Lexus Enthusiast Live at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show

Posted by Kevin on January 15th, 2018

The Detroit Auto Show opens today, and Lexus Enthusiast is here to bring you all the latest news from the show floor.

The centerpiece of the Lexus display this year is the LF-1 Limitless crossover concept, which will debut bright and early at 8:35pm ET/5:35am PT. Lexus will be live steaming the reveal, and you can watch it here:

For live coverage, we recommend following the Lexus News Live Twitter account, Instagram, and Facebook. All tweets will also appear below for easy reading.


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krew
Photo Gallery: The Lexus LF-1 Limitless Crossover Concept

[​IMG]

64 photos in total.
View the original article post
Andyl
Truly amazing concept vehicle from Lexus. Looks great and futuristic. Some of the elements used in the interior look promising and provide some tangible benefits.

For example, the steering wheel has auto/P/R nearby as well as indicator of the drive mode along the rim of the steering wheel.

The details of the the steering wheel makes people think it is quite near to production ready, at least in terms of the exterior form factor.
Andyl
Truly amazing concept vehicle from Lexus. Looks great and futuristic. Some of the elements used in the interior look promising and provide some tangible benefits.

For example, the steering wheel has auto/P/R nearby as well as indicator of the drive mode along the rim of the steering wheel.

The details of the the steering wheel makes people think it is quite near to production ready, at least in terms of the exterior form factor.
R
The proportions are classic and certainly a first for a crossover - a long hood cab back styling ending with a sloping rear.
R
The proportions are classic and certainly a first for a crossover - a long hood cab back styling ending with a sloping rear.
Gecko
supra93
The front is a little over kill IMO. Everything else looks good tho.
This is how I feel as well. Since 2005, we've seen many iterations and evolutions of L-Finesse and overall, I am happy with Lexus' progress. I think that the LC and LS are proof that the company is now hitting it's stride and the best is ahead of us.

One area for improvement IMO remains the front end - not the spindle itself, but the overall integration of grill, bumpers, headlights and sheetmetal. The LC is the only one that really nails it for me: it's clean, simple and beautifully matches the rest of the car (which is also clean, aggressive, elegant and futuristic). The LS is 80% of the way there for me... it's strange how the main grill has the 3D mesh, but the two side air inlets on either side just have horizontal slats. It doesn't match. In addition, on either side of the indentation point on the grill, there are unnecessary body lines that should have been just smoothed into the grill surround, like the LF-FC. What I really like about the LF-FC is how simple but aggressive and elegant the front end was... production LS is just not "there."

Looking at the LF-1, I see another instance where the overall design is clean, organic, elegant and futuristic, but the front end looks designed for a different vehicle entirely. I know it's just a concept and every OEM takes design cues to the extreme on concept vehicles, but I really hope Lexus has a fitting front end in the works for when the LF-1 hits production.
Gecko
supra93
The front is a little over kill IMO. Everything else looks good tho.
This is how I feel as well. Since 2005, we've seen many iterations and evolutions of L-Finesse and overall, I am happy with Lexus' progress. I think that the LC and LS are proof that the company is now hitting it's stride and the best is ahead of us.

One area for improvement IMO remains the front end - not the spindle itself, but the overall integration of grill, bumpers, headlights and sheetmetal. The LC is the only one that really nails it for me: it's clean, simple and beautifully matches the rest of the car (which is also clean, aggressive, elegant and futuristic). The LS is 80% of the way there for me... it's strange how the main grill has the 3D mesh, but the two side air inlets on either side just have horizontal slats. It doesn't match. In addition, on either side of the indentation point on the grill, there are unnecessary body lines that should have been just smoothed into the grill surround, like the LF-FC. What I really like about the LF-FC is how simple but aggressive and elegant the front end was... production LS is just not "there."

