An exploration in design from Lexus, the LF-SA concept is a bold expression of how Lexus will deliver the joy of driving even as automated driving technologies become more prevalent. Learn more at:
How to draw a car - designing the Lexus LF-SA
Lexus' striking design has always been a fundamental part of its appeal - it's what sets it apart from other premium marques. And there's no better way of getting a deeper understanding of how Lexus is designing for the future than by watching the process from start to finish. In this video, we go behind the scenes at ED², Lexus top secret design studio in the south of France, to show you how to draw a car. Shahidul Syed Alam, recent graduate of Coventry University's Automotive & Transport Design course and now a Lexus designer, describes the process of designing the LF-SA concept, starting with a hands-on initial sketch using traditional methods - pencils and paper - and then bringing that to life in the virtual world as a digital render. Lexus' design process begins even before pencil meets paper. "We believe it's important to have something unique in the sense of expression of style," says Shahidul. Starting with a clean sheet of paper, he fluidly lays out the foundation of the LF-SA, its basic proportions, layout and outline. Key design details like the Lexus spindle grille are incorporated early in the process. SHAHIDUL'S TOP FIVE TIPS: HOW TO DRAW A CAR 1. Begin by drafting the foundation of the car - the basic layout, wheel placement and perspective 2. Sketch the outline of the car, defining its shape 3. Establish the appearance of key design features such as the grille 4. Add in design details like badges or lights 5. Finish by shading the drawing to establish shadows and highlights
LEXUS LF-SA: Revealed
The new Lexus LF-SA concept car has made its world debut at the 2015 Geneva motor show. Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the very first Lexus, the LS400 saloon. To celebrate this milestone, Lexus challenged ED2, its European design studio, to create a concept of an ultra-compact (sub-B-segment) urban 2+2 model.
► Lexus LF-SA show car
The Lexus designers managed to make the new Lexus LF-SA Concept 3,450mm long, 1,700 mm wide and 1,430 mm high, its compact packaging pointing to the manoeuvrability and agility essential to a true city car. Its styling is rugged and confident. The LF-SA's highly-sculpted surfacing reflects a more challenging and avant garde, 'Time in Design' styling approach in which perceptions of the vehicle change when viewed from different angles. Its angular pattern radiating from the central Lexus logo, this latest expression of the spindle grille develops from two dimensional graphic to a powerful, three dimensional form, strongly influencing the front fenders and side bodywork and reinforcing the concept's wide, firmly planted stance. The contrast between concave and convex bodywork surfaces is emphasised by powerful undercutting above the wheel arches, most notably to the rear, bringing a unique proportion to the design and giving it a strong sense of dynamism and forward motion. The spindle grille shape is clearly referenced in the angular, double-stepped rear styling, which incorporates L-shaped lamp clusters in a flying-buttress design. Further Lexus trademark signatures such as the arrowhead motif are evident throughout, e.g. in the design of the daytime running lights. Despite its highly-compact exterior dimensions, the LF-SA Concept boasts a surprisingly spacious interior. Key to this feeling of spaciousness is the designers' 'manipulation of lightness', evident, for instance, in the sweeping dashboard design which reinforces the width of the cabin. With sole occupancy typical in city vehicles most of the time, the 2+2 cabin layout gives clear priority to the driver. The driver's seat is fixed, and the steering wheel and pedals are adjustable, bringing the vehicle to the driver, rather than vice versa. The front passenger seat, on the other hand, is slideable giving access to rear accommodation. This duality of function which awards precedence to the driver is reinforced by an interior design which uses space, materials and volume to create two clearly-discernible, overlapping elliptical areas within the cabin. If you love cars, you should subscribe now to YouCar's channel:
