Lexus LF-1 Production Crossover to Debut in 2020?

Now that Toyota (through Lexus) will have a luxury crossover and Toyota is doing quite well with non luxury crossovers, I can't wait to see what they will do with the next Land Cruiser, and hope that this Lexus crossover will allow the Land Cruiser to be an even better off-road car (powerful, solid, reliable, 'simple'), as it will no more have to compete with others for road handling. IFS and IRS with three lockers would be really nice on the new Land Cruiser. The same aged Pajero is a very modern yet capable car (IFS and IRS, unibody, 2WD and 4WD and two lockers, low range). It is really sad how the market for real off-roaders got replaced by fake crossovers. Imagine if all women had fake...

Now that Toyota (through Lexus) will have a luxury crossover and Toyota is doing quite well with non luxury crossovers, I can't wait to see what they will do with the next Land Cruiser, and hope that this Lexus crossover will allow the Land Cruiser to be an even better off-road car (powerful, solid, reliable, 'simple'), as it will no more have to compete with others for road handling. IFS and IRS with three lockers would be really nice on the new Land Cruiser. The same aged Pajero is a very modern yet capable car (IFS and IRS, unibody, 2WD and 4WD and two lockers, low range). It is really sad how the market for real off-roaders got replaced by fake crossovers. Imagine if all women had fake...

Now that Toyota (through Lexus) will have a luxury crossover and Toyota is doing quite well with non luxury crossovers, I can't wait to see what they will do with the next Land Cruiser, and hope that this Lexus crossover will allow the Land Cruiser to be an even better off-road car (powerful, solid, reliable, 'simple'), as it will no more have to compete with others for road handling. IFS and IRS with three lockers would be really nice on the new Land Cruiser. The same aged Pajero is a very modern yet capable car (IFS and IRS, unibody, 2WD and 4WD and two lockers, low range). It is really sad how the market for real off-roaders got replaced by fake crossovers. Imagine if all women had fake...

Joaquin Ruhi

This photo from the Motor Trend article suggests it might. Champagne Titanium, anyone?





Bingo! Give the man a prize! Another photo from the Motor Trend LF-1 article includes comparisons to its RX and NX FWD-centric crossover siblings, the Jaguar F-Pace... and the Maserati Levante. :D Notably, nary a mention of the Germans...

A random thought: If LF-(chronological number) (Blank)less becomes the new naming protocol for Lexus concepts, will LF-1 Limitless be followed by LF-2 Boundless and LF-3 Peerless?

Good eye! So based on that picture, next genre means a lineup of lifted wagons starting with the flagship LW-500? ;)

Joaquin Ruhi

This photo from the Motor Trend article suggests it might. Champagne Titanium, anyone?





Bingo! Give the man a prize! Another photo from the Motor Trend LF-1 article includes comparisons to its RX and NX FWD-centric crossover siblings, the Jaguar F-Pace... and the Maserati Levante. :D Notably, nary a mention of the Germans...

A random thought: If LF-(chronological number) (Blank)less becomes the new naming protocol for Lexus concepts, will LF-1 Limitless be followed by LF-2 Boundless and LF-3 Peerless?

Good eye! So based on that picture, next genre means a lineup of lifted wagons starting with the flagship LW-500? ;)

Joaquin Ruhi

This photo from the Motor Trend article suggests it might. Champagne Titanium, anyone?





Bingo! Give the man a prize! Another photo from the Motor Trend LF-1 article includes comparisons to its RX and NX FWD-centric crossover siblings, the Jaguar F-Pace... and the Maserati Levante. :D Notably, nary a mention of the Germans...

A random thought: If LF-(chronological number) (Blank)less becomes the new naming protocol for Lexus concepts, will LF-1 Limitless be followed by LF-2 Boundless and LF-3 Peerless?