Looking at the LF-1, I see another instance where the overall design is clean, organic, elegant and futuristic, but the front end looks designed for a different vehicle entirely. I know it's just a concept and every OEM takes design cues to the extreme on concept vehicles, but I really hope Lexus has a fitting front end in the works for when the LF-1 hits production.
krew
Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Making of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept

[​IMG]

A visit to the Calty design studio in California.
View the original article post
krew
Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Making of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept

[​IMG]

A visit to the Calty design studio in California.
View the original article post
Gecko
[​IMG]

Production(ish) on the left, concept on the right?
Gecko
[​IMG]

Production(ish) on the left, concept on the right?
S
  • S
    senar
  • January 16, 2018
If true, it looks like the production headlights and grill will be similar to current spindle grill designs. The hood crease also looks less aggressive (more sloped) and I'm guessing the black two tone line will be gone. Overall, I like the exterior design and hopes it reaches production quickly as a 2020 or 2021 model. I'm certainly ready to buy.

Things on my wish list are side view and rear view cameras. It would be nice if they kept the side view cameras/screens in addition to traditional mirrors for regulatory purposes. After trying out Honda's LaneWatch camera system, I much prefer the wide angle view (encompassing blind spot) that a camera can provide versus a traditional side mirror. Having a combo rear-view mirror/camera like Cadillac is also something I desperately wish Lexus would copy, especially in a big SUV with reduced rear visibility.

On the powertrain side, a hybrid with solid state batteries (if ready) and somewhere along the lines of 40+ mpg combined would be my wish. I would actually prefer a PHEV or BEV, but I doubt Lexus will have something ready within the next few years. The multi-stage hybrid system in the LS/LC sounds like an advancement in driving dynamics, but mpg in the 20s is still a bit low for my tastes.
S
  • S
    senar
  • January 16, 2018
If true, it looks like the production headlights and grill will be similar to current spindle grill designs. The hood crease also looks less aggressive (more sloped) and I'm guessing the black two tone line will be gone. Overall, I like the exterior design and hopes it reaches production quickly as a 2020 or 2021 model. I'm certainly ready to buy.

Things on my wish list are side view and rear view cameras. It would be nice if they kept the side view cameras/screens in addition to traditional mirrors for regulatory purposes. After trying out Honda's LaneWatch camera system, I much prefer the wide angle view (encompassing blind spot) that a camera can provide versus a traditional side mirror. Having a combo rear-view mirror/camera like Cadillac is also something I desperately wish Lexus would copy, especially in a big SUV with reduced rear visibility.

On the powertrain side, a hybrid with solid state batteries (if ready) and somewhere along the lines of 40+ mpg combined would be my wish. I would actually prefer a PHEV or BEV, but I doubt Lexus will have something ready within the next few years. The multi-stage hybrid system in the LS/LC sounds like an advancement in driving dynamics, but mpg in the 20s is still a bit low for my tastes.
Gecko
renyeo
Lexus needs to catch up with or surpass Mercedes-Benz in cabin quality - it’s a pity the Japanese luxury brand is ill-afford to introduce more expensive trimmings onto its cars.
Curious how you qualify this? I will give you that C, GLC and E are nicer inside than IS, NX and GS, but RX is nicer than GLE and the LX is worlds above the GLS. LC is incredible and has been universally lauded, and I don't know if Mercedes has a model to match it. I haven't been inside the LS 500 yet, but it looks to be just as nice as the S Class if not a bit nicer (I do not like the design of the S Class cockpit, but have found the materials to be very nice). Mercedes lineup is overall newer than Lexus' but I think Lexus' recent efforts are on-par or better than Mercedes.
Gecko
renyeo
Lexus needs to catch up with or surpass Mercedes-Benz in cabin quality - it’s a pity the Japanese luxury brand is ill-afford to introduce more expensive trimmings onto its cars.
Curious how you qualify this? I will give you that C, GLC and E are nicer inside than IS, NX and GS, but RX is nicer than GLE and the LX is worlds above the GLS. LC is incredible and has been universally lauded, and I don't know if Mercedes has a model to match it. I haven't been inside the LS 500 yet, but it looks to be just as nice as the S Class if not a bit nicer (I do not like the design of the S Class cockpit, but have found the materials to be very nice). Mercedes lineup is overall newer than Lexus' but I think Lexus' recent efforts are on-par or better than Mercedes.
T
I know this is a lexus lover's website, and I too love lexus...but that thing is horrendous. I thought i'd save my first post to when I finally get my hands on a IS 300 f sport...but that thing burns my eyes...the interior is nice though.
T
I know this is a lexus lover's website, and I too love lexus...but that thing is horrendous. I thought i'd save my first post to when I finally get my hands on a IS 300 f sport...but that thing burns my eyes...the interior is nice though.
mikeavelli
Posting a rendering of a modified one shortly with VIP Auto Salon... I wasn't head over heels but with some touches what a gorgous design....

