Posts by Motor

Motor · Sep 5, 2013

World Premiere of the Lexus LF-NX Crossover Concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

-Distinctive and sculpted styling
-‘Human Oriented’ interior design with new, touch-sensitive instrumentation
-Highly efficient full hybrid powertrain

A new Lexus compact crossover concept, the LF-NX, will make its world premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). This concept explores the potential for a compact crossover within the Lexus model range.

Reinforcing Lexus’ leading position in full hybrid drive technology, the LF-NX concept is powered by a new variant of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system tuned for SUV performance.

With its highly distinctive and powerfully sculpted styling, the LF-NX concept’s exterior design reflects a further evolution of Lexus’ L-finesse design language.

The front is dominated by a strong interpretation of the Lexus spindle grille, extremely expressive signature front lighting with independent Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and unique corner styling which separates the bumper from the front wing with an aggressive vertical cut.

In profile, muscular wheel arches are trimmed with the black protective finish which typifies an urban crossover. Above the pronounced diamond shape of the belt line, a classic Lexus side glazing profile and steeply raked tailgate create the sweeping silhouette of an athletic coupe.

The rear features highly articulated lamp clusters. They are detailed to project downwards to the full depth of the bumper, creating a sharp, aerodynamic trailing edge to the vehicle which mirrors the front wing detailing.

The Lexus LF-NX concept is finished in a new Brushed Metal Silver exterior colorwhich gives the striking impression that the bodyshell has been carved from a single piece of solid metal.

The interior mirrors the LF-NX’s highly sculpted exterior with bold, powerful forms creating a driver-focused cockpit within an ergonomically ideal environment.

In a continuation of the ‘Human Oriented’ L-finesse design concept, the cabin features the ideal, upper display zone and lower operation zone dashboard format perfected over successive Lexus generations.

This allows for intuitive interaction with the vehicle’s next generation technology, which includes touch-sensitive electrostatic switches, and a new touch pad Remote Touch Interface (RTI) design.

Reinforcing the LF-NX concept’s premium crossover credentials, the strength and refinement of the interior’s carved metal surfacing is complemented throughout by Sunrise Yellow / Black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, and sophisticated blue instrument lighting.

The Lexus press conference is scheduled on September 10 at 13:00 CET on the Lexus stand, Hall 8, Frankfurt Messe.

Motor · Sep 7, 2013

GSBoek said:
Would be interesting to see the production stampings for the body.

Read the bold part below.

Lexus LF-NX Concept

The LF-NX Concept is designed to gauge reaction to an avant-garde SUV to take on the baby Range Rover

Lexus is set to preview its answer to the Range Rover Evoque at the Frankfurt motor show next week, in the shape of an athletic, avant-garde compact SUV concept called the Lexus LF-NX.

This five-door premium soft-roader will make its global debut at Frankfurt, in an exercise intended to gauge the reaction of European show-goers to a bolder and more aggressive design than they’re used to in a class where the Evoque is an exception rather than the rule, and where the dominant powers are such conservative cars as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. “We want this to be a very influential car — one to make its rivals look boring,” says design project manager Nobuyuki Tomatsu.

The design of the production car is still to be decided. “This isn’t one of those show cars that is 95 per cent representative of something finished,” Tomatsu says. “We have taken a risk, and we hope the reaction will be positive. If it is, there is no reason why our production car couldn’t look like this.”

Power comes from an adaptation of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system from the American market’s Lexus ES300h saloon. That means the front wheels will be driven by a combination of a 156bhp 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, serving up 200bhp in total. “We haven’t ruled out four-wheel drive for the finished car,” says Tomatsu. “The powertrain is just a starting point for us.”

The LF-NX’s exterior styling is a sounding board for several individual developments of features of the Lexus L-Finesse design language. Its spindle grille is larger than it is on Lexus’s current production crop, and features a diamond-shaped mesh conveying a more vivid sense of density and strength.

