Lexus LF-1 Production Crossover to Debut in 2020?

Posted by Kevin on November 26th, 2018

Japanese website Spyder7 is reporting that Lexus will release a production version of the LF-1 Limitless crossover in 2020, just three years after the concept debuted at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show.

Powering the new flagship crossover will be the twin-turbo V6 engine from the LS 500, though Spyder7 suggests a minor power boost up to 424 horsepower. The V6 hybrid engine from the LS/LC 500h will also be used.

Added to the rumor is a production F-brand version of the LF-1, using the much-rumored twin-turbo V8 that we’ve been hearing since before the introduction of the LC coupe. In this incarnation, the LF-1 F would be putting out 661 horsepower and cost $150,000 USD, an amazing power-to-cost ratio when compared to the Lamborghini Urus with its 641 hp and $200,000 price tag.

(Bumping up the horsepower in this hypothetical engine is a smart idea — Lexus has fallen behind competitors in recent times, and could use the boost from a powertrain that outpaces the market average.)

Lexus LF-1 Limitless

Lexus LF-1Lexus LF-1: Concept VehiclePhotochops
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Comments
Joaquin Ruhi
Trexus
LQ (Flagship crossover coupe), compete with X6
GQ (Mid-level crossover coupe), compete with X4
IQ (Entry-Level crossover coupe), compete with X2
Umm... I don't think they'll be calling the small one IQ. That badge is too closely associated with Toyota's space efficiency-pioneering "Smarter, Minier" city car. Change the nomenclature to RQ for the mid-level and NQ for the entry-level and you're good to go.
Joaquin Ruhi
Trexus
LQ (Flagship crossover coupe), compete with X6
GQ (Mid-level crossover coupe), compete with X4
IQ (Entry-Level crossover coupe), compete with X2
Umm... I don't think they'll be calling the small one IQ. That badge is too closely associated with Toyota's space efficiency-pioneering "Smarter, Minier" city car. Change the nomenclature to RQ for the mid-level and NQ for the entry-level and you're good to go.
Joaquin Ruhi
Trexus
LQ (Flagship crossover coupe), compete with X6
GQ (Mid-level crossover coupe), compete with X4
IQ (Entry-Level crossover coupe), compete with X2
Umm... I don't think they'll be calling the small one IQ. That badge is too closely associated with Toyota's space efficiency-pioneering "Smarter, Minier" city car. Change the nomenclature to RQ for the mid-level and NQ for the entry-level and you're good to go.
S
Trexus
LQ (Flagship crossover coupe), compete with X6
GQ (Mid-level crossover coupe), compete with X4
IQ (Entry-Level crossover coupe), compete with X2
Once again, LQ will not compete with X6... maybe with upcoming X7.

X6 starts at $62k, it is one step below flagship.

I would guess if they do X6 competition, it would be something like RQ... but I dont see that vehicle coming anytime soon.
S
Trexus
LQ (Flagship crossover coupe), compete with X6
GQ (Mid-level crossover coupe), compete with X4
IQ (Entry-Level crossover coupe), compete with X2
Once again, LQ will not compete with X6... maybe with upcoming X7.

X6 starts at $62k, it is one step below flagship.

I would guess if they do X6 competition, it would be something like RQ... but I dont see that vehicle coming anytime soon.
S
Trexus
LQ (Flagship crossover coupe), compete with X6
GQ (Mid-level crossover coupe), compete with X4
IQ (Entry-Level crossover coupe), compete with X2
Once again, LQ will not compete with X6... maybe with upcoming X7.

X6 starts at $62k, it is one step below flagship.

I would guess if they do X6 competition, it would be something like RQ... but I dont see that vehicle coming anytime soon.
S
A hypothetical RQ, RX, and RX-L all in a similar segment sounds very crowded. Then again you can never have enough crossovers in your lineup these days.

What are the X4 and X6's main markets? They are not too hot in U.S. or China last time I checked. If it's Europe then I would say don't bother since Lexus will always be fighting an uphill battle there.
S
A hypothetical RQ, RX, and RX-L all in a similar segment sounds very crowded. Then again you can never have enough crossovers in your lineup these days.

