Lexus Announces LF-1 Limitless Crossover Concept

Posted by Kevin on December 5th, 2017

Lexus has just released the first image of the LF-1 Limitless, a new crossover concept that will debut at the Detroit Auto Show. Click for the full high-resolution image:

Lexus LF-1 Concept

Here’s the full press release:

DETROIT – Dec. 5, 2017 – Lexus will reveal a striking new concept that reflects the next genre in luxury crossover vehicles. Created by the CALTY design studio in Southern California, the Lexus LF-1 Limitless is a flagship crossover that redefines the boundaries of luxury.

The Lexus LF-1 Limitless will be revealed at the Lexus Press Conference taking place at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

From the name alone, it’s clear the LF-1 Limitless is a significant vehicle for Lexus — the last concept to get a single character name was the LF-A supercar.

Let’s dig a little deeper into the photo, first by cranking up the brightness:

Lexus LF-1 Brighter

Here, we can see a tear-drop panoramic roof and a better idea of the vehicle’s scale — the rear doors and the slope of the rear window would suggest a size similar to the NX or RX. The rear trunk lid comes to a point, similar to the LC coupe.

Zoom up closer to the displays presumably embedded into the front seat headrests, and we get another surprise:

Lexus LF-1 Display

Squint and you can see what looks to be the overall profile of the LF-1 concept, complete with a massive hood and short front overhang. It appears that Lexus plans to release its first RWD crossover.

Even with just this small image, the LF-1 Limitless promises to add a new dimension to the Lexus lineup. How will it fit alongside the other crossovers? What’s going to be under the hood? Will it incorporate the design of the LS sedan and LC coupe? Sound off in the comments, let’s start speculating!

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Comments
bogglo
At this point in lexus SUV line up I agree with Krew, only a RWD would make sense to me.
Lexus Cohen
RWD Lexus crossover? I'm in, guess I'll stop drooling over the current RX FSport.
L
Finally an alternative to the X6, X4, GLE Coupe, GLC Coupe and Macan, which I potentially consider the best and most purposeful crossovers.
Joaquin Ruhi
Lightening up and zooming in on that teaser photo was..um...illuminating.

The tallish, chunky proportions of the original dark picture led me to believe I was looking at a teaser for an "RX coupe" on the GA-K (ES/RX large FWD) architecture. One look at the rear monitor side view picture promptly changed my mind. The short front overhang and generous gap between the front fender's rear edge and the forward most edges of the windshield and front door shout out GA-L quasi-front-mid-engined architecture.

It seems that interior screens prematurely or unexpectedly revealing unwanted styling clues are a thing now. Lamborghini's Urus SUV was prematurely revealed via such an interior monitor screen grab almost a week before its official reveal.

Another random question: if LF-1 Limitless is a smash hit and Lexus decides to add it to its product line, what badge would it wear? Would the current 3-row body-on-frame two-model lineup (GX and LX) give way to a single BOF entry, thus giving the GX or LX badge to this newcomer? Highly unlikely. The coupe styling implies a "C", while crossover calls for an "X". But CX or XC prefixes are out, given their being trademarked by Mazda and Volvo, respectively. SX? That might work, but a number of carmakers (Kia comes to mind) use that as a trim level. TX? Toyota/Lexus do own that one, but I'm not sure if it's live or dead at this point.
mikeavelli
Levi
Finally an alternative to the X6, X4, GLE Coupe, GLC Coupe and Macan, which I potentially consider the best and most purposeful crossovers.

SUVs (unibody) remain the most useless vehicles. And FWD crossovers are just as useless. Lifted RWD based AWD cars make alot of sense.
They said Flagship and its LF-1 so I'm thinking based off the LC/LS and to fight the upcoming Q8....
Gecko
mikeavelli
They said Flagship and its LF-1 so I'm thinking based off the LC/LS and to fight the upcoming Q8....
Great catch. At first glance I was thinking something like GLC Coupe or X4, but Lexus does not unintentionally use the word "flagship." With that considered, I have to assume we are going to see something along the lines of a Cayenne, X6, Q8 and GLE Coupe competitor.... finally. If this is a flagship vehicle, I think it's presumable that the first letter of it's name could be "L" once it hits production.

LS
LX
LC

Could "LT" be out of the question? With CT, that stood for "Touring"... Luxury Touring? I don't really like "LT" but just throwing it out there as a thought.

Regardless, I love where this is going.
C
  • C
    CIF
  • December 5, 2017
So....this is an RX-sized vehicle possibly going on GA-L? Interesting. I think it would have to be properly differentiated enough from the RX (as well as GX and LX) to be a viable production model. Also if we get a production model if this, would that mean the RX will never get a full F version? Hypothetically if this debuts on GA-L as a production model, then chances would be much higher than this would be getting an F version.

We already have a flagship Lexus SUV with the LX. If this is added as a production model, would Lexus further differentiate the LX as an off-road specialist, and this as an on-road performance flagship SUV? I wonder.
S
Gecko
Great catch. At first glance I was thinking something like GLC Coupe or X4, but Lexus does not unintentionally use the word "flagship." With that considered, I have to assume we are going to see something along the lines of a RR Sport, Cayenne, X6, Q8 and GLE Coupe competitor.... finally. If this is a flagship vehicle, I think it's presumable that the first letter of it's name could be "L" once it hits production.