At the rear, that spindle shape is echoed in the sheet metal around the lights. And both of the character lines along the car’s flanks — the boomerang shoulderline and kinked lower feature line — have been exaggerated to create added dynamism.

The cabin of the LF-NX is designed to make an equally strong impact. It contrasts dark grey with ‘sunrise yellow’ leather. An axe-themed centre console, topped by satin chrome, creates a feeling of strength for both front and back-row occupants, while switchgear has been kept to a minimum.

At the head of that console, Lexus’s familiar, mouse-like Remote Touch Interface controller has been replaced by a simpler Audi-style fingertip touchpad.

Motor · Sep 10, 2013

Motor · Sep 11, 2013

Motor · Sep 12, 2013

Motor · Sep 14, 2013

Kevin: The LF-NX is so aggressive, so angular — how does this new exterior design work within the L-FINESSE language?

Takeshi Tanabe: The LF-NX concept is still very much influenced by the Lexus L-finesse (L = leading edge) design language that we’ve been evolving for nearly a decade now.

Despite the very expressive (I prefer to say ‘expressive’ rather than ‘aggressive’) cutting lines in the bodywork, you’ll also find softer, complementary curves around areas like the fenders. These contrasts are key to Lexus styling. You will also see them inside the car, where soft leather padding juxtaposes with machined aluminium.

You’ll also notice familiar Lexus ‘J-factor’ (= Japanese heritage) elements like the arrowhead features on the window mouldings or the LED daytime running lights that actually pierce through the front moulding.

In a recent interview with Mark Templin, he explained that Lexus designers have a new level of creative freedom — how did this affect the development of the LF-NX?

Yes, the idea of creative freedom is very true for this car too. This approach started with the LF-LC 2+2 sports coupe, where top management gave the Lexus design team an open brief to really push the limits of Lexus concept car design. The LF-NX carries this approach forward.

We want design that thrills, design that excites and design that is controversial. We want cars with attitude that turn heads and create desirability amongst customers.

For the LF-NX concept we were determined to create a younger and sportier design. My team wanted a lean and tough medium-sized crossover rather like a featherweight boxer. This is why we cut away the cabin sides to give a muscular and sculpted form.

The interior introduces some new technologies, like the next-generation Remote Touch & even the responsive lightshow when clicking a button — how close are these technologies to a production Lexus?

Remote Touch with a finger pad could well be seen on Lexus production models some time in the future, although obviously I cannot say when.

Inside, the HMI (Human Machine Interface) architecture has been moved one step forward too, so the LF-NX driver gets the feeling of connecting with the central nervous system of the car. The lights on the centre console create the impression of information pulsating from your fingertips into the central control centre of the car. With it, we try to simulate an even closer connection between the driver and the car.

My personal favorite detail inside is the interior rear view mirror, that was inspired by those on racing cars. Interestingly, the overall geometry and proportions of the interior are very similar to our latest driver-focused cockpits.

How do the rear combination lights work? It appears there’s a moving design within the glass housing.

This is a special projection effect we developed for the LF-NX concept car, to compliment the lighting effect inside the car.

Final question — the general reaction to the concept has been split, did you know how polarizing the final design would be?

Actually, we were very much hoping this would happen and are thrilled that the LF-NX is now being discussed with so much energy in the media.

Reading the blogs and posts about the Frankfurt Motor Show concept cars, we see many people are already connecting with the concept in an emotional way. Rather like when you visit an art gallery and discuss a painting – some like it, some don’t.

Motor · Sep 16, 2013

Motor · Sep 19, 2013

Motor · Nov 5, 2013

Lexus will display the “Lexus LF-NX” compact crossover SUV concept at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show Nov. 20 through Dec. 1 at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward, Tokyo.

Lexus LF-NX Turbo World Premiere
The Lexus LF-NX concept, which made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year, has been outfitted with a newly-developed 2.0-liter turbo engine for guaranteed power and improved fuel economy.

