And you thought that the all-new 2015 Lexus NX was only going to appear at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, didn't you? Well, you and everyone else. While everyone was sleeping on their laurels, we decided to continue working to bring you the first real-life shots of the all-new Lexus sport-utility vehicle.
Though the LF-NX Concept and first studio shots of the NX proved controversial, let me be the first to tell you, the all-new NX is a VERY strong design in the flesh. And if you equip it with the F Sport package, as my fellow New Yorkers would say "Fuhget aboud it!"
2014 New York Auto Show
To say I walked away impressed would be an understatement.
If you're remotely interested in the NX I'd highly advise you make your way to the Jacob K. Javits Center so you can get a look at the vehicles in the flesh. Currently, Lexus has the 200t upstairs at the main stand while the 300h — hybrid — is in the basement. Both are pre-production units as evidenced by the front doors bottom panels.
I've attached the press release as a refresher below.
2014 New York Auto Show
Lexus' press release follows:
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
April 19, 2014
BEIJING – April 20, 2014 – 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 | - |
**Keep your browsers locked on AutoSpies.com for the latest 2014 New York Auto Show coverage! AND, tell all your friends!
The 2014 New York Auto Show photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.
2014 New York Auto Show
