New NX Crossover Opens A New Chapter For Lexus

Lexus revealed its all-new NX at the Beijing Motor Show, a model that marks the marque's entry into the fast growing premium compact crossover market. According to market, the NX will be available with three powertrains: a highly efficient hybrid in the NX 300h; a new, Lexus-developed 2.0-litre petrol turbo unit in the NX 200t; and naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine in the NX 200. Front and all-wheel drive versions will be available, together with Lexus’s quick-response stop and start system. 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.

OneShift Editorial Team

23 Apr 2014

The side profile is instantly recognizable as a Lexus, accentuated by a roofline that’s set towards the rear of the vehicle to give maximum visual impact. Details include an innovative door mirror design and a world-first door handle mechanism with a concealed key barrel and integrated lighting. These features enhance the overall premium look by creating a smooth finish along the side of the car. The rear is punctuated by Lexus’s L-shape combination lamps, fitted with seamless LED lighting. The bodywork design echoes the spindle grille treatment at the front.

The interior features 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. 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.

The NX 300h uses a sophisticated hybrid system control specially developed for the model, using the proven Lexus 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine, generator, motor and battery. Total system output is 195bhp/145kW. Features specific to the hybrid NX include sprung-weight damping control to increase ride comfort and handling stability by reducing pitching when driving on uneven surfaces.

The NX 200t is the first model to use a new Lexus 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine, engineered for excellent fuel economy, agile performance and responsiveness. It is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission that has been specially tuned for the NX. Maximum power is 235bhp/175kW between 4,800 and 5,600rpm and maximum torque is 350 Nm, available from 1,650 to 4,000rpm.

The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine benefits from Lexus’s Valvematic technology to achieve high torque through a wider valve opening angle and an extended variable valve timing operating range. The unit runs with a high compression ratio and uses diagonal fuel injectors, optimizing the fuel mixture to produce strong power output across the full rev range. The engine works with a newly developed, electronically controlled S-CVT/Multidrive sequential shift transmission.

The NX will go on sale in world markets from the second half of 2014.

Credits: Oneshift News Team