The Sleek ‘Molten Katana’ Lexus SUV Was Inspired by a Samurai Sword

The LF-1 Limitless concept is a jaw-dropper.

Dan Carney

Jan 17, 2018

Lexus_LF1_Limitless_alt_05_5585E263D9B08759A08914F2D7E63B48E967E405 — Toyota

Lexus pioneered the notion of a luxury crossover SUV with the RX300, which debuted twenty years ago at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Toyota‘s luxury brand aims to reestablish itself as a leader amid a flood of competitors with a new concept pointing the way for its future crossover models.

Lexus_LF1_Limitless_alt_08_1DD947D00E4732CC8645A45EE5F98361BBE042D3 — Toyota

The LF-1 Limitless concept was penned by Toyota’s CALTY Design Research in California using a design language it calls “molten katana”.

Lexus_LF1_Limitless_alt_10_5920C4F3E23543C1DD6BE7A6AA5D43C2E95FC9C1 — Toyota

“This design visualization fuses the organic shapes of liquid metal with the sharp edges of a traditional Japanese sword,” explained Jeff Bracken, vice president and general manager of the Lexus division. “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.”

Lexus_LF1_Limitless_32_634DBEF7F6D49A167F8D42AC312190F8E19E121F — Toyota

The LF-1 concept’s cabin features the same champagne-tinted color as the exterior, but a satin finish lends a warmer feel, while metallic accents throughout the interior contrast with the dark Cocoa Bean leather trim and seats covered in Chiffon White perforated leather.

Lexus_LF1_Limitless_alt_01_59B23D1D32599EA49ACFB077C434CE276A75B1BD — Toyota

Anticipating the migration of vehicle drivetrains toward increasing electrification, the LF-1 is designed to accommodate fuel cell, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, or even all-electric powertrains. “By around 2025, every Lexus model around the world will be available either as a dedicated electrified model, or have an electrified option,” Bracken pledged.

Lexus_LF1_Limitless_alt_03_35AE2702DFC4C3E61AE3773E9AD04173B214A9A3 — Toyota

Lexus is mum on production plans for the LF-1 as a new LX crossover model, but it can’t come soon enough to rehabilitate the company’s reputation for bland style.

Mentioned in this article: concept cars lexus luxury Rides SUVs

The Sleek ‘Molten Katana’ Lexus SUV Was Inspired by a Samurai Sword

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