据外媒最新报道，雷克萨斯于5月7日注册了LQ商标。而在今年的北美车展上，雷克萨斯展示了LF-1Limitless概念车，当时官方宣城其预示了品牌未来旗舰级跨界车发展方向。外媒猜测这很可能是其量产前兆。按照雷克萨斯的命名原则，其车名中的L代表旗舰车型，后续的S、C、X分别代表轿车、轿跑与SUV。根据此前规则推断，此次注册的新商标LQ一方面证明了量产车型的旗舰定位，Q这个首次出现的字母很可能代表了全新跨界车系。LF-1Limitless概念车是雷克萨斯与加州CALTY设计学院合作开发的成果，设计灵感来自“MoltenKatana熔铸之锋”，车身尺寸部分比LX更长、高度略矮，整体采用最新家族化设计语言，轴距达到2975毫米。这样的车身尺寸使其具备了成为雷克萨斯旗舰级跨界车的可能，特别是该车还配备了22英寸轮圈。车厢内采用极简主义设计，设置了四个座椅。而量产版预计将配备五个座椅。内部提供全数字仪表群，宽屏信息娱乐系统和触控感应按键，前排座椅头枕配备后排娱乐系统显示屏。动力总成部分，根据猜测其采用纯内燃机的可能性很低，采用插电混动、纯电动以及燃料电池等形式的可能性相对更高。
Lexus files trademark for LQ name
If you take a look at the Lexus lineup, you’ll notice something about how it names its models – if you consider two-letter combinations names. Across its lineup, Lexus denotes its flagship model with the “L” prefix with the S, C, and X suffix denoting sedan, coupe, and SUV, respectively. Earlier this month, Lexus registered “LQ” in the U.S., possibly for a future model, according to AutoGuide.com. Conveniently, Lexus showed the LF-1 Limitless concept during the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. In the official press release at the time, Lexus said the concept has the “potential to shape the future of a flagship luxury crossover.” Could the LQ be that flagship luxury crossover?
The LF-1 Limitless, designed in collaboration with CALTY Design Research in California, is longer than the LX but with a significantly lower profile. Even the wheelbase measures marginally close to the LX’s, coming in at 2975 millimeters (117.1 inches). The size would make it a perfect top-tier crossover in the Lexus lineup, especially with those 22-inch wheels.
Inside, there’s a minimalist cabin with seating for four. A production version would set five. There’s a fully digital instrument cluster, a wide infotainment screen, and touch-sensitive buttons. The front-seat headrests have screens for rear-seat entertainment.
One thing missing from the plethora of available information on the LX was the powertrain. If the car enters production as the LQ, expect as gasoline engine at a minimum. There’s also the possibility of a hybrid, or plug-in hybrid, pure EV, or possibly a fuel cell hydrogen propulsion system.