Lexus LF-1 Limitless Walkaround In Detail – Video
Lexus has carved out its vision for a future luxury crossover with the Lexus LF-1 Limitless, which makes its world debut today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
It was at the same event 20 years ago that Lexus originated the luxury crossover segment with its presentation of the first production RX300 model. In North America the RX remains the best-selling model in its class, even though almost 50 competitors have since entered the market.
The new concept is designed to cater for customers’ increasingly diverse lifestyles, exploring new possibilities and capabilities. It is also engineered to use many different powertrains: fuel cell electric, hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric or battery electric. By around 2025, every Lexus model globally will be available either as a dedicated electrified vehicle, or with an electrified powertrain option.
The Lexus LF-1 Limitless was created at CALTY Design Research in California. Its innovative design language is founded on the simple yet elegant concept of molten katana. This fuses the organic shapes of liquid metal with the sharp edges associated with a traditional Japanese katana sword. Imagining the shift from a smooth, flowing mass into a solid, chiselled shape was the basis for the car’s fluid yet powerful design.
“This is our vision for a new kind of flagship vehicle that embraces crossover capability without giving up the performance and luxury delivered by today’s top saloons,” said Kevin Hunter, President of CALTY Design Research. “The Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept incorporates imaginative technology while creating a strong emotional connection by improving the human experience for driver and passengers.”
The starting point is defining the right proportions: the car’s exaggerated dash-to-axle ratio generates an athletic profile that evokes classic grand tourers rather than estate wagons. Combined with a cabin set deep within the rear-wheel drive chassis and striking 22-inch wheels that are barely contained beneath muscular wings, the crossover has a powerful stance that immediately conveys its performance intentions. The low roof line and elevated ride height further emphasise this as a crossover designed for performance with practicality.
In common with all current Lexus models, the Lexus LF-1 Limitless’s spindle grille is a core element in its design. Its execution is stronger than ever before, with details that suggest the origination of the spindle shape at the rear of the vehicle, continuing forwards towards the nose. The grille itself emphasises its three-dimensional quality using colours developed in-house by CALTY. Ridges radiating from the central Lexus emblem suggest the effect of metal filings being guided into shape by magnetism. There is no chrome; instead LED lighting around the grille welcomes the driver as they approach the vehicle.
“Lexus models such as the RX have helped drive the global popularity of the luxury SUV category. 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,” said Yoshihiro Sawa, President of Lexus International.
In profile the Lexus LF-1 Limitless presents a clearly defined flow from front to rear, starting with the line that extends from the bonnet all the way to the base of the rear D-pillar. This line contrasts with more complex surfaces below, such as the wide, crisply creased front wings that transition into the smooth, deeply sculpted front doors. From there the bodywork gradually builds back out enveloping the rear wheels, giving the car a cola-bottle shape evocative of classic muscle cars.