Meet the Newest Hybrid in the Lexus Lineup
Hybrid or not, the new Lexus LF-NX will be built to do what traditional cars in its class are capable of doing, only greener.
With a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine, the LF-NX could use the same technology as in other Toyota and Lexus hybrids. An Atkinson’s cycle I4 and electric motor kicks in at lower speeds for better gas usage – when more power is needed the Otto cycle is engaged and ready to perform like an SUV.
According to Lexus, this small crossover concept vehicle will be built to compete with others in its class like the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, and the Audi Q3.
If the car maker offers its conventional 2.0 liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine as an option, the force of this Lexus could easily exceed 200hp.
This isn’t the first we’ve heard about the LF-NX concept. Jim Lentz, Toyota CEO, alluded to the concept back in February at the North American Auto Show in Detroit, displaying a slide show of a car that looked very similar to the LX-NX at a Society of Automotive Analysis presentation. Before that, the LX made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the Tokyo Motor Show in 2013.
There are several indications that a kinder, gentler production version of the LX will be available to Lexus enthusiasts. First, a commanding-looking spindle grille bears the unmistakable trademark of Lexus. LED headlights are composed of diamond shaped units that are separate from the main headlights.
The NX also features a domed hood and rear and front fenders that seem to protrude from its body, while shiny, metallic sheet metal extends all the way down to the rear of the bumper. Rising side window lines are strategically designed to look like that of the Lexus RX.
The car maker gives the NX concept a black and yellow leather interior that contrasts well with the burnished metal and flashy blue lighting. One touch, electrostatic controls are part of the Lexus’ vehicle interface system called the Remote Touch, no longer exclusive to just the ISF Sport.
Following traditional Lexus nomenclature, the “t” in NX200t denotes the vehicle’s turbo-charged powertrain, while the “h” in NX300h stands for hybrid. A patent has been filed by the automaker further signifying the name of this new crossover.
Whatever the case, the LX-NF will be production-ready and in proper form at the auto show in Beijing next month and showroom ready at Lexus of Highland Park sometime in the hopefully near future. Visit our dealership today and view or current Lexus inventory or learn more about the exciting new models we are expecting!
