The Gentleman Magazine Issue 7 | February 2018 | Page 28

LEXUS LF-1 LIMITLESS CONCEPT LUXURY
FLAGSHIP CROSSOVER
MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT THE DETROIT
MOTOR SHOW
Lexus has carved out its vision for a future luxury crossover
with the Lexus LF-1 Limitless, which made its world debut
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 Lexus LF-1 Limitless introduces a new luxury vehicle
genre, the flagship crossover. Combining high performance
with unrestrained luxury, it is a showcase for technology,
innovation and the latest evolution of design at Lexus.
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.
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“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.
, Security in Motion”