Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept 2018

[savio.79]

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

Cita

Lexus Carves Out a New Flagship Luxury Crossover with Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept

All-New Concept Debuts at North American International Auto Show

January 15, 2018

DETROIT – Jan. 15, 2018  - Like molten metal being forged into a fine Japanese sword, the lines of the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept have the potential to shape the future of a flagship luxury crossover for Lexus.

Lexus established the luxury crossover segment two decades ago with the global debut of the RX 300 at Detroit.  It remains the top-selling luxury crossover despite nearly 50 competitors that have since entered the segment.

Now, the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept introduces a new genre of luxury vehicle: the flagship crossover. Combining high performance with unrestrained luxury, the Lexus LF-1 Limitless is a showcase of technology, innovation and the latest evolution of design at Lexus. 

Like its name, the possibilities for powertrains are limitless. The LF-1 concept could be powered by fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, or even all-electric. By around 2025, every Lexus model around the world will be available either as a dedicated electrified model, or have an electrified option.

The innovative spirit of the LF-1 was created at CALTY Design Research in California. The design language is rooted in the simple yet elegant design concept dubbed “molten katana”. This design visualization fuses the organic shapes of liquid metal with the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword. Imagining that shift from a smooth, flowing mass into a solid, chiseled shape formed the basis for the fluid, yet aggressive design of the LF-1 Limitless. 

“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 sedans,” said Kevin Hunter, president, CALTY Design Research. “The LF-1 Limitless concept incorporates imaginative technology while creating a strong emotional connection by improving the human experience for the driver and passengers.”  

It starts with the right proportions. The Lexus LF-1’s exaggerated dash-to-axle ratio gives it an athletic profile that’s more sports car than station wagon. Combined with a cabin that sits deep within the rear-wheel drive chassis and aggressive 22-inch wheels barely contained under bulging fenders, the LF-1 has a powerful stance that conveys its performance intentions at a glance. The low roofline and elevated ride height further emphasize that this is a crossover designed for performance with practicality.

Like all current Lexus models, the spindle grille on the LF-1 is a core element to the overall design. On the LF-1 it’s been taken even further, with details that suggest the start of the spindle form at the rear of the vehicle that then continues forward toward the nose. The grille itself features a three-dimensional design with colors developed in-house by CALTY. Ridges radiating away from the central emblem suggest magnetism guiding metal filings into shape. There is no chrome, as the LF-1 instead uses LED lighting around the grille that greets you on arrival.

“There’s no doubt that luxury crossovers are an increasingly popular choice for luxury customers,” said Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken. “This LF-1 Limitless concept illustrates what could happen if Lexus were to add a flagship crossover to our line-up. It’s a gorgeous execution and we’re anxious to see our customers’ and dealers’ response.”  

In profile, the LF-1 has a clearly defined flow from front to rear starting with the front fender line that extends from the hood all the way to the bottom of the C pillar. That line contrasts with the more complex surfaces below it like the wide, crisply creased front fender that transitions to the smooth, deeply scalloped front door. From there, the bodywork slowly builds back out again to envelop the rear wheel giving the LF-1 a broad, powerful stance.

A split spoiler grabs your eye at the rear of the Lexus LF-1, but there are interesting curves and details along every inch of the rear fascia. The beautifully sculpted openings at each corner might look like exhaust pipes but they’re actually vents for the air coming past the rear wheels. The shoulders above those wheels provide sturdy mounts for the sculptural taillights that extend well past the metalwork. Above the lights is the huge expanse of glass that extends over the rear seats to offer an uninterrupted view thanks to the split spoiler on each side.   

Maximum comfort for every passenger was CALTY’s goal for the cabin. The Lexus LF-1 adheres to the Japanese tradition of omotenashi, or hospitality, welcoming all who enter with equal enthusiasm. The cockpit is designed to allow the driver to concentrate on the task at hand by removing distracting analog knobs and buttons in favor of motion-activated controls and a minimalist display directly ahead. The front passenger space is far more open, with even fewer controls and a wide unobstructed dashboard. Those in back get the same seats as those in front with expansive legroom and individual display screens for adjusting the climate control or entertainment options.

The metallic interior trim is finished in the same champagne-tinted color as the exterior, but with a satin finish for a warmer feel.  Accents around the instrument panel and on the steering wheel further enhance the cockpit feel for the driver. Additional metallic accents throughout the interior contrast with the dark Cocoa Bean leather trim and seats covered in Chiffon White perforated leather.

Lighting also plays a key role in the look and feel of the interior. Engaging the start button initiates a dramatic lighting sequence based on which of the several available driving modes is engaged. For a more subtle effect, the wooden door trim has tiny perforations that allow indirect light from miniature LEDs to shine in a variety of colors that complement the overhead lights.

Technology enhances the luxurious feel of the Lexus LF-1 by expanding the options offered to the driver. It starts with the LF-1’s Chauffeur mode, which allows for hands-free operation thanks to the vehicle’s by-wire steering, braking, acceleration, lights and signals. The result is smooth, carefree driving with maximum efficiency and reduced risk of accidents. 

