Motor Trend Interviews Lexus UX Chief Engineer Chika Kako

Posted by Kevin on March 12th, 2018

Motor Trend has an interview with Chika Kako, Lexus International executive vice-president and the chief engineer of the new UX:

Motor Trend: What vehicles did you benchmark?

Chika Kako: As a crossover we checked of course, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, [and] Audi Q3. We also [checked the] Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and BMW 1 Series. If we look at the market here right now, BMW X2 is coming, our package is quite close.

MT: UX rides on the Lexus GA-C. What is the GA-C and TNGA?

CK: At Lexus GA-C is our global architecture “C-platform” and it’s the same TNGA platform as CH-R, Auris, and of course, Prius. It’s a common (shared) platform, however, because the basis already provides good noise and vibration levels, as well as drivability and rigidity, we were able to further expand and enhance from what we had as a baseline.

There are several things we have done [at Lexus for UX]. We have made center of gravity lower, we are using aluminum doors, fender and foot panels, and the [liftgate] is a resin door with aluminum reinforcement. These changes make the center of gravity lower. Body rigidity is also reinforced by using laser screw welding and body adhesives in the structure. This makes the body more rigid and handling response better.

There’s some detail into how the Lexus UX design factors in aerodynamics:

MT: The taillights on the UX are very striking. Can you talk about the design?

CK: The appearance is quite unique, but it serves an aerodynamic function and is inspired by the rear wing of a race car. Our designers and engineers collaborated on the question, “How can we modify the shape and stabilize the airflow?“

It’s about letting the airflow be smoothed out, rather than the air wrapping around behind the car creating different pressure zones. That kind of thinking was also applied on the fender edge molding. If you look at the car, there is quite a unique shape to the fender. The upper portion is quite straight, but the back edge is abrupt. This is really for the aerodynamics.

Kako also confirmed that that fender molding will only be available in black, and that the UX will be manufactured at the Kyushu factory in Japan. The on-sale date is October in Europe and December for North America.

Lexus UX: First Generation
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Comments
Gecko
Going to be interesting... now, ready to see the damn thing!
Lexus Cohen
Very interesting
Y
The C-HR has been selling like crazy in Japan, so it is indeed highly likely to see the debut of the C-HR-based UX in Tokyo IMHO.
S
ydooby
The C-HR has been selling like crazy in Japan, so it is indeed highly likely to see the debut of the C-HR-based UX in Tokyo IMHO.
Europe too... it might be sooner than Tokyo.

I can see them offering larger engine for UX, and i hope they will... CHR is already pretty luxurious so it will be much easier transition to Lexus than NX had.
James
Okay once again we will have a great looking SUV more aggressive than most on the market wil we get a F version of this car...? The first F SUV would be a huge statement.
Lexus Cohen
James
Okay once again we will have a great looking SUV more aggressive than most on the market wil we get a F version of this car...? The first F SUV would be a huge statement.
That would be great!
meth.ix
I'm so surprised:scream:
C
This is great news though not too surprised. I will be surprised if the UX doesn't make it to N. America seeing that subcompacts are gaining in sales as a genre.

I agree with krew for a Tokyo reveal but as for sale date, my guess is no sooner than late 2018 as a MY 2019 to spread the near-term launches a little:

LC May 2017 / MY 2018
LS Q1 2018 / MY 2018
UX Q4 2018 / MY 2019
Alexander Li
At least everyone here has the same views........
Joaquin Ruhi
spwolf
Europe too... it might be sooner than Tokyo.
Indeed, 2017 being an odd-numbered year, I'd say it's 50/50 whether UX debuts in Frankfurt (Press days: September 12 & 13, 2017) or in Tokyo (Press days: October 25 & 26, 2017)
GSCT
After having seen the concept UX, I hope that the styling is toned down big time for the production version.
OlFius
Can someone tell me at Toyota why the C-HR was there much earlier than the UX?
This was supposed to be the other way around, and a few years previously. The competition is huge these days.
So, don't wait too long...
OlFius
corradoMR2
This is great news though not too surprised. I will be surprised if the UX doesn't make it to N. America seeing that subcompacts are gaining in sales as a genre.

I agree with krew for a Tokyo reveal but as for sale date, my guess is no sooner than late 2018 as a MY 2019 to spread the near-term launches a little:

LC May 2017 / MY 2018
LS Q1 2018 / MY 2018
UX Q4 2018 / MY 2019

The UX in Q4 2018 ? I guess a little bit earlier here in Europe, in Q2 2018, otherwise Lexus can forget. But that's not the first time....
C
OlFius
Can someone tell me at Toyota why the C-HR was there much earlier than the UX?
This was supposed to be the other way around, and a few years previously. The competition is huge these days.
So, don't wait too long...
It's a strategy that works with Toyota Motor Corp that I suspect to iron out any kinks with the platform as a Toyota model first.

Some recent examples:

'10 Prius -> '11 CT
'14 Highlander -> '16 RX
'13 Rav4 -> '15 NX
'18 CH-R -> ~'19UX

A less likely strategy IMO is it could also be to stagger product releases of "like" models even though they are not in the same price point/customer base.
OlFius
corradoMR2
It's a strategy that works with Toyota Motor Corp that I suspect to iron out any kinks with the platform as a Toyota model first.

Some recent examples:

'10 Prius -> '11 CT
'14 Highlander -> '16 RX
'13 Rav4 -> '15 NX
'18 CH-R -> ~'19UX

A less likely strategy IMO is it could also be to stagger product releases of "like" models even though they are not in the same price point/customer base.