Good eye! So based on that picture, next genre means a lineup of lifted wagons starting with the flagship LW-500? ;)

http://www.autonews.com/article/20180127/OEM03/180129788/lexus-may-ride-lf-1-to-higher-ground

Lexus may ride LF-1 to higher ground

DETROIT — The LF-LC sports car concept Lexus unveiled at the 2012 Detroit auto show was mostly a styling exercise. Reaction was so positive that the concept made it to production as the stunning LC 500 halo coupe that went on sale last year.

At the introduction of the LF-1 Limitless crossover concept at this year's Detroit show, Lexus' U.S. team wasn't waiting for audience input to push for headquarters to send a production version — immediately, if not sooner.

"Sawa-san," Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken said — addressing Yoshihiro Sawa, president of Lexus International — during the concept's debut, "we have to build this vehicle."

Bracken's eagerness to add an exotically designed "flagship crossover" at the top of Lexus' lineup signals the direction he'd like to take the brand as it slips farther from the luxury sales crown it owned for more than a decade. Rather than follow Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Jaguar into less-expensive, entry-luxury territory to boost sales volumes, he aims to stake out more ground in the upper tiers of luxury, where Lexus has only a thin presence.

It's a logical progression from the LC 500 flagship coupe, which can easily crack $100,000, and the redesigned LS flagship sedan that goes on sale next month at a starting price of nearly $76,000 with shipping.

"If you think about where so much of our volume comes from, it's more in the $35,000-to-$55,000 range," Bracken told Automotive News. "And so that higher-end market in the luxury industry has been ... an area where we haven't been in as much as we'd like to be in."

The LF-1, should it be made, "could be another halo product for us, not only from a standpoint of styling but price positioning," Bracken said on the sidelines of the Detroit auto show.

That doesn't mean Lexus has given up on its quest for sales growth. But the priority will remain on brand image, dealer throughput and the customer experience, Bracken said.

German competitors each have a hundred more U.S. dealerships than Lexus and are pushing into price tiers where Lexus won't go, lest it encroach on its full-line partner, Toyota.

If German brands "dip below $30,000 MSRP or even transaction price, there's a lot of volume there," Bracken said. "And since our strategy is not to go below $30,000, it just makes it a more competitive environment in the luxury industry as we try and fill more premium gaps."

Lexus cut its entry-level hybrid, the CT hatchback, in the U.S. last year as volume dwindled. To take its place, Lexus is developing a small crossover based on the UX Concept vehicle, although Bracken wouldn't give any details.

Lexus also finally introduced a three-row version of its best-selling RX midsize crossover in November. The RXL now trickling out to dealers should add around 15,000 in new sales this year, Bracken said.

With 71.7 percent of Lexus' product mix going to crossovers and SUVs in December, investing in a production version of the LF-1 could be a needed pivot upmarket as the brand matures, analysts said.

"They need to stretch the brand in this direction, and the LC 500 was a great first step," said Karl Brauer, a senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book. "The LF-1 Limitless would be a great follow-up, particularly because as beautiful as the LC 500 is, it has a big flaw: It's a car."

If Lexus wants to steal some real volume from rivals, it needs a crossover in that space, he said.

While the LF-1 is designed around the LS sedan platform, Brauer sees it conceptually as more of an extension of the LC 500, given its styling cues.

Kevin Hunter, president of Toyota's in-house Calty Design Research arm, said the LF-1's break from current Lexus styling toward a more liquid, exotic look eventually could trickle down to other segments.

"One of our key terms at Lexus right now is 'brave design,' " Hunter said at the Detroit show. "We want to take chances."

http://www.autonews.com/article/20180127/OEM03/180129788/lexus-may-ride-lf-1-to-higher-ground

Lexus may ride LF-1 to higher ground

DETROIT — The LF-LC sports car concept Lexus unveiled at the 2012 Detroit auto show was mostly a styling exercise. Reaction was so positive that the concept made it to production as the stunning LC 500 halo coupe that went on sale last year.

At the introduction of the LF-1 Limitless crossover concept at this year's Detroit show, Lexus' U.S. team wasn't waiting for audience input to push for headquarters to send a production version — immediately, if not sooner.