For sporty, hands-on driving, all powertrain controls are on the steering wheel to keep the driver engaged and focused on the road.  Paddles mounted to the steering wheel control the acceleration for sporty driving while buttons on the lower section of the steering wheel engage options like park and reverse.
There is also a four-dimensional navigation system which builds on traditional systems by adding the element of time to the equation. It acts as a concierge for the occupants by anticipating the needs of the driver and passengers based on the progress, traffic and road conditions along the programmed trip, suggesting fuel stops, rest breaks and restaurants, even offering to make hotel reservations. Navigation and route information are displayed on the in-dash monitor, the rear seat entertainment screens, or wirelessly connected to passengers’ tablets and smart phones.

Touch-responsive haptic controls easily reached from the steering wheel interface with the 4D navigation system and integrated comfort and entertainment systems.  A touch-tracer pad embedded in the leather-covered center console supports character recognition for data entry.  An additional haptic controller in the rear seat center console allows passengers to make their own comfort and entertainment choices.
With its innovative technology and captivating styling, the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept represents the potential for an amazing experience for future luxury customers. 

Specifications

Length	197.4 inches	5014 mm
Width	78.2 inches	1986 mm
Height	63.2 inches	1605 mm
Wheelbase	117.1 inches	2974 mm

 

 

Lexus presenta il primo "teaser" della concept car che presenterà a Detroit.

 

Non è chiaro se anticiperà (più o meno fedelmente) un preciso modello che le sarà ispirato, o se invece anticiperà genericamente le linee dei prossimi modelli.

 

Nel primo caso, dovrebbe trattarsi di un modello di gamma alta.

 

Nel secondo, che auspico, potrebbe essere una "bozza" di un prossimo modello di taglia diversa, magari l'annunciato UX (perché la concept car "UX" proprio non mi piaceva!  e qualsiasi altra cosa sarebbe meglio di quella, sulla fiducia!)

 

In un sito hanno schiarito l'immagine e rivelato il particolare dell'immagine mostrata sullo schermo dietro al poggiatesta ant. dx.:

 

 

Modificato 15 Gennaio 2018 da superkappa125

[Matteo B.]

dovrebbe essere un SUV a motore longitudinale della classe del Cayenne. in Lexus si son resi conto che il pubblico vuole SUV più automobilistici e con migliori doti di guida.

 

in pratica la 3° versione della piattaforma che ha originato per ora LC ed LS.

[__P]

7 minuti fa, Matteo B. dice:

dovrebbe essere un SUV a motore longitudinale della classe del Cayenne. in Lexus si son resi conto che il pubblico vuole SUV più automobilistici e con migliori doti di guida.

 

in pratica la 3° versione della piattaforma che ha originato per ora LC ed LS.

RX non rientra già in quella categoria?

 

[4200blu]

LF-1 sara il top della gamma Lexus, un cross-over (secondo AMuS)

[Matteo B.]

16 minuti fa, lukka1982 dice:

RX non rientra già in quella categoria?

 

No,ha il motore traversale. non avrà mai la dinamica di guida di un SUV impostato come una Cayenne o Levante (o X6 ecc)

 

i giapponesi nel loro infinito pragmatismo non si sono mai posti il problema. questa potrà avere il motore V6TT di LS e l'ibrido di LS e LC. non esclusa nemmeno una V8, volendo.

[Shangri-La]

2 hours ago, Matteo B. said:

in Lexus si son resi conto che il pubblico vuole più SUV

Fixed.

Strano che altre aziende non siano ancora arrivate a ciò.

[KimKardashian]

É proprio quello che manca: RX trazione anteriore su base Camry, mentre GX ed LX sono fuoristrada o meglio rimarchiamenti del Land Cruiser, quindi questa potrebbe essere il suvvone di casa a base posteriore

[savio.79]

 

Mia opinione: frontale decisamente bocciato; coda così-così; fiancata promossa; interni molto belli; sedili meravigliosi; volante fighissimo;  simpatica la strumentazione "motociclistica" (come gli schermi delle retro-camere che sembrano gli specchietti di una moto); molti (troppi) dettagli interni ed esterni (anche il colore) ricordano eccessivamente modelli (o concept) di Infiniti, e anche di Jaguar (F-Pace Concept).

Modificato 15 Gennaio 2018 da savio.79

[aboutdas]

Non mi convincono i fari davanti, e dietro segue lo stesso sviluppo di BMW. Del resto il trattamento delle superfici di quest'ultima sta diventando sempre più Lexus.

Però che posso dire: gioca con le superfici con una semplicità ed una delicatezza imbarazzante. Persino il megaipercalandrone appare coerente con questo sviluppo di linee!
Mi piace, molto!

[superkappa125]

Che bel concept!

Splendide proporzioni e trattamento delle superfici, ottima interpretazione di un concetto di auto che raramente trovo piacevole.

 

Bene anche gli interni.