2021 launch date for Lexus LF flagship SUV reportedly shifted to 2023 due to engine development issues.
The LF-1 Limitless was this copper-colored mixture of sports
car and crossover. It had a really long hood, which is uncharacteristic of
Lexus models. Given all the reports we've read about its production version, it
is undoubtedly coming, but the project seems to be slightly delayed.
LF will measure 206 inches wide, 74 inches wide, and 62
inches high, making it Lexus’s largest SUV to date.
The Japanese scoop website Best Car Web states that the
project was supposed to be shown in some form this year but was pushed back to
2023. That makes sense, considering Lexus needs to make new versions of several
popular models and deal with Toyota's strong push into the electric car market.
When ready, the crossover will supposedly be named the LF,
which we find a little puzzling. That name is used by all the concepts and
stands for "Lexus Future," but this somewhat lines up with the
halo/flagship status of the vehicle and differentiates it from the Land
Cruiser-based LX.
The TNGA-L platform is to be used, the same as the LS sedan,
and that implies a sportier, rear-biased AWD system. The primary powertrain is
supposed to be a 3.5-liter hybrid, though a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 will find
its way under the hood as well.
With such a long development cycle, we're not surprised it
will be expensive too. Best Car claims it will cost between 15 and 20 million
yen, which is equivalent to about $138,000 to $184,000 at the current exchange
rate. That's pretty deep into Porsche Cayenne territory (and even beyond),
though we're sure Lexus can pull it off.
The Japanese story talks about further Lexus performance
models in the pipeline. The IS F and LS F are supposed to use this fancy new
twin-turbo 4.0-liter which can produce up to 650 horsepower. It sounds very
exciting, particularly as the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C63 will downsize to four
cylinders.
Back in 2018, when Toyota premium brand, Lexus, debuted the
LF-1 Limitless at the Detroit Auto Show, the automaker promised to take the
concept car to production model to serve as its new flagship SUV.
But it seems customers may have to wait longer now after a report claimed that the launch date for the Lexus LF has been postponed from 2021 to 2023 due to engine development Issues.
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