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 which combines high performance with unrestrained luxury.
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.
Like all current Lexus models, the spindle grille on the LF-1 is a core element to the overall design.
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.
Luxurious comfort for every passenger was CALTY's goal for the cabin.
The LF-1 adheres to the Japanese tradition of omotenashi, or hospitality.
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.
Additional metallic accents throughout the interior contrast with the dark Cocoa Bean leather trim and seats covered in Chiffon White perforated leather.
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.
