Lexus NX News

With bold aggressive styling, the new Lexus NX crossover is in training to go head to head with the likes of Range Rover's stylish Evoque and others in the luxury crossover field – including BMW X3 and Audi Q3 (with Benz yet to offer an entry here in this growing segment).Still in concept form, the NX Turbo is a city car that targets the growing appetite for smaller, more urban-centric premium, compact crossover vehicles around the world. Smaller and more compact than the current RX wagon, it will mark the debut of Lexus's first turbocharged petrol engine, in the guise of a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo with all the mod cons including fuel saving stop-start.THE TURBO ENGINESLexus showed this car earlier this year at Frankfurt with a hybrid powertrain and unveiled another version this week at the Tokyo motor show with a turbocharged petrol engine. At this stage it is not saying which engine the new crossover will carry when it comes to market, but it is expected to offer a choice of both engines in line with its current philosophy.Lexus has not revealed many details of the turbo which is still in development but has confirmed it will support a variety of sizes topping out at 2.0 litres. It's expected to make its debut in the NX later next year. The turbocharged power plant follows the current trend to smaller, force fed engines that deliver the same kind of power as larger naturally aspirated units but offer better economy and less engine emissions.It will match the current 3.5-litre V6 for power and torque and is expected to eventually replace the V6, with the addition of balancer shafts to provide the same smoothness.THE DETAILSThe 2.0 litre, four-cylinder unit combines Lexus' advanced high tumble port, fan spray fuel injection, D-4S and VVT-iw combustion technologies with a cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold and a twin scroll turbocharger with an active wastegate valve.Through optimisation of the exhaust gas temperature, the cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold combines a high level of performance with fuel efficiency, clean exhaust emission reliability, while the twin scroll turbocharger operates effectively across the widest possible rev range.It targets fast throttle response and spirited performance while demonstrating outstanding fuel efficiency.THE CARThe striking exterior reflects a further evolution of the L-finesse design language, dominated by a huge version of the Lexus spindle grille, with smoked chrome trim and mesh insets. Signature front lighting features three diamond-shaped LEDs and independent daytine running lights underscored by a full-length LED turn signal strip.High gloss black toughens the looks of the wheel arches and lower rocker panels, while the rear features taillights extending the full depth of the bumper, with a full-width, air diffuser and highly sculpted chrome exhausts.WHAT'S INSIDE?The interior mirrors the NX Turbo's highly sculpted exterior. The centre console extends the full length of the cabin to create two separate rear seat cockpits. A brushed metal finish accents the instrument panel, steering wheel, seat structure and the overhead console, complemented by yellow and black leather with contrasting stitching.The dash features new generation touch-sensitive, electrostatic switches and the new Lexus remote touch interface, which combines a modified touch tracer display with a new touch pad design for smooth and intuitive use.VERDICTThe NX is a striking vehicle and it needs to be. The last thing Lexus wants is to deliver a car that goes unnoticed. We're guessing the final version won't be radically different and Lexus Australia can't wait to get its hands on the car.

Lexus has updated its LF-NX compact SUV concept for the coming Tokyo motor show, giving it a cosmetic touch-up around the nose and a new turbo engine in the lead-up to its move to production status.Largely unchanged in appearance from the car revealed at Frankfurt motor show in September, the LF-NX has sprouted a front under-lip spoiler integrated into the nose's aggressive styling -- much of which is aerodynamically functional, with styling cues such as the vertical lines performing as an air curtain and helping channel air flow to the front brakes.Under the bonnet it gets a newly developed 2.0-litre turbocharged engine -- likely to morph into a NX200t variant when the new Toyota RAV4-based compact SUV hits production.When that happens, expect it to be joined by a NX300h hybrid, with a new version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. Other variants may follow, as Lexus positions the NX to steal some of the success of the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA Class.The concept will be unveiled at Tokyo motor show on November 20, and more details about the planned progress to production time could be revealed then.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Lexus has issued a challenge to the prestige crossover market with the unveiling of the LF-NX concept at the Frankfurt motor show this week. If built – and we’ve no doubt the concept is leading to the showroom floor – the LF-NX concept will face off against the likes of Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA Class.The LF-NX at the show is powered by a new evolution of Lexus’ Hybrid Drive technology specially tuned for crossover performance, and features a razor-sharp new look that takes the “L-finesse” design language to a new level. Finishing it off is a novel brushed-metallic silver finish, accentuating the strikingly angular body.With a wide stance that amplifies an aggressive attitude, the sleek exterior of the LF-NX takes cues from the revamped 2014 Lexus IS sedan, it is also equipped with the same independent Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The front of the car draws into the signature Lexus spindle grill, with jagged contours tessellated all around.Production versions of the LF-NX will undoubtedly be toned down significantly, but we expect proportions and the majority of design details to be retained in the road-going variants, likely to be offered as a new turbocharged four-cylinder NX200t and a hybrid sibling NX300h.Lexus has clear intentions of luring younger buyers with the LF-NX. "The new LF-NX concept explores the potential for a compact crossover within the Lexus model range. This concept is youthful, confident and innovative,” executive vice president of Lexus Mark Templin said at the unveiling.The younger demographic will be switched onto the next generation of in-car technology in the LF-NX’s cockpit-like cabin. Touch-sensitive electrostatic switches and a central Remote Touch Interface (RTI) allow the driver to dynamically configure display features on the dashboard.