd be driving that car right now!
I also think the bmw 3 series and mercedes c class can compare to the corolla civic or maybe the hatchback civic eg with some little rust.
I currently lease a 2013 Mercedes C 300. My 27 month lease is ending in July. I've considered the 2015 Mercedes C 300 but not seriously because I'm not a fan of their new "look like an S class" design. I'm also not a fan of the interior dashboard design. However, I LOVE the Lexus IS 250 F sport design inside and out. Plus both cars are in the same price range so I'm going for the iS f sport. I think Lexus has done a great job reinventing their brand. The previous generation IS didn't look so exotic and aggressive in styling as much as the current and new generation iS f sport especially with Lexus's new front grill that you can see from a block away and know this is Lexus and it really stands out from the crowd.
+Lam Bro You will have to let us all know how you like it compared to your Mercedes
Meanwhile, Acura is nowhere in sight when it comes to competition.
You'd have to be crazy to spend the same kind of cash on an Acura you would on a Lexus. They're all Honda Accords with the same transmission problems that they've had for over 18 years now, despite thousands and thousands of complaints. Even the TLX has hundreds of reports of transmission failure already, and the car just made its debut in mid/late 2015. You know what kind of problems come with a modern Lexus? Accessory problems, ill take a window that wont roll up over a transmission that wont switch gears any day.
Heck, my Lexus is 18 years old and is more satisfying than the majority of new cars, not a thing wrong with it.
cars
had a 2001 3.2cl with the same transmission problem you speak of. honestly, its mind-boggling that they have not addressed that issue after 18 years. and their attention to detail is just not there. acura really is just a rebadge with upgraded interior.
This comment did not age well, especially now that the new IS isn’t new at all and the new TLX is
Thank you! We're glad you enjoyed it!
Really enjoyed watching that, listening to the chief engineer and how sincere he was, combined with the music was also very very relaxing. SWEET!
Might be time I traded my e92 s65 in. That exterior is amazing and the interior looks gorgeous. The ISF might be worthwhile.
i got super excited about the mercedes CLA and now i am checking up on the new C -class that's just around the corner but I have come to realise that i may never leave Lexus - i have had 3 so far the 1999 ES 300 ( 564,000 KM ) still going strong, my 2007 IS 350 - 367,000 KM still going strong although it burns a bit of oil, and my wife has an 2009 IS 250 with 67,000 KM - it's hard to leave this brand ....I may be a Lexus slave ...but a willing one.
You'll notice that the cabin of the C-Class is a little bit more up-market. But if you want a car that drives around 500.000km, you should get a Lexus. Their reliability is unbeatable!
Thanks for letting us know, Alex. We're glad you liked it!
The passion with which he talks about his job is outstanding ...
it is great! BUT, Lexus, please give us 3.0 turbo engine to match Mercedes and BMW the only big huge minus for me that you guys are still using N/A engines..... only 2.0 Turbo, which is good for older people, but I need at least 300-350horses + that unique design = WIN!
+ that Lexus reliability!
ealiev60 lexus is trying to preserve the naturally aspirated engine
3:55 Leave it to the Japanese to break down "fun to drive" into a scientific formula :)
His honesty is very refreshing.
Being critical of yourself is the first path to improvement.
Kudos to Lexus and this great engineer.
I love how honest this guy is about the old IS and that he doesn't seem to be very biased
Who made this beatiful piece of music playing in the background?
Thanks for the feedback. We'll see what we can do!
Very intelligent guy. He recognized their own weaknesses and knows their place in the game. This car will have a future.
They are definitely getting better, and are definitely becoming more and more popular around where I live
This guy is amazing. He admits that there are other brands that have better cars than their own, he talks about the features of their new plan of direction with a nice, calm and quiet voice. It's like as if he's not out to promote his brand, but only to tell what they've done. And to me that actually works as even better promotion. Who would've thought...
Still not a Lexus fan, but love the honesty and humility of the IS' chief engineer.
Great little documentary.
-The back of the lexus looks amazing 4:27
- Junichi Furuyama is clearly very passionate about his job.
What a great character Mr. Junichi is. This video and this car are pure Japan heritage. Congratulations for this great and inspiring video Motor Trend. Made my day!
I appreciate Furuyama's honesty. I can't stop staring at the new IS. Emotional and aggressive in just about every way. Love it inside and out. The right man for the job. Good episode of Downshift.
When I brought my 1st BMW 330ci, I was a damn driving fool...that car has precision beyond belief... but when it falls apart, oh damn !!!