What are the X4 and X6's main markets? They are not too hot in U.S. or China last time I checked. If it's Europe then I would say don't bother since Lexus will always be fighting an uphill battle there.
S
A hypothetical RQ, RX, and RX-L all in a similar segment sounds very crowded. Then again you can never have enough crossovers in your lineup these days.

What are the X4 and X6's main markets? They are not too hot in U.S. or China last time I checked. If it's Europe then I would say don't bother since Lexus will always be fighting an uphill battle there.
Gecko
IMO, Lexus seems to have smartly avoided the "four door coupe vs sedan" trend by simply giving their sedans sexier curves and more svelte, coupe-like rooflines, e.g. new LS and ES. This makes the most sense, IMO, but I'd still love for GS to return as an ultra dramatic four door coupe that pushes the boundary even more. I think it would be cool for Gazoo/F to have their own global car, similar to how AMG has the GT. GS could be perfect for that, but I know I'm dreaming.

Anyway, it seems to me like the CUV coupe craze is still not a market worth chasing for Lexus. I don't know what volume the X4, X6, GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe sell in, but I don't think it's very much (keep in mind we're talking about conservative Lexus here). Dedicated high performance CUVs like the Levante, Cayenne and Range Rover Sport make a lot more sense to more people and have a proven place in the market vs these CUV coupes. I see LF-1 as competitor to those three - Levante, Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and the forthcoming Q8 - because Mercedes nor BMW really offer anything comparable. GLS and G class are Mercedes two SUV flagships, X7 will be BMW's and Audi will have the Q8. X6, GLE Coupe, Q6 e-tron and others will be a solid step below the LF-1. Cayenne is rather small inside, Range Rover Sport isn't necessarily RR's flagship and the Levante is Maserati's first and only SUV. LF-1 positioned as the king crossover in Lexus' CUV line, built on GA-L, with two roomy and luxurious rows and a focus on performance is a unique proposition. I think the vehicle it most directly competes with will be the Levante and TBD on the Q8. Lexus has, once again, created their own formula with the LF-1.

IMO, now that we have UX, NX, RX, RX-L and upcoming LF-1, Lexus' unibody SUV portfolio is pretty well built out. Small to large, basic to ultra luxury and performance, the bases are well covered. We'll have to see how the SUV craze progresses, but I think it would actually be smarter for Lexus to invest in a next generation BOF GX instead of chasing another unibody crossover with less cargo space than it's "non coupe" counterpart. GX has been the surprise success that nobody expected and most of what we know shows that people actually want boxy looking SUVs/CUVs that just drive better on road. Consumers like the image of tough and rugged. The only competitors who offer anything like this are the Mercedes G Class and Range Rover. UX, NX, RX, RX-L and LF-1 are all so svelte... a boxy, tough looking GX would sell exponentially better than any type of NX or RX coupe. I suspect Lexus knows this and the GX has been saved by TNGA-F and the SUV craze.
Gecko
IMO, Lexus seems to have smartly avoided the "four door coupe vs sedan" trend by simply giving their sedans sexier curves and more svelte, coupe-like rooflines, e.g. new LS and ES. This makes the most sense, IMO, but I'd still love for GS to return as an ultra dramatic four door coupe that pushes the boundary even more. I think it would be cool for Gazoo/F to have their own global car, similar to how AMG has the GT. GS could be perfect for that, but I know I'm dreaming.

Anyway, it seems to me like the CUV coupe craze is still not a market worth chasing for Lexus. I don't know what volume the X4, X6, GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe sell in, but I don't think it's very much (keep in mind we're talking about conservative Lexus here). Dedicated high performance CUVs like the Levante, Cayenne and Range Rover Sport make a lot more sense to more people and have a proven place in the market vs these CUV coupes. I see LF-1 as competitor to those three - Levante, Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and the forthcoming Q8 - because Mercedes nor BMW really offer anything comparable. GLS and G class are Mercedes two SUV flagships, X7 will be BMW's and Audi will have the Q8. X6, GLE Coupe, Q6 e-tron and others will be a solid step below the LF-1. Cayenne is rather small inside, Range Rover Sport isn't necessarily RR's flagship and the Levante is Maserati's first and only SUV. LF-1 positioned as the king crossover in Lexus' CUV line, built on GA-L, with two roomy and luxurious rows and a focus on performance is a unique proposition. I think the vehicle it most directly competes with will be the Levante and TBD on the Q8. Lexus has, once again, created their own formula with the LF-1.

