---
title: "The Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept May Mirror a Flagship Crossover"
description: "Apparently inspired by a melting katana, the Lexus LF-1 was made to accommodate Limitless powertrain options."
date: "2018-01-16"
modified: "2018-01-16"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Tsui"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/article/17701/the-lexus-lf-1-limitless-concept-may-mirror-a-flagship-crossover"
categories:
  - "Lexus News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "concept car"
  - "Concept Cars"
  - "detroit auto show"
  - "Lexus"
  - "NAIAS"
  - "NAIAS 2018"
---

# The Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept May Mirror a Flagship Crossover

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/01/gettyimages-905170476-e1516073158244.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Lexus unveiled the LF-1 Limitless concept car at the Detroit Auto Show on Monday and no, it's not a product placement ploy for a sequel to that [invincible Bradley Cooper](<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TLppsfzQH8>) movie. Instead, it's meant to preview a possible flagship Lexus crossover to sit atop a range that's currently headed by the Land Cruiser-based [LX](<https://thestore.thedrive.com/>).

That being said, we don't expect the LF-1 to be an indicator of what the next-generation LX will look like. While the LX wears its upright, body-on-frame roots proudly, this looks to be an SUV in the more contemporary sense with its overgrown, lifted hatchback shape. If this does come to production, we can see Lexus trotting it out bearing a whole new two-letter nameplate like FX for flagship or something. On second thought, [Infiniti](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/12797/infiniti-to-cut-off-qx70-production>) might still own the rights to that one, never mind.

![message-editor%2F1516086528411-lexus\_lf1\_limitless\_03\_ee124a757152d7591af4640351cfc4ee95ff186c.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1516086528411-lexus_lf1_limitless_03_ee124a757152d7591af4640351cfc4ee95ff186c.jpg>)
*Toyota Motor Company*

![message-editor%2F1516086538777-lexus\_lf1\_limitless\_07\_8c29fc0b8db072a4854dca16f45f88f1b7f385bd.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1516086538777-lexus_lf1_limitless_07_8c29fc0b8db072a4854dca16f45f88f1b7f385bd.jpg>)
*Toyota Motor Company*

![message-editor%2F1516086547111-lexus\_lf1\_limitless\_10\_02f89cefdcfaa00de947c2bd5b0133dfa1376b3b.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1516086547111-lexus_lf1_limitless_10_02f89cefdcfaa00de947c2bd5b0133dfa1376b3b.jpg>)
*Toyota Motor Company*

Draping some seriously smooth bodywork over a handful of sharp creases, the LF-1's creators from Toyota's CALTY design house in California were apparently inspired by a melting Japanese katana. Looking fluid-yet-aggressive, the Lexus crossover concept is attractive if not entirely original. Are you sure [Infiniti](<https://www.thedrive.com/cars-101/17692/infiniti-q-inspiration-concept-revealed-in-detroit>) doesn't own the rights to this too, Lexus?

![message-editor%2F1516086566504-lexus\_lf1\_limitless\_11\_160f73a9a032ece72b42e561aac832efcc92cbb4.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1516086566504-lexus_lf1_limitless_11_160f73a9a032ece72b42e561aac832efcc92cbb4.jpg>)
**Toyota Motor Company**

Now, it wouldn't be a Lexus design story without mention of the company's polarizing spindle grille. Bad news, haters: Lexus has doubled, no, tripled-down on the outrageously-styled front ends this time around with a gaping maw with edges that extend back and across the car's entire beltline.

As for that name, "Limitless" refers to the unbridled amount of powertrain options a production LF-1 could apparently accommodate. Whether your propulsion system of choice is of the fuel cell variety, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gas, or all-electric, Lexus has got you covered.

![message-editor%2F1516086614996-lexus\_lf1\_limitless\_29\_98d4390607f11017ca469d597f45da7941e27a16.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1516086614996-lexus_lf1_limitless_29_98d4390607f11017ca469d597f45da7941e27a16.jpg>)
**Toyota Motor Company**

Given how wildly popular luxury crossovers have become and Lexus's proven ability to seamlessly put a flamboyantly-designed concept onto real roads with the [LC](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/16952/lexus-lc-f-is-happening-will-go-turbo>), don't be surprised if something that looks pretty much exactly like this ends up on a neighbor's driveway sometime in the next few years.

## Author
Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/cltsuii/>)