LS
LX
LC

Could "LT" be out of the question? With CT, that stood for "Touring"... Luxury Touring? I don't really like "LT" but just throwing it out there as a thought.

Regardless, I love where this is going.
LF?

Seems like luxury version of LS/LC? If so, I think it would not compete with LX at all, except for maybe pricing? But in general, where LX sells well is where this LF would likely not sell at all.
OlFius
Finally, I have been waiting and hoping for this for along time.
Lexus will do it anyway, this real concept ! the 'flagship crossover' is the beginning of something new. :yum
Bring it on ! I am "enthusiast" !
meth.ix
I'm thinking a proper X5 competitor, RWD and more emphasis on performance with higher power figures.
OlFius
Oeps, that's a strange curve.View attachment 2659
N
Does the blue badge indicate that it's a hybrid? I really hope it is!
krew
Nouvel
Does the blue badge indicate that it's a hybrid? I really hope it is!
Forgot to mention this in my post -- good eye! Maybe the 500h powertrain?
N
krew
Forgot to mention this in my post -- good eye! Maybe the 500h powertrain?
Yes, I think you are right. And I think there are almost production ready vehicle already built and just waiting to be released. Same as with the LS following the LF-FC.
OlFius
And I do not believe that this Limitless Crossover concept is an SUV.
This is also a crossover for example ...
https://electrek.co/2017/10/24/nissan-all-electric-autonomous-crossover/
S
meth.ix
I'm thinking a proper X5 competitor, RWD and more emphasis on performance with higher power figures.
X5 is not a flagship by any means... it will be positioned higher.
S
OlFius
Oeps, that's a strange curve on the roof.View attachment 2659
seems like all glass roof that meets hatchback glass without any metal pieces and then a roof spoiler thats split in the middle to show that all glass roof.
Joaquin Ruhi
Nouvel
Does the blue badge indicate that it's a hybrid? I really hope it is!
Excellent catch! It most likely does.

In an off-forums conversation, Krew and I were pondering the meaning and significance of the Limitless badge on this particular concept. I'd figured it was simply an allusion to both on-road and off-road prowess. LX/Land Cruiser and F Sport or F all rolled into one, if you will. Krew, on the other hand, figured it had something to do with EVs or electrification. And I'm definitely coming around to this point of view. Describing a conventional hybrid or an EV with lithium-ion batteries as Limitless is a stretch, but a plug-in hybrid or something with the rumored breakthrough solid-state batteries would definitely deserve a Limitless badge.
M
A flagship RWD CUV? Quite a bold move! Let’s just hope they don’t take 5 years to go from concept to production model like with the LC. Lexus needs to get on the “Move Fast” culture of the tech world.
L
Shape reminds me Infiniti FX45 crossover.

LexusSteve
I've never been excited for a crossover... UNTIL NOW!

(Didn't see this coming from Lexus, I am genuinely surprised.)
W
spwolf
LF?

Seems like luxury version of LS/LC? If so, I think it would not compete with LX at all, except for maybe pricing? But in general, where LX sells well is where this LF would likely not sell at all.
Very interesting point. I wonder if, rather than making true ‘F’ versions of the SUVs and crossovers in the lineup, Lexus just decides to make one super-crossover and call it the LFX.
M
That's a possibility.

LFA = Halo Supercar
LFX = Halo Crossover/SUV (LF-1)
LFS = Halo Sedan (LS+ Production Model)
mikeavelli
Technically there is no real production flagship SUV Coupe. Just the forthcoming Audi Q8 concept. The X6 and GLS Coupe are not based off the X7 or GLS but the X5 and GLE.

If Lexus is hinting this as a flagship CUV Coupe, then I expect LS/LC based and a higher price-point than the Xg/GLS. They will have to position is very very strongly so there is no confusion.
maiaramdan
I'm 100% sure that this will meant to be the GX not the LX
The LX will remain body on frame
krew
More Thoughts on the Lexus LF-1 Limitless Flagship Crossover Concept

[​IMG]

Major analysis of minor details.
View the original article post
OlFius
krew
More Thoughts on the Lexus LF-1 Limitless Flagship Crossover Concept

[​IMG]


View the original article post
Hi Kevin,
this is also about the way I feel it.
If we read the press release, we see a number of important words: concept, flagship, crossover, LF-1.
A real concept, immediately the top-range model, a crossover (take a good look at the "easter egg", it's not an SUV but rather something new, like the Panamera).
The concept name is difficult to estimate, but if we assume that it is a new lineup, then I think: 'L?': The 'L' because it is a 'flagship' (LS, LC, LX, L?), And for the '?' an 'R' or 'V' could be best, I prefer the latter.
Joaquin Ruhi
Although I very much agree with the broad consensus that LF-1 Limitless badge hints at some sort of powertrain electrification, wouldn't a vehicle combining LX/Land Cruiser levels of off-road prowess with on-road handling capabilities of an F-Sport or even F Lexus be describable as Limitless?
L
Joaquin Ruhi
Although I very much agree with the broad consensus that the LF-1 Limitless badge hints at some sort of powertrain electrification, wouldn't a vehicle combining LX/Land Cruiser levels of off-road prowess with on-road handling capabilities worthy of an F-Sport or even F Lexus be describable as Limitless?
Something the new Lamborghini Urus claims to be?
Michael
Could this also hint for a next generation GX?

M