A lower center of gravity, emphasized by the front under spoiler, gives the turbo model a sportier look. The LF-NX cuts a lean profile, with its compact, sharp body and bold tires conveying SUV-unique power and an exciting drive. Inside, the new remote touch interface with touchpad functionality provides an advanced, user-friendly experience unique to Lexus.

Motor · Nov 12, 2013

Motor · Nov 20, 2013

Motor · Nov 20, 2013

Motor · Nov 21, 2013

Motor · Apr 10, 2014

Update!

2016 Lexus NX Compact SUV Photos Surface Online

The NX is the softer, less controversial and edgy production iteration of the LF-NX Concept displayed at the 2013 Frankfurt and Tokyo motor shows.

Positioned at the base of Lexus' SUV and crossover offerings, just under the RX, it targets the same customers as the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Range Rover Evoque.

"With its striking design, advanced technologies and Lexus’ signature spindle grill, the NX will set new standards for future models in the line-up," said Lexus in a previous release.

The model pictured here is labeled NX 300h, and likely features the same powertrain as the IS 300h sedan and RC 300h coupe, pairing a 176hp (178PS) 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine to a 105kW (141hp) electric motor driven through a CVT producing a combined 217hp (220PS). We don't know if this powertrain will be offered in the States.

At the Tokyo show, Lexus previewed the concept with its first 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, which could make its production debut on the NX.

Love it. Looking forward to the official hi-res pics. I may ditch my RX for this NX.

Motor · Apr 11, 2014

Update!

All-New Lexus NX Compact Crossover Launches With Marque’s First Turbo Powertrain

-Available With Three Powertrains: Gasoline Turbo NX 200t, Naturally Aspirated NX 200, and Full Hybrid NX 300h
-Lexus Enters Luxury Compact Crossover Segment
-NX Reveal at Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20

There’s a first for everything! The all-new Lexus NX comes to market as the brand’s first entry into the luxury compact crossover segment and with the first turbo in the lineup. The NX will also be offered in naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrains. Powertrains will vary by region. The U.S. market will offer the NX 200t turbo and NX 300h hybrid. The NX 200t F SPORT will also be available with unique exterior and interior features.

Lexus will maintain its role as the luxury hybrid leader with six hybrid models including the NX 300h. The NX will be the fourth vehicle in Lexus’ luxury utility vehicle lineup and positioned below the popular RX.

The Lexus LF-NX concepts, originally introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor Shows, influenced the striking and emotional design of the NX. The sharply styled crossover will be revealed at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20.

Chief engineer Takeaki Kato and his team developed NX as a luxury vehicle that provides versatility and details unexpected in its class to young, urban drivers.

Exterior Design
The NX was developed to have more agility than a SUV plus a bold, eye-catching exterior with its low profile and unique roofline.

As with all Lexus vehicles, the aggressive exterior starts with the spindle grille. Innovative LED headlamps and daytime running lamps firmly express Lexus’ bold styling.

The front and rear wheel arches add to the NX’s wide and low, muscular stance with bold flares. The arches house standard 17-inch or available 18-inch wheels.

The profile is accentuated by a roofline peak set towards the back of the vehicle to create a tight silhouette and provide ample head-room for rear seat occupants.

Subtle, luxury details are included in the innovative Lexus-first door handle with a hidden key barrel and integrated lighting.

The rear is punctuated by Lexus’ signature ‘L’ shape combination lamps, each with seamless LED lighting, while the bodywork echoes the spindle grille design.

Interior Design
The NX’s cabin combines the structural beauty of a high-performance machine with luxury materials that maximizes functionality. The combination of hard metallic surfaces and contrasting soft materials help create a unique interior.

A strong, center silver frame surrounds and defines the center instrument panel. Knee pads located at the base of the center stack help support the driver and passenger. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology continues the impression of an advanced vehicle and is also located at the bottom of the center stack.

Seating played a significant role in the cabin design. The NX possesses a low hip point adding to the connection of the driver to the vehicle and increasing overall head room. The NX also has a long cargo area length and a wide front to rear couple distance.

