What's the news?
It was teased repeatedly in the run-up to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit and now we've got first sight of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless, a luxury crossover concept that potentially points to a new flagship SUV for the Japanese company at some point in the future.
Exterior
It's a whopper, the LF-1, measuring 5,014mm tip to tail, of which 2,974mm is wheelbase. It's also 1,986mm wide and 1,605mm tall, the whole body styled by CALTY Design Research in California along the lines of the concept 'molten katana'. And if you've no idea what that means, and we don't, then Lexus claims it is the 'fusing of organic shapes of liquid (molten) metal with the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword (katana, in case you were wondering)'.
The dash-to-axle ratio - long bonnet, short front overhang - gives the LF-1 an 'athletic profile that evokes classic grand touring cars' and the whole shebang sits on whopping 22-inch wheels under bulging arches. It wears the spindle grille of any self-respecting Lexus, but, on the Limitless, details at the rear of the vehicle tie into the radiator cover at the front. There's also no chrome around the grille, as the LF-1 uses LED lighting to greet its owner on arrival. Finally, at the back, openings at each corner aren't exhaust pipes, but they're vents to expel air from the rear wheel arches, and up top is a split roof spoiler.
Interior
Lexus wants the interior to allow the driver to focus on driving and so distracting analogue buttons and knobs have been removed in favour of gesture control and a single, minimalist display in the cluster. The front passenger space is even more sparsely furnished, while in the back are individual display screens for adjusting the climate control or entertainment options. Interior trim is finished in the same tinted titanium colour as the LF-1's exterior, but with a satin finish for a warmer feel, while Cocoa Bean leather panels team with Chiffon White perforated leather seats.
Lots of fancy LED lighting plays a key role in the cabin's ambience and the Lexus also has a Chauffeur mode allowing for hands-free operation, thanks to the LF-1's drive-by-wire steering, braking, throttle, lights and signals. Indeed, all the powertrain controls are situated on the steering wheel, with paddles on the wheel controlling the transmission in manual mode for sporty driving, while buttons on the lower section of the wheel engage standard drive mode options like 'Park' and 'Reverse'. Lexus also cites a fully connected, concierge-like 'four-dimensional' satnav system, which can suggest fuel stops, rest breaks and restaurants, or even make hotel reservations, among more functions. This 4D satnav is controlled by haptic touch switches on the steering wheel.
Mechanicals
Clearly, the LF-1 is a styling exercise, because Lexus is coy about the exact motive power. It plays on the Limitless part of the concept's name by suggesting the big crossover could be powered by fuel cells, a hybrid powertrain, plug-in hybrid technology, a petrol engine (odd...) or all-electric power. Lexus does go on to say that, by 2025, every model it sells around the world will be either a dedicated electrified model or at least have an electric option. And it does at least say with the announcement of the LF-1 that it has a rear-wheel-drive chassis, which is most intriguing.
Anything else?
Two decades ago, Lexus unveiled the RX at NAIAS in Detroit and its international president, Yoshihiro Sawa, said models such as the RX had helped drive the global popularity of the luxury SUV category. He added: "This new crossover concept captures a future that involves a high level of dynamic capability and utility matched by a more exciting, emotional design that we hope challenges expectations in the category."