Absolutely blows the 3 series out of the water with looks
I feel that a realization like that is a very good thing indeed - he knows what his competitors offer - hes not lost emotionally thinking that his vehicle is the best. Its only when people think that their cars don't need to aspire towards anything do they NOT see the competition hit them. I think this is a smart guy and though he may or may not get 100% of what he wants, but he definitely was the best chance to get to it the closest at this point in time.
totally agree with you here, He seems very humble and actually wants to make the best car he can. He isnt complaining about demographics, expenses, why aren't people buying it etc...He wants the car to be so good that it would sell it self. for the people looking for sedans, its not, "where can i find the best deal" but rather, I must find myself a Lexus.
That's a good idea and it looks really cool when somebody lays it all out.
Finally Lexus is here! I've been waiting for awhile now to see Lexus moving forward and boy does the new IS look great! I'm glad that MT got to interview the chief engineer of the IS series. I wish that when the new IS comes out, the challenge is on and that MT will be the host! Definitely loving the way Lexus is moving towards and it's definitely a ride that you will take notice on the streets.
Totally loved this MT! Keep up the good work and continue making great videos!
That was a great look inside, best leash into their heads and their new renaissance of design and engineering.
The new IS will be an ICON - The second generation was good looking but now I believe the new one will shine like a bright star.
pure honest man. you get more credibility this way. honesty always always pays off. whey u lie, u get used to ur lies and u start believing in ur own lies
admitting that rivals were better than you and trying to develop something new and exciting is really amazing
i had an E36 3-series and my dad has a Lexus RX. I was amazed by the E36 handling, looks, and overall performance but when i drove the completely different RX I was amazed by different things - how extremely quiet and smooth it is, the quality of the leather and interior, and the reliability. I have an Acura TL now and hopefully gonna get a BMW 335I soon, but I feel like the IS is a very underrated and good car if it combines the best of Lex and BMW. If it was turbocharged, I would def buy it.
When everyone wants to take you down, its because you've become not only the best but a powerful benchmark, no matter how good the competition try this can't be achieved with 1 success. It's an entire successful lifetime.
Excellent job, BMW.
I'd just like to say that I felt this video was extremely well done and I'd love to see more like it. The atmosphere is spot on and the music was perfect. I think this may be the most emotional I've ever felt while watching something Lexus related. Props to the production team.
wow such a beautiful soundtrack combined with this clip.
The Downshift is my favorite Motor Trend segment!
mad respect to this guy and to lexus.
Awesome. The passion Lexus has for their cars is really something to be proud of I would love to own a Lexus. Lexus is " that " brand now I never found anything wrong with Lexus I always loved their cars... now they are getting even better in every way. Bravo Lexus cant wait to see what else you have in store.
I never wanted a Lexus until now, when I know what kind of people make them. They sure are determined. Very good and informative video.
What an inspiring video, actually think my whole view on Lexus has been shaken up. Good on them!
Definitely puts a lot of pressure on buyers trading in older IS' in 2014...this new IS is a beaut! Cheers to Lexus!
it's awesome to see that he is truely devoted to doing something great. It's not just that he admits that there are others, but it's how he shows that they really try to make something really great, something that the others don't make!
this video made me want an IS, loved the interior.
Seems like a smart guy and I can dig the abstract approach
wow, i couldn't expect anymore. such an honest interview and i LOVE what Lexus has done with their new IS series.
The more I see this car the more I like it. Can't wait to see what the IS F looks like
James Nicolai is correct, the music is from Dave Preston, the song in the video is "Blind Lovers Hand in Hand" mixed with one of his other songs, "Be Alive" for the ending.
this is one of the first cars in a while (The last was probably the 1 Series M) That I've just been taken away by how it looks.
This is seriously a staggeringly beautiful machine. every angle is consistant, every line is engaging. Best of all, it looks like nothing else on the road.
この車は本当に歴史に名を刻んだ名車でしたよ！
It was my dream to own a Lexus since I was a small boy. I hope it will become a reality one day
At first, when I saw the initial leaked photos, I thought the separate headlights and long taillights were ugly.. it didn't make sense, it seemed cluttered. However, the more I looked at it, the more I liked it. Now, seeing this video with it in black... omg this is absolutely gorgeous. Lexus designers weren't lying when they said the IS will be the most radical design yet and holy smokes, they did damn good. Bravo for Lexus for breaking boundaries; I would pick this over a BMW 3 series.
This IS looks stellar. The interior alone wins me over hands-down over any thing from Germany.
What an aggresive design. I love it. Very interesting Chief Engineer.
That IS looks so much better in black. Great vid too
Best of luck with this project, Furuyama-san. From the looks, it looks promising.