Technology
The NX introduces an innovative all-new 2.0-liter gasoline turbo in NX 200t and a naturally aspirated engine in NX 200 with the choice of front and all-weather drive. Lexus also offers a highly efficient hybrid in NX 300h.

The NX has an array of innovative on-board technology, including an available Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray to enable a mobile phone to be charged. Other available technology includes the first application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad; and a comprehensive Multi-information Display, including a Lexus-first G sensor and boost meter, Heads-Up Display, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

*The specifications of the NX will differ according to the country in which it is sold.

Takeaki Kato, Chief Engineer of the Lexus NX, will be sharing his personal responses to your questions about the NX direct from Beijing starting April 21st. Ask your questions online now via Facebook or Twitter with hashtag #LexusInBeijing.

:thumbup: :drool:

Motor · Apr 11, 2014

Update!

More Pics:

Those LED's are amazing.

Motor · Apr 14, 2014

Update!

Lexus NX 200t F Sport first look
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20140411/newyork/140409828#ixzz2ysjaYET8

Lexus creates a competitor to the BMW X1, Benz GLA and Audi Q3

We got an early look at the Lexus NX 200t F Sport in production trim 10 days ahead of its world debut at the Beijing auto show April 20. The luxury compact crossover will also be on display at the New York auto show but only during the public days.

The Lexus NX 200t is a slightly less racy looking version of the LF-NX Turbo concept shown at Tokyo. Dimensions are about the same as the RAV4, making the NX fit into the Lexus line just under the popular RX. It's clearly aimed at small luxury crossovers like the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3, all of which will have beat it to the market by the time the Lexus NX CUVs debut in late-November or early December in the U.S.

So far, we know that the NX will be available in two models in the U.S.:

The NX 200t will feature Lexus' first turbo engine, a 2.0-liter four with VVT-iW. Yes, that W is new. It signifies advance and retard of the intake cam. At low loads and rpm it can operate as an Atkinson cycle engine for greater efficiency and lower pumping losses. At higher engine speeds and greater loads it switches to the more standard Otto cycle. Kind of cool, we think. The turbo is a twin-scroll for even more efficiency while the intercooler is an air-to-water-to-air unit. Output is said to be “over 200 hp.” It will be mated to a six-speed ECT automatic transmission which has been engineered for smooth transfer of power and seamless, linear acceleration, according to Lexus.

The NX 300h will get a 2.5-liter four with Lexus Hybrid Drive and a CVT transmission. Since it has a hybrid drive, its 2.5-liter gasoline engine operates in the Atkinson cycle all the time. Total system horsepower for the hybrid will be “comparable to the ES 300h,” which is to say, about 200 hp.

Both will ride on standard 225/60 tires wrapped around your choice of 17- or 18-inch rims.

It appears at this point that the naturally-aspirated 2.0 will be offered in other markets but not here.

Inside the NX 200t F Sport we saw there was full Lexus luxo-packaging, with padded leather throughout the cabin, joined by contrasting red stitching. A knob on the center console adjusted throttle, transmission shifting, suspension and steering inputs to either Eco, Normal or Sport settings. Just below that was a touchpad to control the functions displayed on the fixed navi screen above the dash. The RTI remote touch interface offered a pinch and pull function for the NAV screen. Another neat feature under the center armrest was a wireless phone charger. While there will be an audio system, there will be no Mark Levinson audio offered.

With the segment growing, and with the Toyota RAV4 platform just sitting there waiting to be tarted up into a Lexus, it's a wonder what took these guys so long to offer the NX crossovers.

Motor · Apr 20, 2014

Update!