IMO, now that we have UX, NX, RX, RX-L and upcoming LF-1, Lexus' unibody SUV portfolio is pretty well built out. Small to large, basic to ultra luxury and performance, the bases are well covered. We'll have to see how the SUV craze progresses, but I think it would actually be smarter for Lexus to invest in a next generation BOF GX instead of chasing another unibody crossover with less cargo space than it's "non coupe" counterpart. GX has been the surprise success that nobody expected and most of what we know shows that people actually want boxy looking SUVs/CUVs that just drive better on road. Consumers like the image of tough and rugged. The only competitors who offer anything like this are the Mercedes G Class and Range Rover. UX, NX, RX, RX-L and LF-1 are all so svelte... a boxy, tough looking GX would sell exponentially better than any type of NX or RX coupe. I suspect Lexus knows this and the GX has been saved by TNGA-F and the SUV craze.
Gecko
IMO, Lexus seems to have smartly avoided the "four door coupe vs sedan" trend by simply giving their sedans sexier curves and more svelte, coupe-like rooflines, e.g. new LS and ES. This makes the most sense, IMO, but I'd still love for GS to return as an ultra dramatic four door coupe that pushes the boundary even more. I think it would be cool for Gazoo/F to have their own global car, similar to how AMG has the GT. GS could be perfect for that, but I know I'm dreaming.

Anyway, it seems to me like the CUV coupe craze is still not a market worth chasing for Lexus. I don't know what volume the X4, X6, GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe sell in, but I don't think it's very much (keep in mind we're talking about conservative Lexus here). Dedicated high performance CUVs like the Levante, Cayenne and Range Rover Sport make a lot more sense to more people and have a proven place in the market vs these CUV coupes. I see LF-1 as competitor to those three - Levante, Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and the forthcoming Q8 - because Mercedes nor BMW really offer anything comparable. GLS and G class are Mercedes two SUV flagships, X7 will be BMW's and Audi will have the Q8. X6, GLE Coupe, Q6 e-tron and others will be a solid step below the LF-1. Cayenne is rather small inside, Range Rover Sport isn't necessarily RR's flagship and the Levante is Maserati's first and only SUV. LF-1 positioned as the king crossover in Lexus' CUV line, built on GA-L, with two roomy and luxurious rows and a focus on performance is a unique proposition. I think the vehicle it most directly competes with will be the Levante and TBD on the Q8. Lexus has, once again, created their own formula with the LF-1.

IMO, now that we have UX, NX, RX, RX-L and upcoming LF-1, Lexus' unibody SUV portfolio is pretty well built out. Small to large, basic to ultra luxury and performance, the bases are well covered. We'll have to see how the SUV craze progresses, but I think it would actually be smarter for Lexus to invest in a next generation BOF GX instead of chasing another unibody crossover with less cargo space than it's "non coupe" counterpart. GX has been the surprise success that nobody expected and most of what we know shows that people actually want boxy looking SUVs/CUVs that just drive better on road. Consumers like the image of tough and rugged. The only competitors who offer anything like this are the Mercedes G Class and Range Rover. UX, NX, RX, RX-L and LF-1 are all so svelte... a boxy, tough looking GX would sell exponentially better than any type of NX or RX coupe. I suspect Lexus knows this and the GX has been saved by TNGA-F and the SUV craze.
L
On the other hand, the Toyota CH-R sells like hot cakes. It is a huge hit. I see more and more here (France, Germany, etc...). And this despite the low power and lack of AWD hybrid. In Europe Lexus is not being bought for practicality reasons. But then again, NX and RX are already very coupe-ish, way more than anything in their class. And BMW's X2 is not really a coupe SUV, but more a 'rugged' looking 1 Series, or a lower X1 without third side window.
L
On the other hand, the Toyota CH-R sells like hot cakes. It is a huge hit. I see more and more here (France, Germany, etc...). And this despite the low power and lack of AWD hybrid. In Europe Lexus is not being bought for practicality reasons. But then again, NX and RX are already very coupe-ish, way more than anything in their class. And BMW's X2 is not really a coupe SUV, but more a 'rugged' looking 1 Series, or a lower X1 without third side window.
L
On the other hand, the Toyota CH-R sells like hot cakes. It is a huge hit. I see more and more here (France, Germany, etc...). And this despite the low power and lack of AWD hybrid. In Europe Lexus is not being bought for practicality reasons. But then again, NX and RX are already very coupe-ish, way more than anything in their class. And BMW's X2 is not really a coupe SUV, but more a 'rugged' looking 1 Series, or a lower X1 without third side window.
S
ssun30
A hypothetical RQ, RX, and RX-L all in a similar segment sounds very crowded. Then again you can never have enough crossovers in your lineup these days.

