LEXUS' 'molten katana' LF-1 draws from the strong silhouette of japanese samurai swords

LEXUS is showing off this new flagship concept at the north american internatinonal auto show (NAIAS 2018) in detroit. the ‘LF-1 limitless’ luxury crossover is a thumbnail for the future of the company. hands-free steering, LEDs, a ‘4D’ nav-system that anticipates the needs based on past trips and routines, an in-dash monitor, touchpad center console — technologically, the concept is keeping up with its competitors. in terms of design, the LF-1 may be leading the pack.

all images courtesy of LEXUS

you’re looking at ‘molten katana,’ molten as in liquid metal, katana as in a fine japanese sword: the inspirations for the concept’s design. it is as chiseled as it is smooth, fluid, yet aggressive, carefully proportioned with an exaggerated dash-to-axle ratio, athletic in profile, with 22-in wheels and bulging fenders that hide a low-sitting cabin to zen-out in; it’s free like water, and powered by a hidden fire — how every nerd, actual samurai, or designboom writer, strives to be, deep down inside.

the concept features aggressive 22-inch wheels 

around 2025, LEXUS claims that all of their vehicles will be electric, or, at the very least have an electrified option. ‘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.’ here.find out more at the NAIAS website,

the metallic interior trim is finished in the same champagne-tinted color as the exterior

accents around the instrument panel and on the steering wheel further enhance the cockpit 

 route information is displayed on the in-dash monitor, rear seat entertainment screens, tablets and phones

the wooden door trim has tiny perforations that allow indirect light from miniature LEDs to shine

touch-tracer pad embedded in the leather center console supports character recognition for data entry

engaging the start button initiates a lighting sequence based on which driving modes is selected

additional haptic controller in the rear seat center console puts passengers in control of entertainment

chauffeur mode allows for hands-free operation

the spindle grille on the LF-1 is a core element to the overall design

a split spoiler grabs your eye at the rear of the LF-1