Back in 2014, Toyota got us excited with the FT-1 concept, an aggressive-looking sports car that many believed it previewed the next-generation Supra. The spy shots suggest that the production model won't get that many styling cues from the radical concept, but the FT-1 remains the company's greatest flagship car to date. Four years have passed, and Lexus is using a similar nameplate, now revised to LF-1, to showcase its own future flagship vehicle. But unlike its parent company, Lexus wants its range-topping luxury model to be a crossover. Meet the LF-1 Limitless, Lexus' idea for a new genre of luxury vehicle: the flagship crossover.
Unveiled at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, the LF-1 Limitless preview a brand-new niche in the premium market. Or at least that's what Lexus claims. Just like it established the luxury crossover segment with the RX 300 some two decades ago, the Japanese firm thinks it could invent a new class with the LF-1, the flagship crossover. Yes, it sounds a bit confusing, mainly because "flagship" is usually associated with the largest vehicle in a lineup, so the LF-1 would make more sense as a model placed above the LX, but hey, it's the 21st century and rules have changed. Actually, the current automotive market no longer works by the book, so it's not as awkward as it seems at first glance.
But it's all PR talk so far, as Lexus hasn't confirmed actual production plans for the LF-1. But this crossover looks gorgeous, and it's packed with the company's latest technology. Let's have a closer look below.
Continue reading to learn more about the Lexus LF-1 Limitless.
2018 Lexus LF-1 Limitless
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- Model: 2018 Lexus LF-1 Limitless
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Exterior
"Like molten metal being forged into a fine Japanese sword, the lines of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept have the potential to shape the future of a flagship luxury crossover for Lexus," that's how the Japanese carmaker described the crossover. Quite fancy, huh? Well, I'm not a big fan of fancy PR talk, but I'm so impressed with the LF-1's design that I'm going to let Lexus get away with this one.
Just look at it. It has the ride height of an SUV, the width of race car, the roof of a coupe, and the overall stance of a full-fledged sports car. It's athletic and muscular, it has a powerful appearance no matter the angle, and it blends performance and practicality. If this is the future of luxury SUVs, sign me up!
The front fascia is somewhat familiar, with the "spindle" grille being the core element of the front end design, just like on all production Lexus models. But the grille is far from regular. Featuring a three-dimensional design with colors developed in-house by CALTY, its ridges are radiating away from the central emblem, suggesting magnetism guiding metal filings into shape. Interestingly enough, there's not an inch of chrome on the mesh of the frame, but the grille still looks as imposing as they get. It's the LED lighting around the grille that sets it apart! It lights up to greet the driver on arrival, and it's a feature we might see on production models soon.
The headlamps are thin and sharp, with two separate LED stripes extending toward the fender and into the bumper, respectively. The muscular hood rounds off the powerful appearance. The profile is a mix of clean and sculpted surfaces. While the front fender line extends from the hood all the way to the bottom of the C pillar without changing direction, the side skirts and the rear fenders have a more organic look with deep creases and sharp lines.
Around back, the thin taillights that seem to float over the rear fenders meet in a slender stripe that runs across the tailgate. The latter includes a split spoiler and a glass section that extends above the rear seats. Below we can see a big diffuser with a Formula One-style red light in the middle and big vents at the corners. Shaped like large exhaust pipes, these vents are actually functional, channeling the air coming past the rear wheels. That's a big deal now with all production models featuring fake vents in the rear bumper.
Interior
Much like the exterior, the interior is a work of art. The layout is clean and simple, but the craftsmanship is top notch. The detailing is tasteful, and everything seems to be in the right place.
The dashboard sports a multi-tier design. There's a main element covered in white leather, a big screen in the background, shiny trim on the center stack, and a black lower section. The instrument cluster sits high behind the steering wheel, just like in a race car. The cockpit was designed to allow the driver to concentrate on driving the car, so all analog knobs and buttons seen in regular cars have been removed in favor of motion-activated controls. An additional touchscreen is placed in the center stack, but the infotainment display was moved in front of the windshield, just like a head-up display.
The center stack and center console wrap around the driver seat, with the champagne-colored trim emphasizing that effect. The steering wheel has controls on all three spokes, enabling the driver to use all features without having to look at the dashboard. The "park" and "reverse" functions can also be activated from here.
The metallic trim matches the exterior color and adds a pleasant contrast to the dark Cocoa Bean leather on the center console and door panels and the Chiffon White perforated leather on the seats. The individual seats in the rear are identical to those in the front for similar comfort and enhanced legroom. Rear-seat passengers have access to an individual display screen for adjusting climate control and entertainment options.
The LF-1 is also equipped with Chauffeur mode, which allows for hands-free operation thanks to the vehicle's by-wire steering, braking, acceleration, lights and signals. Yes, it's similar to Tesla's Autopilot system and not yet available in production models.
The tech package also includes a four-dimensional navigation system which adds the element of time. It acts as a concierge for the occupants by anticipating the needs of the driver and passengers based on the progress, traffic and road conditions along the programmed trip, suggesting fuel stops, rest breaks and restaurants. It can even make hotel reservations. Navigation and route information can be displayed on passenger tablets and smartphones using the car's wireless system.
Well, it's a concept car, so I'm not surprised that Lexus debuted so many new technologies with it.
Drivetrain
Lexus left the drivetrain section open for the guessing game, saying that the possibilities are limitless and could include "fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, or even all-electric" drivetrain. A V-8 engine in this crossover would be great news for the gearhead in me, but I'm well aware that this won't be an option when this vehicle goes into production. Lexus is already dropping V-8 engines in favor of smaller, twin-turbo V-6 powerplants and it's already a fact that by around 2025, every Lexus model will be available either as an electrified model or will have a hybrid option.
But this isn't necessarily bad news. Electric motor and battery technologies have come a long way, and they can now deliver solid performance. So an all-electric or hybrid LF-1 could be just as good as a V-8 model. Heck, Tesla also delivers incredible performance with the Model X, and I don't see why Lexus won't be able to do the same five years from now. The really big news here is that the concept crossover rides on a rear-wheel drive chassis. AWD would be nice as an option, but I'd take RWD over it any day of the week.
Conclusion
The LF-1 Limited was my favorite concept vehicle from the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. And I have to point out that I'm not a big fan of crossovers. This vehicle just seems perfect. It has the sporty design of a fastback sedan, the increased ride height of an SUV, and all the technology you could want in a modern vehicle. Sure, it doesn't have a specific drivetrain, and it won't go into production in this form anytime soon (or never?), but it previews a bright future for Lexus. And while it may seem a bit wild design-wise, the gap between the LF-1 concept and Lexus' current production models isn't that big. It's actually very doable a couple of years from now. It just needs a cool interior and a powerful drivetrain, be it hybrid of fully electric. Okay, Lexus, where and when can I sign up for the LF-1?
References
There's Space For The Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept in the Lexus Lineup
The Lexus LF-1 Limitless Is the Ultimate Luxury Crossover
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