What's all this about?
It's the Lexus LF-1 Limitless. No, it's not inspired by that weird Bradley Cooper film where he takes a special pill and becomes pseudo-superhuman. Instead it's a pointer towards a luxury SUV that might sit at the top of the Japanese marque's range in the near future. It was teased repeatedly in the run-up to the Detroit Motor Show, where it was finally revealed to the public.
OK, so what do we know about it?
The styling is called 'molten katana' - the 'fusing of organic shapes of liquid (molten) metal with the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword'. It's a big old thing, the LF-1, more than five metres long, the best part of two metres wide and with a wheelbase just 26mm shy of three metres in total. At just 1,605mm tall, though, it's low and sleek, and with its 'long bonnet, short front overhang' look, the idea is for it to evoke some classic grand touring cars. Oh, those are massive 22-inch wheels underneath the bulging arches, in case you're wondering; another traditional concept car trait.
Fine, and how about within?
Minimalist. There are very few buttons for anyone in the cabin, including the driver - removing 'distracting' analogue buttons and switches is supposed to allow them to better concentrate on driving. The interior is finished in satin-effect titanium trim to match the exterior, Cocoa Bean and Chiffon White leather upholstery and fascias, LED lighting in almost every nook and cranny, and a 'four-dimensional' satnav system that also features the sort of concierge functions we're seeing on more cars these days - it can suggest refuelling points, good restaurants and even book hotel rooms, if you want it to. A Chauffeur mode in the LF-1 allows for hands-free operation, thanks to the LF-1's drive-by-wire steering, braking, throttle, lights and signals.
So presumably this futuristic machine is an electric hybrid with AI?
Err... not sure. Lexus says the possibilities for the drivetrain are 'limitless' (see what it did, there?) and that it could be powered by fuel cells, a hybrid powertrain, plug-in hybrid technology, a petrol engine (odd...) or all-electric power. Lexus does add 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 we do know one intriguing fact: the LF-1 Limitless is rear-wheel drive. Now that sounds like something that needs the company's big 5.0-litre V8 dropping into it...
Matt Robinson - 15 Jan 2018
