DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Lexus teases new SUV’s striking lights

Lexus has released a second teaser shot of the “flagship crossover concept” it will unveil at next month’s North American International Auto Show.

Earlier this month it was the sleek LF-1 Limitless SUV’s sloping rear-end and wide-screen infotainment system, and now Lexus has revealed what it describes as the vehicle's innovative front lighting display.

“The graphics interchange format (GIF) image is the second glimpse Lexus has provided of the LF-1 Limitless, which represents the next genre of luxury crossover vehicles,” said the Japanese luxury brand.

No further details have been provided ahead of the early January 16 (Australian time), save for the fact it was designed at the company’s CALTY design studio in southern California.

However, expect the all-new top-shelf Lexus SUV to go head-to-head with full-size luxury SUVs like the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Thought to have been developed to sit above the LandCruiser-based LX 570 in the Lexus SUV range, the new LF-1 is tipped to share architecture with the luxury LS limousine.

The range-topping SUV show car is likely to be powered by either a new pure-electric powertrain, or a development of the same advanced petrol-electric hybrid configuration which powers the LS 500h.

If it’s the latter, expect the LF-1 to combine a 220kW/348m 3.5-litre V6 with a powerful 132kW/300Nm electric motor.

Australia is odds-on to be a recipient of the Toyota premium brand’s new high-riding flag-bearer, so watch this space for more details.