What are the X4 and X6's main markets? They are not too hot in U.S. or China last time I checked. If it's Europe then I would say don't bother since Lexus will always be fighting an uphill battle there.
Important thing it is that it is profitable, and thus it is not hard to build a business case even for lower volumes...

X4 and X6 are big in Europe.

I hoped LF-1 will be more like RQ in pricing, with LQ and base price north of 80k, I think they are looking at prestige, not just sales numbers.
S
ssun30
A hypothetical RQ, RX, and RX-L all in a similar segment sounds very crowded. Then again you can never have enough crossovers in your lineup these days.

What are the X4 and X6's main markets? They are not too hot in U.S. or China last time I checked. If it's Europe then I would say don't bother since Lexus will always be fighting an uphill battle there.
Important thing it is that it is profitable, and thus it is not hard to build a business case even for lower volumes...

X4 and X6 are big in Europe.

I hoped LF-1 will be more like RQ in pricing, with LQ and base price north of 80k, I think they are looking at prestige, not just sales numbers.
S
ssun30
A hypothetical RQ, RX, and RX-L all in a similar segment sounds very crowded. Then again you can never have enough crossovers in your lineup these days.

What are the X4 and X6's main markets? They are not too hot in U.S. or China last time I checked. If it's Europe then I would say don't bother since Lexus will always be fighting an uphill battle there.
Important thing it is that it is profitable, and thus it is not hard to build a business case even for lower volumes...

X4 and X6 are big in Europe.

I hoped LF-1 will be more like RQ in pricing, with LQ and base price north of 80k, I think they are looking at prestige, not just sales numbers.
S
Gecko
IMO, Lexus seems to have smartly avoided the "four door coupe vs sedan" trend by simply giving their sedans sexier curves and more svelte, coupe-like rooflines, e.g. new LS and ES. This makes the most sense, IMO, but I'd still love for GS to return as an ultra dramatic four door coupe that pushes the boundary even more. I think it would be cool for Gazoo/F to have their own global car, similar to how AMG has the GT. GS could be perfect for that, but I know I'm dreaming.

Anyway, it seems to me like the CUV coupe craze is still not a market worth chasing for Lexus. I don't know what volume the X4, X6, GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe sell in, but I don't think it's very much (keep in mind we're talking about conservative Lexus here). Dedicated high performance CUVs like the Levante, Cayenne and Range Rover Sport make a lot more sense to more people and have a proven place in the market vs these CUV coupes. I see LF-1 as competitor to those three - Levante, Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and the forthcoming Q8 - because Mercedes nor BMW really offer anything comparable. GLS and G class are Mercedes two SUV flagships, X7 will be BMW's and Audi will have the Q8. X6, GLE Coupe, Q6 e-tron and others will be a solid step below the LF-1. Cayenne is rather small inside, Range Rover Sport isn't necessarily RR's flagship and the Levante is Maserati's first and only SUV. LF-1 positioned as the king crossover in Lexus' CUV line, built on GA-L, with two roomy and luxurious rows and a focus on performance is a unique proposition. I think the vehicle it most directly competes with will be the Levante and TBD on the Q8. Lexus has, once again, created their own formula with the LF-1.
What if GX moves to unibody and becomes something like high performance SUV on rwd GA-L? With some interesting design, they can make that coupe look and still have decent space, it is SUV afterall, which usually means higher seating position that leaves space.

