The history and future of Lexus' most controversial design feature

The much-talked-about Lexus Spindle Grille made its debut way back in 2011 at the New York Auto Show. And ever since the covers were pulled off the LF-Gh Concept, the spindle has gone through many different shapes and sizes, and, we might add, with various degrees of success. What works well on the sporty LC coupe or IS sedan never worked as well on rough-and-tumble utility vehicles like the GX and LX SUVs. One general spindle shape can go from chrome-laden and distinctive to Predator-shaped and garish with a few clicks of an enlargement button.

In September of 2022, Lexus celebrated 10 years of its trademarked spindle as it readied the release of the latest RX crossover and first-ever RZ electric vehicle. At the time, Lexus explained that it was morphing away from the Spindle Grille in favor of what it called the Spindle Body. Said a press release, "the grille is reinterpreted as a seamless unit that flows into the bodywork." The design-speak continued, "The lower section retains a mesh pattern, while the upper section takes in the lower edge of the bonnet; the Lexus emblems sits at the centre of the spindle’s high pinch-point."