Lexus confirmed it will bring a new concept car at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show in January and already released a couple of teasers. While the first image showed the rear end of a crossover with thin headlamps and a sporty tailgate, the second video gives us a glimpse at the vehicle's front end. Described as a "flagship crossover," the LF-1 Limitless boasts an evolution of the company's current design language, sporting a huge "Spindle" grille and a very aggressive headlamps design. While still somewhat similar to the existing units due to the Z-shaped layout of the LED strips, the concept car also features orange lights that descend into the bumper, on the outer edges. It's a unique look and a clear hint that Lexus is using this concept car to introduce its next-generation design language.

Unfortunately, Lexus didn't reveal any details outside the name, but the "flagship" description could mean that the LF-1 Limitless preview the four-generation LX, the company's largest SUV. Based on the latest Toyota Land Cruiser, the third-gen LX is already ten years old as of 2017, with the latest update introduced in 2015. A complete redesign is necessary and likely to arrive in 2018, which leads me to believe that the concept car previews the new LX. The "L" in the "LF-1" name also suggests that we're dealing with a full-size SUV. The LF-1 Limitless will be unveiled on January 15, 2018, and we'll review the concept vehicle as soon as the official details are out.

The LX is one of Lexus' most important crossovers. It's been around since 1995 and went through two major redesigns until now. U.S. sales drop from almost 8,000 units in 2008 to less than 4,000 per year between 2009 and 2011, but the LX managed to move more than 5,000 examples a year in 2016 and 2017. It's definitely a good time to build on the momentum.

References

Read more Detroit Auto Show news.