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What year did Lexus change the grill?

Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, has undergone several changes to its iconic grille design over the years. The most significant change occurred in 2013, when Lexus introduced a new, more prominent spindle-shaped grille that has become a defining feature of the brand.


The Evolution of the Lexus Grille


When Lexus first launched in 1989, its vehicles featured a relatively simple, rectangular grille design. This design remained largely unchanged for the first two decades of the brand's existence.


In the early 2000s, Lexus began to experiment with more distinctive grille designs, introducing a more angular, trapezoidal shape on some models. However, it wasn't until 2013 that the brand unveiled its now-signature spindle grille, which has become a hallmark of the Lexus design language.


The Spindle Grille Era


The introduction of the spindle grille in 2013 marked a significant shift in Lexus' design philosophy. The new grille, with its distinctive hourglass shape and prominent chrome surround, was intended to give Lexus vehicles a more bold and distinctive appearance.


The spindle grille has since been adopted across the Lexus lineup, appearing on everything from the compact Lexus IS sedan to the large Lexus LX SUV. The design has been refined and tweaked over the years, but the overall spindle shape has remained a constant.


The Rationale Behind the Changes


Lexus' decision to overhaul its grille design in 2013 was driven by several factors:



  • Branding and Differentiation: The spindle grille was intended to give Lexus a more distinctive and recognizable visual identity, helping to set the brand apart from its competitors.

  • Design Language: The new grille design was part of a broader effort to establish a cohesive design language across the Lexus lineup, creating a more unified and premium-feeling brand experience.

  • Market Positioning: The bold, attention-grabbing spindle grille was seen as a way to help Lexus position itself as a more premium and aspirational luxury brand, particularly in markets like China where bold, distinctive design is highly valued.


The spindle grille has been a polarizing design, with some critics arguing that it is too aggressive or ostentatious. However, Lexus has remained committed to the design, and it has become a defining feature of the brand's vehicles.

When did the Lexus is change body style?


In 2008, the IS line received a facelift, and the suspension and steering were retuned for improved stability and control. After three years with only one body style, the IS returned with a second body style, this time as a coupé convertible, on 2 October 2008 when the IS 250 C debuted at the Paris Motor Show.



What is the most reliable Lexus ever made?


The LS400 will go down in history as one of Lexus' most reliable vehicles they ever sold. Some people have even driven one for over one million miles. While it may not have been Lexus' original intention to be one of the most reliable vehicles on the modern market, that's what ended up happening.



What IS the rarest Lexus?


Examples of this incredible car produced from the end of 2010. Till the end of production at the end of 2012. Making any LFA an incredibly rare car but for those of you who are paying.



What IS the Lexus grill called?


The best and worst spindle girls ever and predict where Lexus IS headed as they evolved the contentious spindle Grill lexus's 11-year reign as the best-selling luxury brand in the United States lasted



What was the first Lexus with the spindle grille?


LF-Gh concept
The spindle grille has been an unmistakeable Lexus feature since it was first revealed on the LF-Gh concept model of 2011, the basis for the fourth generation GS executive saloon that was launched the following year.



Why was the Lexus is discontinued?


Australian design rule changes to blame
Lexus Australia said the IS' demise is due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) – ADR 85/00 – for side impact protection.



What is the front grill of a car called?


A front grille, as opposed to side skirt and trunk grilles, is also known as a radiator grille. The name radiator grille is meant to signal its purpose of allowing cool air to flow inside the hood, cooling off many parts heated up by use and friction, but more specifically the vehicle's engine and radiator.



When did Lexus change the front grill?


2011
The trapezoid shape of the upper half of the grille was introduced that year with the GS model – part of Lexus's attempt to create an individual face for the brand. But it was actually the frontal treatment of the 2011 Lexus CT 200h that started the spindle design.



What year is Lexus to stay away from?


Lexus IS250 (2007-2012)
First up on the list is the second-generation IS250, which has earned a reputation as the Lexus model to absolutely avoid. The release of the IS250 saw a transition from a multi-point fuel injection system in the engine to a direct injection system instead.



Is Lexus changing the grill?


In the new battery-electric RZ, Lexus transitions from the "spindle grille" to the "spindle body." Look at BMW, for example. The new 7-Series sedan and X7 SUV incorporate rectangular versions of the traditional two-port grille so large that they seem like caricatures.


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.