Loving the IS interior..nice combo of Jag old-fashioned comfort and the German stuff.
He acknowledges that there were flaws in the Lexus Brand. Any man that can own up to faults is good in my book. I believe in Junichi Furuyama.
Great work Downshift team. I always enjoy your episodes. More specifically the host free dynamic, the clean visuals, and variety in programming substance. Thanks for making a quality product.
Emotional video! Loving the bravery of this man and his new design.
They aren't trying to measure fun. They are trying to figure out what generates that emotion. Then create something that can consistently replicate that emotion.
Looks sooo much better in black.
IS has been and still is my favorite car, although I was really convinced by the BMW 3. Keep up!
I do too, it really grew on me
Lexus isn't my sort of thing but I always respect passionate and/or determined men.
I would get one over a 3 series any day. Its so beautiful and i want one now
I'll admit, I don't really watch MotorTrend's videos, but after this I think i'll have to. As said previously, this video was so well presented and put together, well enough to cause me to sign in and write this comment. I currently have a 2007 is250, and this new is250 seems like a huge advancement on the original 2006 series. Good job Lexus and MotorTrend.
I really like these types of videos. Its very interesting hearing about the design process. Would love to see more of these videos from other automakers, especially given the fact that the auto industry is changing so quickly (new technologies, companies getting out of bankruptcy, expanding / building new plants in the US, launching new models)
Great video. One the best I've seen from MotorTrend this past year. Congrats
I currently drive a BMW but I'm really digging the new direction and design of Lexus models
Amazing review seriously, Motor Trend should do more something like this, it could be the strength of this show.
I would totally agree with you! The BMWs I've had in recent years have all had some kind of electrical problems. I think they can get away with this because they are better to drive than their competition. That's the reason why I keep going back anyway.
Lexus seems to crunching all the right metrics on every successive redesign of this important model . This latest iteration seems to place just the right amount of pressure On the 3 series . I for one will not be able to resist this beautiful machine.
Amazing. I can't wait to get the 2014 IS350
That's a big step forward. Good job Lexus! From BMW fan.
These guys are NOT fucking around. And I like that. The automotive industry needs someone to remind them which way is up, when they look "down from".
i have an old 94 ls 400 its been one of the best cars ive ever owned!
Don't forget that Subaru also makes the most fuel efficient AWD vehicles and definitely a plus that AWD is standard as opposed to being a pricey trim level.
I never really considered a Lexus IS before. Mr. Junichi Furuyama, you have my attention.
Best thing about it is the instrumentation lifted from the LF-A.
love that digital RPM rev...oh boy
Fun to drive inspires confidence in you about your cars ability
The design of the new IS is futuristic
Junichi - big respect for you!
From Grozny.
Well we can't judge a book by its cover. We will just have to wait and see for ourselves when the car arrives in dealerships. Judging from the Motortrend article that accompanied this video, Lexus has done a great job.
I love the new design, inside and out. I can't wait to testdrive (and hopefully purchase) one later this year!
Very interesting car, I can't wait to test drive it!
Probably one of the car I will consider to buy in the near future.
Japenesse passion for cars has grown hugely over the last years. These people put so much passion into the cars ! The new 3-Series BMW is a shame - looks so bad and the quality is worse than the previous E90 model I am owner of. The BMW on the mechanical side (engine, suspension, brakes etc.) will be always on the first place, no matter how ugly it gets. The new Lexus IS is a master piece - huge respect for the work put into it. And yes you have made it - IS looks a lot better than any 3-Series.
I really liked the attitude of the chief engineer as he was true and honest to the situation. It really created the confidence to me as a potential customer. Too often I find chief engineers boosting their creation and brand's ego to point where it is disgusting to listen. I wish every car maker and engineer could be more honest towards the competition, like Chief Engineer Junichi Furuyama is.
man I admire this dude / my hero
This Lexus is like a german engineering with a Samurai soul in it , beautiful
I love the look of the IS. The front end is just amazing with the aggressiveness. In a few years we shall see if Lexus will beat BMW.
The goodness of Lexus will eventually surpass the others - Their cars just keep better and better at a faster rate
Btw, it is a marketing strategy, but the dealers at least go out of their way to make it seem like they "care". Of course its to attract you to buy their cars again, but it's pretty awesome having a dealer that washes/waxes/wipes down and vacuums the interior for free once a week. It keeps your car totally spotless
I love the design.
Couldn't agree more or say it any better.
Great video MT, felt emotion throughout and a sense of excitement for the future of the Lexus brand.