I have more issues with the Avalon grill than this one. I assume being a concept they really went overboard with it.....What I do like is they are sticking with the spindle grill which is a fantastic trademark front end for Lexus. Even if one hates it, the vehicles are recognizable as a Lexus.
mikeavelli
Posting a rendering of a modified one shortly with VIP Auto Salon... I wasn't head over heels but with some touches what a gorgous design....

I have more issues with the Avalon grill than this one. I assume being a concept they really went overboard with it.....What I do like is they are sticking with the spindle grill which is a fantastic trademark front end for Lexus. Even if one hates it, the vehicles are recognizable as a Lexus.
L
mikeavelli
Posting a rendering of a modified one shortly with VIP Auto Salon... I wasn't head over heels but with some touches what a gorgous design....

I have more issues with the Avalon grill than this one. I assume being a concept they really went overboard with it.....What I do like is they are sticking with the spindle grill which is a fantastic trademark front end for Lexus. Even if one hates it, the vehicles are recognizable as a Lexus.
I think I am starting to miss the understated luxury apsect of previous Lexus. Now every car has a recognizable front, all have the same gaping hole, be it Audi, Mercedes, Hyundai, or whatever I can think of, be it a luxury brand or mainstream brand. Even BMW is now getting a huge kidney grill.

#smallgrill
L
mikeavelli
Posting a rendering of a modified one shortly with VIP Auto Salon... I wasn't head over heels but with some touches what a gorgous design....

I have more issues with the Avalon grill than this one. I assume being a concept they really went overboard with it.....What I do like is they are sticking with the spindle grill which is a fantastic trademark front end for Lexus. Even if one hates it, the vehicles are recognizable as a Lexus.
I think I am starting to miss the understated luxury apsect of previous Lexus. Now every car has a recognizable front, all have the same gaping hole, be it Audi, Mercedes, Hyundai, or whatever I can think of, be it a luxury brand or mainstream brand. Even BMW is now getting a huge kidney grill.

#smallgrill
S
  • S
    senar
  • January 17, 2018
mikeavelli
Posting a rendering of a modified one shortly with VIP Auto Salon... I wasn't head over heels but with some touches what a gorgous design....

I have more issues with the Avalon grill than this one. I assume being a concept they really went overboard with it.....What I do like is they are sticking with the spindle grill which is a fantastic trademark front end for Lexus. Even if one hates it, the vehicles are recognizable as a Lexus.
I hope the production model retains the more classic LS/LC grill. The concept grill reminds me a bit of the LF-SA grill, which I don't care for as much. I agree, the Avalon grill looks totally out of place on that car though.
S
  • S
    senar
  • January 17, 2018
mikeavelli
Posting a rendering of a modified one shortly with VIP Auto Salon... I wasn't head over heels but with some touches what a gorgous design....

I have more issues with the Avalon grill than this one. I assume being a concept they really went overboard with it.....What I do like is they are sticking with the spindle grill which is a fantastic trademark front end for Lexus. Even if one hates it, the vehicles are recognizable as a Lexus.
I hope the production model retains the more classic LS/LC grill. The concept grill reminds me a bit of the LF-SA grill, which I don't care for as much. I agree, the Avalon grill looks totally out of place on that car though.
mikeavelli
Levi
I think I am starting to miss the understated luxury apsect of previous Lexus. Now every car has a recognizable front, all have the same gaping hole, be it Audi, Mercedes, Hyundai, or whatever I can think of, be it a luxury brand or mainstream brand. Even BMW is now getting a huge kidney grill.

#smallgrill
Recently what opened my eyes was having my son and influencing him into cars. He is 3 years old. In the past few months he has stunned me naming vehicles I never taught him. The other day a basic BMW X5 in silver drives by and he says "its a BMW". The only X5 I might have ever showed him was a X5 M briefly. It showed me the power of design cues. The badge is too small to see at this point so even at 3, he has figured out what brand is what brand just by seeing similar design cues. This will last most of his life. Ironically we can relate this to most adults because most of the buying public cannot tell cars apart and if they can tell them apart they don't know the brand without seeing a badge.