"Sawa-san," Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken said — addressing Yoshihiro Sawa, president of Lexus International — during the concept's debut, "we have to build this vehicle."

Bracken's eagerness to add an exotically designed "flagship crossover" at the top of Lexus' lineup signals the direction he'd like to take the brand as it slips farther from the luxury sales crown it owned for more than a decade. Rather than follow Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Jaguar into less-expensive, entry-luxury territory to boost sales volumes, he aims to stake out more ground in the upper tiers of luxury, where Lexus has only a thin presence.

It's a logical progression from the LC 500 flagship coupe, which can easily crack $100,000, and the redesigned LS flagship sedan that goes on sale next month at a starting price of nearly $76,000 with shipping.

"If you think about where so much of our volume comes from, it's more in the $35,000-to-$55,000 range," Bracken told Automotive News. "And so that higher-end market in the luxury industry has been ... an area where we haven't been in as much as we'd like to be in."

The LF-1, should it be made, "could be another halo product for us, not only from a standpoint of styling but price positioning," Bracken said on the sidelines of the Detroit auto show.

That doesn't mean Lexus has given up on its quest for sales growth. But the priority will remain on brand image, dealer throughput and the customer experience, Bracken said.

German competitors each have a hundred more U.S. dealerships than Lexus and are pushing into price tiers where Lexus won't go, lest it encroach on its full-line partner, Toyota.

If German brands "dip below $30,000 MSRP or even transaction price, there's a lot of volume there," Bracken said. "And since our strategy is not to go below $30,000, it just makes it a more competitive environment in the luxury industry as we try and fill more premium gaps."

Lexus cut its entry-level hybrid, the CT hatchback, in the U.S. last year as volume dwindled. To take its place, Lexus is developing a small crossover based on the UX Concept vehicle, although Bracken wouldn't give any details.

Lexus also finally introduced a three-row version of its best-selling RX midsize crossover in November. The RXL now trickling out to dealers should add around 15,000 in new sales this year, Bracken said.

With 71.7 percent of Lexus' product mix going to crossovers and SUVs in December, investing in a production version of the LF-1 could be a needed pivot upmarket as the brand matures, analysts said.

"They need to stretch the brand in this direction, and the LC 500 was a great first step," said Karl Brauer, a senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book. "The LF-1 Limitless would be a great follow-up, particularly because as beautiful as the LC 500 is, it has a big flaw: It's a car."

If Lexus wants to steal some real volume from rivals, it needs a crossover in that space, he said.

While the LF-1 is designed around the LS sedan platform, Brauer sees it conceptually as more of an extension of the LC 500, given its styling cues.

Kevin Hunter, president of Toyota's in-house Calty Design Research arm, said the LF-1's break from current Lexus styling toward a more liquid, exotic look eventually could trickle down to other segments.

"One of our key terms at Lexus right now is 'brave design,' " Hunter said at the Detroit show. "We want to take chances."

http://www.autonews.com/article/20180127/OEM03/180129788/lexus-may-ride-lf-1-to-higher-ground

Lexus may ride LF-1 to higher ground

DETROIT — The LF-LC sports car concept Lexus unveiled at the 2012 Detroit auto show was mostly a styling exercise. Reaction was so positive that the concept made it to production as the stunning LC 500 halo coupe that went on sale last year.

At the introduction of the LF-1 Limitless crossover concept at this year's Detroit show, Lexus' U.S. team wasn't waiting for audience input to push for headquarters to send a production version — immediately, if not sooner.

"Sawa-san," Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken said — addressing Yoshihiro Sawa, president of Lexus International — during the concept's debut, "we have to build this vehicle."

Bracken's eagerness to add an exotically designed "flagship crossover" at the top of Lexus' lineup signals the direction he'd like to take the brand as it slips farther from the luxury sales crown it owned for more than a decade. Rather than follow Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Jaguar into less-expensive, entry-luxury territory to boost sales volumes, he aims to stake out more ground in the upper tiers of luxury, where Lexus has only a thin presence.