Lexus Announces Twins! - All-New NX Compact Crossover Introduces First Twin Scroll Turbo Charger to Lineup

-Lexus’ First 2.0-Liter Gasoline Turbo Engine
-U.S. Market Will Offer Only Turbocharged and Hybrid NX Models
-Available F SPORT Adds Unique Exterior and Interior Features and Details
-Lexus Expands Luxury Utility Vehicle Model Range

With the addition of two exhaust gas inlets and two nozzles, Lexus welcomes its first twin scroll turbo charger to its powertrain family at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. The all-new Lexus NX compact crossover offers the brand’s first gasoline turbo engine in the NX 200t. The NX 200t turbo will balance excellent fuel economy with responsive acceleration and agility.

The all-new NX is Lexus’ first entry into the luxury compact crossover segment. The NX 200t turbo will be available in the U.S. market along with the NX 300h hybrid. The availability of NX model range, including the NX 200 with a naturally aspirated engine, will vary by market.

“Positioned below the RX, the new NX model will provide an exciting entry point into the Lexus crossover and luxury utility vehicle family. Its expressive design and turbocharged performance embody the technology and design focused direction customers can expect from Lexus,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager.

The NX 200t F SPORT will also be available with aggressive design features. F SPORT exclusives include a mesh grille insert, bold front bumper, machined-finish wheels, black exterior mirrors, interior ornamentation, paddle shifters, and sport seats.

The NX was developed as a refined and stylish compact luxury utility vehicle. NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato said, “Luxury is epitomized by small but important details.”

Examples of attention to detail in the NX include welcoming LED illuminated exterior door handles, advanced overhead console touch switches that operate smoothly and other innovations that will set new standards for future Lexus models.

“Apart from the luxury touches, the NX was designed to complement daily life while also being capable of supporting an active lifestyle on the weekend.”

The Lexus NX will go on sale globally in the second half of 2014, and appear in U.S. showrooms in the fall of 2014. Both U.S. models, NX 200t and NX 300h, will be available in front-wheel-drive and all-weather-drive.

Three Powertrains Globally

NX 200t

The NX 200t will use the all-new 2.0-liter turbo direct injection gasoline engine matched to a six-speed automatic transmission specially tuned for the NX.

The six-speed automatic transmission features new torque-demand control logic, which calculates required engine torque and maximizes it, delivering quick response to acceleration and exhilarating feel with fuel efficiency.

The new Lexus 2.0-liter turbo engine was tested extensively on various road conditions and harsh environments. The turbo engine has a Lexus-first combination of water-cooled cylinder head integrated exhaust manifold and twin scroll turbo charger.

NX 300h

The NX 300h adopts Lexus Hybrid Drive with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, generator, motor and battery. Special features of the hybrid model include sprung-weight damping control to increase ride comfort and handling stability by reducing pitching on uneven road surfaces.

Available in front-wheel drive or all-weather drive, the NX 300h will be ready for urban adventure.

NX 200

China and Russia will offer the NX 200. A naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Valvematic variable valve mechanism gasoline engine matched to a Sequential-Continuously Variable Transmission (S-CVT)/Multi-drive transmission will power the NX 200.

The Lexus Valvematic system provides high torque through an expanded valve opening angle and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) operation range.

The 2.0-liter powerplant has a high compression ratio and diagonal fuel injectors, which optimizes fuel mixture to produce strong power through the rev-range.

Chassis and Suspension

The NX has been designed for agile driving, handling stability, turning posture and ride comfort, including yaw-rate response to steering input and stability on uneven road surfaces.

The foundation for the vehicle’s sophisticated suspension is a highly rigid body with extensive underbody reinforcement. The new body has a comprehensive package of reinforcements, additional bulkheads and spot welding, suspension braces, and the use of Lexus body adhesive, laser-screw welding and high-rigidity glass adhesive.

NX F SPORT models will have newly developed performance dampers to further enhance handling stability.

Exterior Design

From inception to reality, the NX was substantially influenced by the LF-NX concept vehicles that were introduced in hybrid form at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, and later at the Tokyo Motor Show, powered by an all-new turbo drivetrain.

The NX was designed to provide more agility than an SUV and the versatility needed to navigate urban streets.?