Maybe you're right, but not for the RC --> GT86.
And about the CH-R, I think that must be '17 CH-R, they're already on the road here in Europe. That's why I think that the UX is for Q2 '18.
C
OlFius
Maybe you're right, but not for the RC --> GT86.
And about the CH-R, I think that must be '17 CH-R, they're already on the road here in Europe. That's why I think that the UX is for Q2 '18.
Could be Europe might get the UX earlier...

As for RC -> GT86/FT86 ? No no... Both ride on their own unique and very different platforms. Nothing shared whatsoever.
Joaquin Ruhi
OlFius
And about the CH-R, I think that must be '17 CH-R, they're already on the road here in Europe..
C-HR indeed launched in Europe earlier than in North America. U.S. pricing was announced just earlier this week. It hasn't even arrived at the dealers yet. And, in the U.S. (presumably also Canada) it's considered an early 2018 model year debut.
S
OlFius
Can someone tell me at Toyota why the C-HR was there much earlier than the UX?
This was supposed to be the other way around, and a few years previously. The competition is huge these days.
So, don't wait too long...
because it is more important and its markets are more about Toyota than Lexus? Toyota C-HR just jumped to #3 in Japan and it is going to be likely a #2 best selling Toyota in Europe for 2017. And this is for fairly expensive vehicle for its size. So between Europe and Japan, C-HR will likely sell between 200k and 300k units.

On the other hand, Lexus is big in USA where most of the press is asking why isnt C-HR bigger and some are even comparing it to Honda Fit, or writing how it is more expensive than a Corolla. So in USA where expectation is that size=price, premium, near-luxury Toyotas like C-HR are not a greatest fit.

For Europe, they have just proven that if Toyota builds it (near-premium vehicle), they will come. Most of European markets have Toyota up by 20%-25% for 2017, solely due to new C-HR as rest of the lineup is getting very old now.
Carmaker1
spwolf
because it is more important and its markets are more about Toyota than Lexus? Toyota C-HR just jumped to #3 in Japan and it is going to be likely a #2 best selling Toyota in Europe for 2017. And this is for fairly expensive vehicle for its size. So between Europe and Japan, C-HR will likely sell between 200k and 300k units.

On the other hand, Lexus is big in USA where most of the press is asking why isnt C-HR bigger and some are even comparing it to Honda Fit, or writing how it is more expensive than a Corolla. So in USA where expectation is that size=price, premium, near-luxury Toyotas like C-HR are not a greatest fit.

For Europe, they have just proven that if Toyota builds it (near-premium vehicle), they will come. Most of European markets have Toyota up by 20%-25% for 2017, solely due to new C-HR as rest of the lineup is getting very old now.
Good to hear from you spwolf!
R
corradoMR2
This is great news though not too surprised. I will be surprised if the UX doesn't make it to N. America seeing that subcompacts are gaining in sales as a genre.

I agree with krew for a Tokyo reveal but as for sale date, my guess is no sooner than late 2018 as a MY 2019 to spread the near-term launches a little:

LC May 2017 / MY 2018
LS Q1 2018 / MY 2018
UX Q4 2018 / MY 2019
Oh, it's coming to America alright after the new ES generation and RX third seat intros. Sadly it shelves the CT200h which will be only offered in other world markets. About the only drawback is the FWD powertrain. Here in the East we get some weather that demands AWD. I like the look so I will probably get one anyway.
Carmaker1
Hmm...How close is this?
View attachment 2627

Remember this rendering back in an September 2004 issue, that was already released for purchase at the end of July 2004. Exactly 26 months before the 4LS went on sale in Japan on September 19, 2006 and 27 months before U.S. sales.
(Still baffles me how close they got, that early even as 2004 LS 430 facelift was still very fresh then)

Gecko
Carmaker1
Hmm...How close is this?
View attachment 2627

Remember this rendering back in an September 2004 issue, that was already released for purchase at the end of July 2004. Exactly 26 months before the 4LS went on sale in Japan on September 19, 2006 and 27 months before U.S. sales.
(Still baffles me how close they got, that early even as 2004 LS 430 facelift was still very fresh then)

I hope not close at all :dizzy:
James
How close are we to a UX release? Are we going to see it in Detroit?
krew
Rendered: The Production Lexus UX Subcompact Crossover

[​IMG]

Best Car Magazine gives the rumored Lexus a try.
View the original article post
Hemi
I hope that it will look better than this.
Ian Schmidt
The proportions on that rendering are all weird - just look at how the grille looks like an elephant sat on the hood. I think it's safe to assume the real vehicle will look much better.
C
There's a Pontiac Aztec vibe to the rear 3/4 view I'm not liking. Will reserve judgment until its production release.
Spunky D
Carmaker1
Hmm...How close is this?
View attachment 2627

Remember this rendering back in an September 2004 issue, that was already released for purchase at the end of July 2004. Exactly 26 months before the 4LS went on sale in Japan on September 19, 2006 and 27 months before U.S. sales.
(Still baffles me how close they got, that early even as 2004 LS 430 facelift was still very fresh then)

I own a LS430 mark2(2005 model) Still the best car I have ever owned.Decided to skip the LS gen 4 which had no appeal relative to my 2005 model.
Looking forward to 5th gen LS.
S
corradoMR2
There's a Pontiac Aztec vibe to the rear 3/4 view I'm not liking. Will reserve judgment until its production release.
i guess it is very similar to the concept, looks all weird... i will find some better concept pics
maiaramdan
Lexus Aztec!! :(

M