It's a logical progression from the LC 500 flagship coupe, which can easily crack $100,000, and the redesigned LS flagship sedan that goes on sale next month at a starting price of nearly $76,000 with shipping.

"If you think about where so much of our volume comes from, it's more in the $35,000-to-$55,000 range," Bracken told Automotive News. "And so that higher-end market in the luxury industry has been ... an area where we haven't been in as much as we'd like to be in."

The LF-1, should it be made, "could be another halo product for us, not only from a standpoint of styling but price positioning," Bracken said on the sidelines of the Detroit auto show.

That doesn't mean Lexus has given up on its quest for sales growth. But the priority will remain on brand image, dealer throughput and the customer experience, Bracken said.

German competitors each have a hundred more U.S. dealerships than Lexus and are pushing into price tiers where Lexus won't go, lest it encroach on its full-line partner, Toyota.

If German brands "dip below $30,000 MSRP or even transaction price, there's a lot of volume there," Bracken said. "And since our strategy is not to go below $30,000, it just makes it a more competitive environment in the luxury industry as we try and fill more premium gaps."

Lexus cut its entry-level hybrid, the CT hatchback, in the U.S. last year as volume dwindled. To take its place, Lexus is developing a small crossover based on the UX Concept vehicle, although Bracken wouldn't give any details.

Lexus also finally introduced a three-row version of its best-selling RX midsize crossover in November. The RXL now trickling out to dealers should add around 15,000 in new sales this year, Bracken said.

With 71.7 percent of Lexus' product mix going to crossovers and SUVs in December, investing in a production version of the LF-1 could be a needed pivot upmarket as the brand matures, analysts said.

"They need to stretch the brand in this direction, and the LC 500 was a great first step," said Karl Brauer, a senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book. "The LF-1 Limitless would be a great follow-up, particularly because as beautiful as the LC 500 is, it has a big flaw: It's a car."

If Lexus wants to steal some real volume from rivals, it needs a crossover in that space, he said.

While the LF-1 is designed around the LS sedan platform, Brauer sees it conceptually as more of an extension of the LC 500, given its styling cues.

Kevin Hunter, president of Toyota's in-house Calty Design Research arm, said the LF-1's break from current Lexus styling toward a more liquid, exotic look eventually could trickle down to other segments.

"One of our key terms at Lexus right now is 'brave design,' " Hunter said at the Detroit show. "We want to take chances."

This Luxury SUV should be one of the next things to be made by Lexus (2020) please . It should go straight from concept to product . Even down to the navigation system layout . It's about time some one makes a SUV 4 seater that is designed beautifully.Lets not forget Rwd that could changed to all wheel drive too .

This Luxury SUV should be one of the next things to be made by Lexus (2020) please . It should go straight from concept to product . Even down to the navigation system layout . It's about time some one makes a SUV 4 seater that is designed beautifully.Lets not forget Rwd that could changed to all wheel drive too .

This Luxury SUV should be one of the next things to be made by Lexus (2020) please . It should go straight from concept to product . Even down to the navigation system layout . It's about time some one makes a SUV 4 seater that is designed beautifully.Lets not forget Rwd that could changed to all wheel drive too .

Production Lexus LF-1 Limitless Could Get Three Row Option

There's certainly enough room.

View the original article post

Production Lexus LF-1 Limitless Could Get Three Row Option

There's certainly enough room.

View the original article post

Production Lexus LF-1 Limitless Could Get Three Row Option

There's certainly enough room.

View the original article post

Compared to the current LX 570, the LF-1 concept is 2.6 inches shorter, but with an extra 4.9 inches of wheelbase.

Yes, but that doesn't necessarily translate directly into extra overall legroom. Bear in mind that GA-L, like Nissan/Infiniti's FM platform, is kinda-sorta front-mid-engined, with a good chunk of the engine contained within the wheelbase and the front wheels placed further forward relative to the engine, thus lengthening the wheelbase.