GX never made a mark in areas where LX did great, where BoF matters. It only works in the US, where I dont think many care it is BoF or not.
S
Gecko
IMO, Lexus seems to have smartly avoided the "four door coupe vs sedan" trend by simply giving their sedans sexier curves and more svelte, coupe-like rooflines, e.g. new LS and ES. This makes the most sense, IMO, but I'd still love for GS to return as an ultra dramatic four door coupe that pushes the boundary even more. I think it would be cool for Gazoo/F to have their own global car, similar to how AMG has the GT. GS could be perfect for that, but I know I'm dreaming.

Anyway, it seems to me like the CUV coupe craze is still not a market worth chasing for Lexus. I don't know what volume the X4, X6, GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe sell in, but I don't think it's very much (keep in mind we're talking about conservative Lexus here). Dedicated high performance CUVs like the Levante, Cayenne and Range Rover Sport make a lot more sense to more people and have a proven place in the market vs these CUV coupes. I see LF-1 as competitor to those three - Levante, Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and the forthcoming Q8 - because Mercedes nor BMW really offer anything comparable. GLS and G class are Mercedes two SUV flagships, X7 will be BMW's and Audi will have the Q8. X6, GLE Coupe, Q6 e-tron and others will be a solid step below the LF-1. Cayenne is rather small inside, Range Rover Sport isn't necessarily RR's flagship and the Levante is Maserati's first and only SUV. LF-1 positioned as the king crossover in Lexus' CUV line, built on GA-L, with two roomy and luxurious rows and a focus on performance is a unique proposition. I think the vehicle it most directly competes with will be the Levante and TBD on the Q8. Lexus has, once again, created their own formula with the LF-1.
What if GX moves to unibody and becomes something like high performance SUV on rwd GA-L? With some interesting design, they can make that coupe look and still have decent space, it is SUV afterall, which usually means higher seating position that leaves space.

GX never made a mark in areas where LX did great, where BoF matters. It only works in the US, where I dont think many care it is BoF or not.
S
Gecko
IMO, Lexus seems to have smartly avoided the "four door coupe vs sedan" trend by simply giving their sedans sexier curves and more svelte, coupe-like rooflines, e.g. new LS and ES. This makes the most sense, IMO, but I'd still love for GS to return as an ultra dramatic four door coupe that pushes the boundary even more. I think it would be cool for Gazoo/F to have their own global car, similar to how AMG has the GT. GS could be perfect for that, but I know I'm dreaming.

Anyway, it seems to me like the CUV coupe craze is still not a market worth chasing for Lexus. I don't know what volume the X4, X6, GLC Coupe and GLE Coupe sell in, but I don't think it's very much (keep in mind we're talking about conservative Lexus here). Dedicated high performance CUVs like the Levante, Cayenne and Range Rover Sport make a lot more sense to more people and have a proven place in the market vs these CUV coupes. I see LF-1 as competitor to those three - Levante, Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and the forthcoming Q8 - because Mercedes nor BMW really offer anything comparable. GLS and G class are Mercedes two SUV flagships, X7 will be BMW's and Audi will have the Q8. X6, GLE Coupe, Q6 e-tron and others will be a solid step below the LF-1. Cayenne is rather small inside, Range Rover Sport isn't necessarily RR's flagship and the Levante is Maserati's first and only SUV. LF-1 positioned as the king crossover in Lexus' CUV line, built on GA-L, with two roomy and luxurious rows and a focus on performance is a unique proposition. I think the vehicle it most directly competes with will be the Levante and TBD on the Q8. Lexus has, once again, created their own formula with the LF-1.
What if GX moves to unibody and becomes something like high performance SUV on rwd GA-L? With some interesting design, they can make that coupe look and still have decent space, it is SUV afterall, which usually means higher seating position that leaves space.

GX never made a mark in areas where LX did great, where BoF matters. It only works in the US, where I dont think many care it is BoF or not.
R
Hmm I do not know where Lexus are going with all their rather odd initials as identity names. Become confusing I do like BMW in that they have a one to eight series of models so at least you know where you are both in terms of size and pricing.
R
Hmm I do not know where Lexus are going with all their rather odd initials as identity names. Become confusing I do like BMW in that they have a one to eight series of models so at least you know where you are both in terms of size and pricing.
R
Hmm I do not know where Lexus are going with all their rather odd initials as identity names. Become confusing I do like BMW in that they have a one to eight series of models so at least you know where you are both in terms of size and pricing.
L
@spwolf

Leaving aside the FWD proportions of the RX, the RX already looks like a coupe version of the 'original' RX L.


