New Lexus Crossover Will Challenge Land Rover, Jaguar

Lexas has announced a new crossover vehicle concept that will expand its crossover line into previously untouched territory. Called the Lexus LF-1 Limitless, Lexus promises "a flagship crossover that redefines the boundaries of luxury." Unlike many automakers who create meaningless headlines during auto show time, almost all of the prototypes and concept vehicles Lexus shows off become production vehicles within a year or so of their first reveal.

We would expect the new Lexus LF-1 Limitless to be a low-slung, sporty luxury vehicle similar in many ways to the Land Rover Velar or Jaguar F-Pace. Jaguar has led the segment by fielding a constant string of new luxury crossovers ever since it introduced the Evoque in 2011. We would not expect the new Lexus to try to compete head to head with the Porsche Macan or Cayenne, though the motor press may pose the two as rivals.

Lexus has been introducing every new model with a hybrid drivetrain option and we would expect that in this case as well. A plug-in hybrid option would be a first for Lexus, but we would not rule it out. The drivetrain options may include a 315 hp base engine, or Lexus may forgo that and offer a hybrid and non-hybrid pairing of 400+ horsepower.

Initially, Lexus will release the overall shape of the new LF-1 Limitless and give a hint of the drivetrains to come. Expect that to be the second week of January at the Detroit Auto Show. We will update readers with images and specifications when they become available.