The 2001 or so MMC was a great update to the ES..sadly though I remember how the #1 thing detractors would say is "looks just like a Camry". And not to instigate but this was happening at the time...



Now obviously the new Camry has a big grill like a Lexus but its less confusing and the two don't look nearly as similar.
mikeavelli
Levi
I think I am starting to miss the understated luxury apsect of previous Lexus. Now every car has a recognizable front, all have the same gaping hole, be it Audi, Mercedes, Hyundai, or whatever I can think of, be it a luxury brand or mainstream brand. Even BMW is now getting a huge kidney grill.

#smallgrill
Recently what opened my eyes was having my son and influencing him into cars. He is 3 years old. In the past few months he has stunned me naming vehicles I never taught him. The other day a basic BMW X5 in silver drives by and he says "its a BMW". The only X5 I might have ever showed him was a X5 M briefly. It showed me the power of design cues. The badge is too small to see at this point so even at 3, he has figured out what brand is what brand just by seeing similar design cues. This will last most of his life. Ironically we can relate this to most adults because most of the buying public cannot tell cars apart and if they can tell them apart they don't know the brand without seeing a badge.

The 2001 or so MMC was a great update to the ES..sadly though I remember how the #1 thing detractors would say is "looks just like a Camry". And not to instigate but this was happening at the time...



Now obviously the new Camry has a big grill like a Lexus but its less confusing and the two don't look nearly as similar.
krew
Even more than the way the LF-1 looks, I feel that the concept is perfectly Lexus.

I know that the timing is off -- the LF-1 should probably already be in the lineup as a production model. And yet, this is exactly how the NX played out. Remember how long we waited to even see the LF-NX concept? I was writing about Lexus making a RAV4 subcompact crossover ten years ago.
krew
Even more than the way the LF-1 looks, I feel that the concept is perfectly Lexus.

I know that the timing is off -- the LF-1 should probably already be in the lineup as a production model. And yet, this is exactly how the NX played out. Remember how long we waited to even see the LF-NX concept? I was writing about Lexus making a RAV4 subcompact crossover ten years ago.
mikeavelli
krew
Even more than the way the LF-1 looks, I feel that the concept is perfectly Lexus.

I know that the timing is off -- the LF-1 should probably already be in the lineup as a production model. And yet, this is exactly how the NX played out. Remember how long we waited to even see the LF-NX concept? I was writing about Lexus making a RAV4 subcompact crossover ten years ago.
Crazy to think now the X1 and X2 slot below the X3 now. So much has changed in ten years!

I do think this LF-1 is a bit ahead for a change. There really isn't a true flagship coupe SUV. I assume the Q8 will beat this out to production. The other Germans are mid class based. The Cayenne wouldn't be a true competitor as its roomier.
S
  • S
    senar
  • January 17, 2018
krew
Even more than the way the LF-1 looks, I feel that the concept is perfectly Lexus.

I know that the timing is off -- the LF-1 should probably already be in the lineup as a production model. And yet, this is exactly how the NX played out. Remember how long we waited to even see the LF-NX concept? I was writing about Lexus making a RAV4 subcompact crossover ten years ago.
It seems the LF-NX concept was unveiled in September 2013 and went into production August 2014 so there's still a glimmer of hope the LF-1 will be released next year as a 2020 model. The demand will certainly be there like the NX.
S
  • S
    senar
  • January 17, 2018
mikeavelli
Crazy to think now the X1 and X2 slot below the X3 now. So much has changed in ten years!

I do think this LF-1 is a bit ahead for a change. There really isn't a true flagship coupe SUV. I assume the Q8 will beat this out to production. The other Germans are mid class based. The Cayenne wouldn't be a true competitor as its roomier.
I'm also glad they decided not to give the LF-1 a sloping coupe SUV roofline like the GLE or X6.

Do you mean the Cayenne is roomier or the LF-1? I see the 2018 Cayenne dimensions as 191.1" L x 78.7" W x 67.4" H + 114" wheelbase while the LF-1 is 197.4" L x 78.2" W x 63.2" H + 117.1" wheelbase. The LF-1 is longer, but not as tall so interior room may be close.

S