BEIJING, China - The wraps came off Lexus' new "chiseled, compact, premium crossover" at the Beijing motor show today (April 20 2014).
Called the NX, the newcomer will be the brand's first mid-size crossover/SUV and will, the automaker says, have "defined, edgy styling, a striking design and high-end technologies".
"It will stand as a hero model, setting standards for future Lexus products."
'MUSCULAR STANCE'
The NX, Lexus says, was designed to look as though it is was created from a single piece of metal. "Strong, flared wheel-arches house 17 or 18" 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 headlights and daytime running lights. The grille blends seamlessly into a sculpted bonnet, creating strongly contrasting surfacing that projects a sense of depth.
"The profile is instantly recognisable as a Lexus, accentuated by a roof line set towards the rear to give maximum visual impact. Details include an innovative door mirror design and a world-first door release mechanism with a concealed key barrel and integrated lighting."
The rear has the brand's familiar L-shape combination lights that include diode 'bulbs'.
Lexus says the intention is to bring "a sense of excitement" to the NX’s cabin with a design more like that of a sports car, one that includes a thick-rimmed steering-wheel. Lexus enlarged: "We focused on interior space and seating and worked to ensure the driver can enjoy intuitive interaction with the controls and instruments."
The NX continues the development of Lexus’s display and operation zones concept.
Three power units will feature in the NX - a petrol-electric hybrid in the NX 300h, a new two-litre petrol turbo in the NX 200t and a petrol unit in the NX 200. Each will offer front or all-wheel drive.
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
The full power-train line-up for South Africa will be disclosed closer to the local launch (first half of 2015) but Wheels24 can confirm the turbo petrol engine. It's also very likely that, in line with the brand’s strong eco-focus, that the hybrid will join the turbo on local showroom floors.
Innovative technologies, Lexus says, will include a wireless charging tray for portable devices, a new iteration of the brand's 'remote touch interface' with a touch-pad control, a 'panoramic view monitor' and a comprehensive multi-information display with a Lexus-first G-sensor and boost meter.
The NX will also offer a head-up display, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
Takeaki Kato, chief engineer for the NX project, said his team "had approached all phases of the model’s development from the perspective of its target customers". The car, the automaker believes, will tempt young urbanites who have an active lifestyle and prefer premium products.
Click here to find out more about the Lexus NX
Called the NX, the newcomer will be the brand's first mid-size crossover/SUV and will, the automaker says, have "defined, edgy styling, a striking design and high-end technologies".
"It will stand as a hero model, setting standards for future Lexus products."
'MUSCULAR STANCE'
The NX, Lexus says, was designed to look as though it is was created from a single piece of metal. "Strong, flared wheel-arches house 17 or 18" 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 headlights and daytime running lights. The grille blends seamlessly into a sculpted bonnet, creating strongly contrasting surfacing that projects a sense of depth.
"The profile is instantly recognisable as a Lexus, accentuated by a roof line set towards the rear to give maximum visual impact. Details include an innovative door mirror design and a world-first door release mechanism with a concealed key barrel and integrated lighting."
The rear has the brand's familiar L-shape combination lights that include diode 'bulbs'.
Lexus says the intention is to bring "a sense of excitement" to the NX’s cabin with a design more like that of a sports car, one that includes a thick-rimmed steering-wheel. Lexus enlarged: "We focused on interior space and seating and worked to ensure the driver can enjoy intuitive interaction with the controls and instruments."
The NX continues the development of Lexus’s display and operation zones concept.
Three power units will feature in the NX - a petrol-electric hybrid in the NX 300h, a new two-litre petrol turbo in the NX 200t and a petrol unit in the NX 200. Each will offer front or all-wheel drive.
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
The full power-train line-up for South Africa will be disclosed closer to the local launch (first half of 2015) but Wheels24 can confirm the turbo petrol engine. It's also very likely that, in line with the brand’s strong eco-focus, that the hybrid will join the turbo on local showroom floors.
Innovative technologies, Lexus says, will include a wireless charging tray for portable devices, a new iteration of the brand's 'remote touch interface' with a touch-pad control, a 'panoramic view monitor' and a comprehensive multi-information display with a Lexus-first G-sensor and boost meter.
The NX will also offer a head-up display, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
Takeaki Kato, chief engineer for the NX project, said his team "had approached all phases of the model’s development from the perspective of its target customers". The car, the automaker believes, will tempt young urbanites who have an active lifestyle and prefer premium products.
Click here to find out more about the Lexus NX