Lexus is floating limitless possibilities with its new flagship concept: the LF-1 “Limitless”
Twenty years ago, Lexus revolutionized its brand and the luxury SUV market with the introduction of the RX 300 model. Even after two decades and four generations, the RX is one of Lexus’ best-selling models, and still strongly competes with crossovers from every other premium brand in the U.S. market. This year at Detroit, however, the Japanese luxury giant has new ambitions. They want to go one further than they have before. To that end, they’ve claimed to have introduced a new genre of luxury car: the “flagship” crossover.
Enter the Lexus LF-1 “Limitless” concept. Of course, flagship has long stood in the automotive vernacular as the crowning model of a brand. By size alone, the LF-1 concept, at 197.4 inches long, 78.2 inches wide, and 63.2 inches tall, could be the standard-bearer for the brand’s crossover lineup. Lexus knows that taking the RX and just making it bigger isn’t going to be enough. Therefore, the company’s throwing the whole book at this concept model, seeking to redefine the luxury crossover. After all, as its name implies, the possibilities are limitless.
Powertrain Possibilities are Endless
Lexus hasn’t landed on specific powertrains for this model as of its debut at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. This is just a concept, at the moment. However, the company wants to electrify its entire lineup by 2025, and the brand is virtually synonymous with hybrid powerplants already. Lexus may well step outside its normal operations here, though, and offer the LF-1 as a fuel cell vehicle or an all electric option. In the meantime, we’d expect the company to offer conventional gasoline and hybrid powertrains if they bring this concept to production.
Importantly, the LF-1 Limitless Concept touts “Chauffer mode”, a hands-free driving mode. If you feel like driving yourself, all the controls, including for the transmission, are on the steering wheel. To make Chauffer mode possible, Lexus also integrated by-wire steering, braking, and acceleration into the LF-1.
Bold, Dynamic Styling
The LF-1 Limitless Concept was designed at CALTY Design Research in California. They anointed this flagship model with Lexus’ signature spindle grille, with a bit of a twist. They’ve also incorporated a a fairly high and broad shoulder line and aggressive 22-inch wheels. Ridges emanating from the grille imply a magnetism moving metal filings into shape, according to Lexus.
Sumptuous Interior
The LF-1 Limitless Concept’s interior comes across as a bit other-worldly, as tends to be the way with concepts. However, there are some important cues that may translate to the finished product, if this heads for production. The CALTY team stuck to the Japanese tradition of omotenashi – or hospitality – with the interior of this car. They kept their primary goal as maximum comfort for the car’s occupants. To achieve that goal, there’s plenty of soft-touch materials, as well as the complete omission of traditional knobs and buttons.
Touchscreens dominate the cabin, as Lexus favored motion-activated controls and touch-responsive, haptic controls for an overall minimalist design. Lighting also comes front and center in the LF-1 Limitless Concept. Pressing the start button engages a bright, dramatic lighting sequence throughout various parts of the cabin, depending on which drive mode you’ve selected. As a subtle touch, the wooden door trim has small perforations that allow LED to shine in various colors to complement the overhead lights.
