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Lexus LF-1 Limitless looks like a curvy crossover concept

Lexus released a teaser for a new concept that will make its debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, and it has quite the name. The company calls it the LF-1 Limitless, a name that wouldn't sound out of place on a battleship. According to Lexus, the name was chosen because this concept "is a flagship crossover that redefines the boundaries of luxury." Frankly, the boundaries that make up the high-dollar crossover segment are definitely well-tread by now. What we can tell is that the concept's heavily raked D-pillar suggests it will have a coupe-inspired look similar to the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. The bodywork features many curvy lines and exaggerated wheel arches. It will be interesting if this LF-1 has flagship size to go with its flagship description, which would put it in competition with the upcoming Audi Q8. This concept is well-worth keeping an eye on, since Lexus has a history of previewing future production models with the LF moniker. Examples include 2009's LF-Ch that became the CT 200h, 2012's LF-LC coupe that became the LC 500, 2013's LF-NX that became the Lexus NX crossover, and 2015's LF-FC that became the new LS sedan. Not everything makes it to production, such as the LF-SA mini car, and the LF-C2 that suggested an RC convertible. But there's a strong enough history of production cars coming from LF concepts that this LF-1 could be the preview of a new production model. Related Video:

Toyota sees profit slip but beat earlier forecasts

TOKYO — ToyotaÂ’s July-September profit fell 11% from a year earlier as the coronavirus pandemic slammed global demand, but JapanÂ’s top automaker appeared to be holding up better than weaker rivals that have sunk into the red. Toyota reported Friday a quarterly profit of 470.5 billion yen ($4.5 billion), down from 530 billion yen a year ago. Quarterly sales slipped to 6.77 trillion yen ($65 billion) from 7.64 trillion yen. Its president, Akio Toyoda, told reporters Toyota employees worked extremely hard, including making masks and face shields and boosting efficiency at factories to achieve results despite the pandemic. “Toyota has become gradually stronger,” he said, offering gratitude and praise for how resilient Toyota has proven itself to be. “This shows how each individual worked so hard,” said Toyoda, the grandson of the automakerÂ’s founder, vowing that each of its employees will keep thinking about contributing to a better world. Toyota raised its global sales forecast to 9.4 million vehicles for the fiscal year through March 2021, better than its earlier forecast for 9.1 million vehicles. ThatÂ’s still lagging behind the more than 10.5 million vehicles sold in the last fiscal year. Toyota, based in Toyota city in Aichi, central Japan, said it expects to record a 1.4 trillion yen ($13.5 billion) profit for the fiscal year. It earlier projected 730 billion yen ($7 billion) in profit. Toyota, which makes Lexus luxury models and the Prius hybrid, recorded 2 trillion yen ($19 billion) in profit the previous fiscal year. ToyotaÂ’s operating income fell in most regions, including Japan and other Asian markets, but improved in North America. Operating Officer Kenta Kon expressed caution about the U.S. outlook, given the rising coronavirus cases. But he said ToyotaÂ’s latest models were popular, and dealers were adjusting incentives to get good results. All the worldÂ’s automakers have been slammed by shrinking demand as COVID-19 squelches economic activity. Some nations, including Japan, have sunk into recession. Although uncertainties persist about further outbreaks and when a vaccine might be available, there are signs of recovery in some parts of the world. Japan has managed to keep pandemic-related deaths at fewer than 2,000. It has reported about 105,000 cases nationwide.

2023 Lexus GX makes do with small changes

Toyota leaves its hardcore SUVs to ripen on the vine for long spells. That means that in comparison with the rest of the luxury segment, Lexus SUVs are nearly fermented by the time the make way for the new harvest. Each year gets its small updates, though, Lexus announcing the fiddling its done on the 2023 GX 460. Last year saw a larger roster of changes, including a Black Line edition like other Lexus models with available Nori Green Pearl paint, a long overdue update to the infotainment system that saw the installation of a 10.3-inch touchscreen atop a revised center stack with more minimalist buttons and switches, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, plus standard navigation, parking sensors, and power folding and heated mirrors. For 2023, the Black Line returns with new standard kit and a production cap of 3,000 units. Available on the Premium trim, there's a darker finish on the grille and surround, the fog lamp surrounds and skid plate. The roof rails and shark fin are painted black, and instead of red taillights, there are clear lights with black inserts. The package sits on exclusive 18-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, a black headliner lords over Boulder Gray NuLuxe-trimmed seats, black matte ash wood trim, and contrasting gray stitching. The special edition comes with Panoramic View Monitor thrown in as well. The color palette shrinks by one hue, Claret Mica going away. Starfire Peal also disappears, but it's been replaced by Eminent White Pearl. The top Luxury trim — above base and Premium —picks up Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio as standard equipment.  Prices are slightly higher than last year. The base 2022 GX 460 has gone up $300 to $57,575 after destination, Premium trim also $300 more dear at $58,910, the Luxury trim up by $1,445 to $68,230. Two years ago, Toyota filed a trademark application in Costa Rica for a Lexus GX 550. The global market Toyota Land Cruiser Prado that the GX is based on is anticipated to get a next-generation model next year, perhaps with the option of the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 found in the new Land Cruiser. Whenever the revamped Prado debuts, an all-new Lexus GX shouldn't be far behind.