I can't say that the front wheels are fully 4.9" further forward than they would otherwise be if LF-1 were built on the LX 570/Land Cruiser platform or even on its purported TNGA-F successor. By the same token, it would be inaccurate to predict that GA-L will automatically lengthen the interior by 4.9".

There’s certainly enough room for a third row. In fact, Lexus is employing a new strategy with both the RX & LX by offering both a two-row and a three-row version.

Maybe there's enough room lengthwise for a 3rd row, but headroom would be abysmal if a production version hews closely to the LF-1 Limitless' sloped fastback roofline. A 3-row version would need a more upright roofline and probably more rear overhang à la RX L.

(That said, I feel strongly that the production LF-1 deserves a similar setup to the concept, with four seats and plenty of room. It would be disappointing to see a bench backseat.)

I'd say a production LF-1 Limitless "Coupe" could, much like Lexus' own 4LS, Mercedes S-Class, Volvo S90 (among others) offer both 2-passenger individual and 3-passenger bench back seat options.

Compared to the current LX 570, the LF-1 concept is 2.6 inches shorter, but with an extra 4.9 inches of wheelbase.

Yes, but that doesn't necessarily translate directly into extra overall legroom. Bear in mind that GA-L, like Nissan/Infiniti's FM platform, is kinda-sorta front-mid-engined, with a good chunk of the engine contained within the wheelbase and the front wheels placed further forward relative to the engine, thus lengthening the wheelbase.

I can't say that the front wheels are fully 4.9" further forward than they would otherwise be if LF-1 were built on the LX 570/Land Cruiser platform or even on its purported TNGA-F successor. By the same token, it would be inaccurate to predict that GA-L will automatically lengthen the interior by 4.9".

There’s certainly enough room for a third row. In fact, Lexus is employing a new strategy with both the RX & LX by offering both a two-row and a three-row version.

Maybe there's enough room lengthwise for a 3rd row, but headroom would be abysmal if a production version hews closely to the LF-1 Limitless' sloped fastback roofline. A 3-row version would need a more upright roofline and probably more rear overhang à la RX L.

(That said, I feel strongly that the production LF-1 deserves a similar setup to the concept, with four seats and plenty of room. It would be disappointing to see a bench backseat.)

I'd say a production LF-1 Limitless "Coupe" could, much like Lexus' own 4LS, Mercedes S-Class, Volvo S90 (among others) offer both 2-passenger individual and 3-passenger bench back seat options.

Compared to the current LX 570, the LF-1 concept is 2.6 inches shorter, but with an extra 4.9 inches of wheelbase.

Yes, but that doesn't necessarily translate directly into extra overall legroom. Bear in mind that GA-L, like Nissan/Infiniti's FM platform, is kinda-sorta front-mid-engined, with a good chunk of the engine contained within the wheelbase and the front wheels placed further forward relative to the engine, thus lengthening the wheelbase.

I can't say that the front wheels are fully 4.9" further forward than they would otherwise be if LF-1 were built on the LX 570/Land Cruiser platform or even on its purported TNGA-F successor. By the same token, it would be inaccurate to predict that GA-L will automatically lengthen the interior by 4.9".

There’s certainly enough room for a third row. In fact, Lexus is employing a new strategy with both the RX & LX by offering both a two-row and a three-row version.

Maybe there's enough room lengthwise for a 3rd row, but headroom would be abysmal if a production version hews closely to the LF-1 Limitless' sloped fastback roofline. A 3-row version would need a more upright roofline and probably more rear overhang à la RX L.

(That said, I feel strongly that the production LF-1 deserves a similar setup to the concept, with four seats and plenty of room. It would be disappointing to see a bench backseat.)

I'd say a production LF-1 Limitless "Coupe" could, much like Lexus' own 4LS, Mercedes S-Class, Volvo S90 (among others) offer both 2-passenger individual and 3-passenger bench back seat options.

Once it looks good.... maybe something like reverse facing seats for kids....

