Daily Slideshow: Lexus Really Wants to Build the LF-1 Crossover

Making Fantasy a Realty

As a general rule, automakers are typically coy when asked about the possibility that a concept vehicle might make it into production. They'll call it a "styling exercise" designed to "gauge public interest." Historically, few concepts make it to reality, and fewer still even vaguely resemble the show cars they're based on. But as Lexus proved with the LF-LC Concept and the production LC, this doesn't have to be the case. And their next faithful concept-to-production model might just be the new LF-1 Limitless crossover.

>>Join the conversation about the LF-1 Crossover right here in ClubLexus.

Pulling No Punches

Sure, the LF-1 was officially deemed a "styling exercise" when it debuted at the Detroit Auto Show. But from day one, Lexus' U.S. team wasn't trying to play coy about their desire to see the luxurious, range-topping crossover make it to production. In fact, during the car's debut, Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken told Yoshihiro Sawa, president of Lexus International, "we have to build this vehicle." 

>>Join the conversation about the LF-1 Crossover right here in ClubLexus.

Natural Progression

The idea of Lexus building a high-end, ultra-luxurious crossover makes a ton of sense, after all. Most luxury automakers are chasing the bottom end, building small and affordable crossovers that people are admittedly buying up like hotcakes. But while Lexus offers a full range of such vehicles, including the forthcoming subcompact UX, they don't really have much at the upper end of the spectrum. Currently, the LS and LC sit atop the lineup - a luxury sedan and grand touring coupe. Adding a flagship crossover seems like a natural progression.

>>Join the conversation about the LF-1 Crossover right here in ClubLexus.

Halo Product

If you need further proof of Lexus' intentions, look no further than the comments Bracken made to Automotive News in a recent interview. "If you think about where so much of our volume comes from, it's more in the $35,000 - $55,000 range," Bracken said. "And so that higher-end market in the luxury industry has been...an area where we haven't been in as much as we'd like to be in. The LF-1, should it be made, could be another halo product for us, not only from a standpoint of styling but price positioning."

>>Join the conversation about the LF-1 Crossover right here in ClubLexus.

Building an Image

Obviously, this doesn't mean Lexus intends to ditch its more affordable offerings. But in this crossover-obsessed world, and image is everything. Having something as dramatically styled as the LF-1 in showrooms could truly fortify the brand's reputation as an ultra-luxury brand, helping sell cars like the UX and RX in the process. In the world of luxury automobiles, it's all about image, after all. And we'd be willing to bet that plenty of able folks would pony up for the LF-1, too.

>>Join the conversation about the LF-1 Crossover right here in ClubLexus.

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