The front fascia integrates Lexus’ signature spindle grille, innovative LED headlamps, fog lamps, and daytime running lamps. The new compact crossover embraces a sculpted look with bold front and rear wheel arches that house standard 17-inch and optional 18-inch wheels.

The profile is accentuated by a roofline peak set towards the back of the vehicle to create a tight silhouette and provide ample head-room for rear seat occupants.

An innovative, Lexus-first door handle with a hidden key barrel and integrated lighting provide the subtle attention to detail that meet the chief engineer’s definition of luxury.

Lexus’ signature ‘L’ shaped combination tail lamps, each with seamless LED lighting, and bodywork that reflects the spindle grille complete the rear design.

Interior Design

Soft interior materials combined with hard metallic surfaces provide NX with a luxurious environment and the structural beauty of a high performance machine.

A strong, silver frame defines and surrounds the center instrument panel. Knee pads located at the base of the center stack help support the driver and front passenger when cornering. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology continues the impression of an advanced vehicle and is also located at the bottom of the center stack.

Seating played a significant role in the cabin design. A quilted pattern in the seats and varied cushion thickness provide both support and style. The NX possesses a low hip point that helps optimize driver position and adds to the connection between the driver and the vehicle while increasing overall head room.

The NX also has a long cargo area length and a wide front to rear couple distance that helps increase legroom.

Technology

The NX has an array of innovative on-board technology, including an available Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray which enables Qi compatible phones to be charged. Other available technology includes the first application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad; Pre-Collision System with All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert; power folding rear seat and Lane Departure Alert. The standard-equipped Multi-information Display features an available Lexus-first G sensor and boost meter.

Specifications

NX specifications will vary by market
NX 200t NX 300h
Overall Length 182.3 in. 182.3 in.
Overall Width 72.6 in. 72.6 in.
Overall Height 64.8 in. (with antenna) 64.8 in. (with antenna)
Wheelbase 104.7 in. 104.7 in.
Tread - front/rear 62.2/62.2 in. (with 225/65R17 tire)
61.8 in/61.8 in (with 235/60R18 tire) 62.2/62.2 in. (with 225/65R17 tire)
61.8 in/61.8 in (with 235/60R18 tire)
Horsepower 235 hp 194 hp (total system)
Torque 258 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm -

Motor · Apr 20, 2014

Lexus NX 2014 preview: The Lexus NX crossover has been unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show. Take a tour around the car to see its exciting design and feel what the interior like from the driver's seat and inside the car in our interactive video.

Lexus NX 2014: Interior Details: The Lexus NX crossover has been unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show. This video explores the car's innovative and high quality interior.

The car's SUV strengths are expressed in details such as a thick-rimmed steering wheel, a central silver frame embedded in the instrument panel and robust knee pads for driver and front passenger. Contrasting textures around the cabin and the use of a quilted seat upholstery pattern reference the NX's status as a crossover vehicle.

Lexus has also focused on interior space and seating, ensuring ample overall headroom and a generous front-to-rear couple distance. The NX continues the development of Lexus's display and operation zone dashboard design concept and provides the driver with easy, intuitive command of its advanced technology features using new and improved HMI controls.

Lexus NX 2014: The Lexus NX crossover has been unveiled at the Beijing motor show. In this video we take a look at the SUV's exciting exterior design.

The NX has been designed to look as though it is has been cast from a single piece of metal. Strong, flared wheel arches house 17 or 18-inch wheels, giving the car a crouching, muscular stance. Lexus's signature spindle grille is the central focus of the NX's angular shape, reinforced by LED headlamps and daytime running lights. The grille blends seamlessly into a sculpted bonnet, creating strongly contrasting surfacing that projects a sense of depth.

Motor · Apr 21, 2014

Lexus' first luxury compact crossover, the "NX", made its world premiere here today at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition1, which runs through April 29. The NX, created for urban and active lifestyles, features an edgy, emotional design that is distinctively Lexus. Sales of the NX are scheduled to begin in world markets in the second half of 2014.

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