Once it looks good.... maybe something like reverse facing seats for kids....

Once it looks good.... maybe something like reverse facing seats for kids....

Everyone has a 7-seat options at this class, so it's the natural thing to do no matter if it's practical or not.

Everyone has a 7-seat options at this class, so it's the natural thing to do no matter if it's practical or not.

Everyone has a 7-seat options at this class, so it's the natural thing to do no matter if it's practical or not.

This must be an additional model and in no way a replacement for the Current range of SUV i.e. GX and LX they will continue and are different from the Limitless. I like the name and hope it will become the LL and certainly hope that there will not be the usual Lexus delay to market.
The replacement for the CT is now well overdue and despite reports that it will be launched in March (next month) there is no leaked info around a bit troubling or maybe not if Lexus decide not to market a smallish car and to leave that to the Toyota brand.
I believe Lexus can move really upmarket and should do so and take on the big brands like Rolls Royce, Bentley etc and if they go that route then there is no need for a CT model at all.

This must be an additional model and in no way a replacement for the Current range of SUV i.e. GX and LX they will continue and are different from the Limitless. I like the name and hope it will become the LL and certainly hope that there will not be the usual Lexus delay to market.
The replacement for the CT is now well overdue and despite reports that it will be launched in March (next month) there is no leaked info around a bit troubling or maybe not if Lexus decide not to market a smallish car and to leave that to the Toyota brand.
I believe Lexus can move really upmarket and should do so and take on the big brands like Rolls Royce, Bentley etc and if they go that route then there is no need for a CT model at all.

This must be an additional model and in no way a replacement for the Current range of SUV i.e. GX and LX they will continue and are different from the Limitless. I like the name and hope it will become the LL and certainly hope that there will not be the usual Lexus delay to market.
The replacement for the CT is now well overdue and despite reports that it will be launched in March (next month) there is no leaked info around a bit troubling or maybe not if Lexus decide not to market a smallish car and to leave that to the Toyota brand.
I believe Lexus can move really upmarket and should do so and take on the big brands like Rolls Royce, Bentley etc and if they go that route then there is no need for a CT model at all.

Rob Grieveson

This must be an additional model and in no way a replacement for the Current range of SUV i.e. GX and LX they will continue and are different from the Limitless. I like the name and hope it will become the LL and certainly hope that there will not be the usual Lexus delay to market.
The replacement for the CT is now well overdue and despite reports that it will be launched in March (next month) there is no leaked info around a bit troubling or maybe not if Lexus decide not to market a smallish car and to leave that to the Toyota brand.
I believe Lexus can move really upmarket and should do so and take on the big brands like Rolls Royce, Bentley etc and if they go that route then there is no need for a CT model at all.

There will definitely be a delay.

Rob Grieveson

This must be an additional model and in no way a replacement for the Current range of SUV i.e. GX and LX they will continue and are different from the Limitless. I like the name and hope it will become the LL and certainly hope that there will not be the usual Lexus delay to market.
The replacement for the CT is now well overdue and despite reports that it will be launched in March (next month) there is no leaked info around a bit troubling or maybe not if Lexus decide not to market a smallish car and to leave that to the Toyota brand.
I believe Lexus can move really upmarket and should do so and take on the big brands like Rolls Royce, Bentley etc and if they go that route then there is no need for a CT model at all.

There will definitely be a delay.

Rob Grieveson

This must be an additional model and in no way a replacement for the Current range of SUV i.e. GX and LX they will continue and are different from the Limitless. I like the name and hope it will become the LL and certainly hope that there will not be the usual Lexus delay to market.
The replacement for the CT is now well overdue and despite reports that it will be launched in March (next month) there is no leaked info around a bit troubling or maybe not if Lexus decide not to market a smallish car and to leave that to the Toyota brand.
I believe Lexus can move really upmarket and should do so and take on the big brands like Rolls Royce, Bentley etc and if they go that route then there is no need for a CT model at all.

There will definitely be a delay.