A Lexus Fan’s Guide to What Won’t Suck at Detroit
Your time is precious, so let’s skip the garbage and jump straight to the good stuff…
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is coming up hard and fast (Jan. 13-28), and there will be tons of new cars and trucks begging for your eyes and your attention. Except, let’s be honest here: You couldn’t care less about a lot of the junk that will be hitting that showroom floor. So, we decided that you don’t want some extended slab of text that details every new car that we know is coming. Instead, we’ve cut the fat and are here to present you with: “NAIAS Abridged: Only the Good Stuff.”
Obviously, the biggest news coming out of this show will be the new Lexus LF1 Limitless Concept. Basically, Lexus is going to explore what would happen if they were allowed to build their own flagship SUV. Currently the luxury brand is forced to deal with building on top of Toyota leftovers, so they are compromised from the start. This LF1 Limitless could paint a new Lexus that is part RX innovation and capability with the addition LS-levels of comfort and luxury. Sounds like a real winner to us.
For those of you who keep an eye on the competition, we have news from Acura, Mercedes, Infiniti and BMW.
Starting with the Bavarians we have the new X2 crossover and a refreshed i8 coupe. The i8 will still be uglier than the LC, and the X2 will be a slightly prettier but just as pointless variant of the X1. Nothing worth your time here.
The LF1 Limitless could paint a new Lexus that is part RX innovation and capability with the addition LS-levels of comfort and luxury. Sounds like a real winner to us.
Acura could be bringing real competition to the market for the first time in a decade with a refreshed RDX. A modern AWD system and new turbocharged engine options will mesh with an all-new design to create something interesting. Might steal a few RX buyers if Lexus isn’t careful.