Rob Grieveson
Hmm I do not know where Lexus are going with all their rather odd initials as identity names. Become confusing I do like BMW in that they have a one to eight series of models so at least you know where you are both in terms of size and pricing.
Only getting worse. BMW under five will continue being called x Series, but from seven and above they will be called THE x. Not to mention how the 5 GT (based on 7 Series) became a 6 GT (also based on 7 Series) and now the 6 Series (based on 5 Series) becomes the 8 Series (based on 5 Series) but smaller than the 6 Series.
L
@spwolf

Leaving aside the FWD proportions of the RX, the RX already looks like a coupe version of the 'original' RX L.


Rob Grieveson
Hmm I do not know where Lexus are going with all their rather odd initials as identity names. Become confusing I do like BMW in that they have a one to eight series of models so at least you know where you are both in terms of size and pricing.
Only getting worse. BMW under five will continue being called x Series, but from seven and above they will be called THE x. Not to mention how the 5 GT (based on 7 Series) became a 6 GT (also based on 7 Series) and now the 6 Series (based on 5 Series) becomes the 8 Series (based on 5 Series) but smaller than the 6 Series.
L
@spwolf

Leaving aside the FWD proportions of the RX, the RX already looks like a coupe version of the 'original' RX L.


Rob Grieveson
Hmm I do not know where Lexus are going with all their rather odd initials as identity names. Become confusing I do like BMW in that they have a one to eight series of models so at least you know where you are both in terms of size and pricing.
Only getting worse. BMW under five will continue being called x Series, but from seven and above they will be called THE x. Not to mention how the 5 GT (based on 7 Series) became a 6 GT (also based on 7 Series) and now the 6 Series (based on 5 Series) becomes the 8 Series (based on 5 Series) but smaller than the 6 Series.
Gecko
spwolf
What if GX moves to unibody and becomes something like high performance SUV on rwd GA-L? With some interesting design, they can make that coupe look and still have decent space, it is SUV afterall, which usually means higher seating position that leaves space.

GX never made a mark in areas where LX did great, where BoF matters. It only works in the US, where I dont think many care it is BoF or not.
With LF-1, there is no need for a high performance unibody GX. LF-1 "F" or LQ F will be that vehicle.

They could easily move GX to GA-L and just make it look tough/rugged. Toyota already has the platform and the mechanicals with TNGA-F also, so either way, they could make the idea work. The best chance to stand out and be unique is going to be something more rugged and tough looking though... not high performance.
Gecko
spwolf
What if GX moves to unibody and becomes something like high performance SUV on rwd GA-L? With some interesting design, they can make that coupe look and still have decent space, it is SUV afterall, which usually means higher seating position that leaves space.

GX never made a mark in areas where LX did great, where BoF matters. It only works in the US, where I dont think many care it is BoF or not.
With LF-1, there is no need for a high performance unibody GX. LF-1 "F" or LQ F will be that vehicle.

They could easily move GX to GA-L and just make it look tough/rugged. Toyota already has the platform and the mechanicals with TNGA-F also, so either way, they could make the idea work. The best chance to stand out and be unique is going to be something more rugged and tough looking though... not high performance.
Gecko
spwolf
What if GX moves to unibody and becomes something like high performance SUV on rwd GA-L? With some interesting design, they can make that coupe look and still have decent space, it is SUV afterall, which usually means higher seating position that leaves space.

GX never made a mark in areas where LX did great, where BoF matters. It only works in the US, where I dont think many care it is BoF or not.
With LF-1, there is no need for a high performance unibody GX. LF-1 "F" or LQ F will be that vehicle.

They could easily move GX to GA-L and just make it look tough/rugged. Toyota already has the platform and the mechanicals with TNGA-F also, so either way, they could make the idea work. The best chance to stand out and be unique is going to be something more rugged and tough looking though... not high performance.

G