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
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Gecko
I keep saying this and everyone tells me I'm wrong... but yes. A lot of these newer products, aside from Camry, are a few hundred pounds too heavy.
you pay for increased interior and suspension quality with weight though... C-HR is based on mid-size platform, not small car platform.

Difference between Rav4 and C-HR is vast right now - it is 330kg in weight. That means that Rav4 will likely lose some weight, since the difference will be mostly in lenght.

And in the same day I drove both C-HR and Suzuki Vitara, which is based on small car platform... while Vitara is affordable and decent for price, it was at least one category lesser vehicle... Their suspensions are miles apart, with C-HR handling curves with big bumps and highway 100mph ride much, much better, not to mention interior quality being miles apart... C-HR is only Toyota right now i can see myself driving, just not the hybrid due to my usual 100mph drives.

If they keep doing vehicles, i can see myself driving next Prius SUV or Rav4, which currently has way too cheap interior for me. Here taxes on lexus are very expensive, so good Toyota would be great.

Also, current TSS-P in Europe works really well... i had no complaints, it was doing city traffic without any issue or jerks, and it was following at reasonably short distance in both city and hwy driving, ie like i would.
S
Lexus Execs Pushing For Tiny UX Crossover For Sale In US

With the CT200h gone, the company could use the UX to fill that spot in the lineup.

Lexus execs in the United States see the potential for expanding the lineup in the country by introducing a production version of the UX – a concept for a subcompact crossover from the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

“It’s something that our consumers are looking for. Our dealers are all over us to produce that concept vehicle,” Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken said during the Los Angeles Auto Show while speaking about the UX. “We are in the process of helping our company understand what we’re leaving on the table. So it’s laser focused and stay tuned.”

The UX would be Lexus’ entry-level product in the United States. The CT200h previously occupied that spot, but the company decided to axe the hybrid hatchback in the United States due to lack of sales.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Lexus International Executive Vice President Yoshihiro Sawa confirmed plans to put the UX into production. However, it wasn’t clear whether the automaker planned to bring the little crossover to the United States.

Details about the production UX remain scant. However, the company already holds trademarks on the UX 200, UX 250, and UX 250h in the United States, which could point to powertrain possibilities, including a potential hybrid. In addition, Bracken said that Lexus has decided not to offer models with an MSRP below $30,000, meaning the UX would cost at least that much.

Bracken said that crossovers and SUVs currently occupy around 60 percent of Lexus’ sales in the United States. The company has been doubling down on the segment, too. At the L.A. show alone, the automaker unveiled the new three-row version of the RX and a two-row variant of the LX.
https://www.motor1.com/news/222999/lexus-ux-crossover-us-rumor/
Dreski
If this is about the size of a CX-3 or just a hair bigger with AWD option. Perfect for our area.
Joaquin Ruhi
WardsAuto's Christie Schweinsberg writes about Lexus UX, in an article that combines information from the motor1.com article cited above with a shout-out to the Lexus Enthusiast article atop this thread and some commentary on UX's potential U.S. competition.

Lexus Studying UX Small CUV for U.S.
Dec 4, 2017 - Christie Schweinsberg | WardsAuto

LOS ANGELES – Lexus’ top U.S. sales executive says the brand is considering bringing the European-centric UX small CUV here.

With the CT 200h entry-luxury car discontinued, and the strong popularity of utility vehicles, Lexus is making its case to parent Toyota for bringing the UX, introduced as a concept at the 2016 Paris auto show, to the States.

“Our dealers are all over us to produce that concept vehicle,” Jeff Bracken, general manager-Lexus Div. for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., tells WardsAuto during a roundtable interview at the Los Angeles auto show.

“We’re in the process of helping our company understand what we’re leaving on the table” by not having an entrant in the burgeoning small-luxury CUV segment, he says.

A production version of the UX, said to be a subcompact rather than a compact CUV, will debut at March’s Geneva auto show, LexusEnthusiast.com says via a translated report from Spanish website Motor.es.

While their collective volume is meager – 99,785 units sold through November – small luxury CUVs have been one of the fastest-growing segments in the U.S. this year.

WardsAuto’s Small Luxury CUV group rose 52.1% in the period largely due to three models: the all-new Chevrolet Bolt and Infiniti QX30, as well as the BMW X1.

Of models on sale for at least a year, BMW’s X1 has seen the most growth, up 11.6% to 26,372.

Infiniti’s all-new QX30, riding on the Mercedes GLA platform, accounts for an estimated 13,542 of the segment’s tally. (Due to technical glitch, Nissan will not report November sales until later today.)

The GLA is down from the first 11 months of 2016, slipping 3.0% to 21,524, but with volume good enough to make it second in sales behind the X1.

Sales of the Audi Q3 small-luxury CUV are up 1.5% through November to 18,266.
http://wardsauto.com/industry/lexus-studying-ux-small-cuv-us

The article goes on to discuss the RX L. I'll post those bits of information in the separate RX L thread.
S
https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/2018-01-0370/

Just found this entry of a report on the TNGA 2.0L engine which will become the workhorse of main Toyota models. It will be published before SAE WCX18 (April 3rd). We will see debut of a TMC model with this engine around that timeframe. The UX200 will definitely use this engine. Unfortunately it will be mated to a CVT...

The engine is also confirmed by the president of FAW/Toyota during an interview in November 2017 in which he claimed "the FAW/Toyota Izoa will boast a 2.0L engine based on TNGA technology and the tooling for the new engine plant has been acquired". The Izoa is the FAW version of the C-HR which will debut on the Beijing Motor Show this April. He also claimed "FAW/Toyota will be the first branch of TMC to utilise this engine" and "the engine will deliver 2.5L level power with better efficiency than a 1.2L turbo".

We can expect 160-170hp for the regular version and 140-150 (170-180 with electric motor) for the hybrid version.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/auto/2017-12/05/c_1122061001.htm
S
So we can likely expect D4S for that engine if output is going to be high.
S
spwolf
So we can likely expect D4S for that engine if output is going to be high.
The 6AR-FSE it replaces already has D-4S, so that's a no brainer.
S
ssun30
The 6AR-FSE it replaces already has D-4S, so that's a no brainer.
Keep in mind they sold that engine only in Russia and China, in Camry and ES.

This time around, D4S goes everywhere. 30hp gain over of non D4S 2.0 should be noticable.
Joaquin Ruhi
This should bear an A20A-FKS engine code and debut in UX 200. The C-HR is due for a mid-cycle refresh around fall 2019 (2020 model year) so it'll probably get it then. That's also the expected debut for E190 (12th-gen "International Corolla"), which should also offer this engine.
S
Joaquin Ruhi
This should bear an A20A-FKS engine code and debut in UX 200. The C-HR is due for a mid-cycle refresh around fall 2019 (2020 model year) so it'll probably get it then. That's also the expected debut for E190 (12th-gen "International Corolla"), which should also offer this engine.
2.0l in CHR is only for Russia and USA, so I wonder when will they change it. This engine should come in new Camry and ES for Asian and Russian markets too.
S
spwolf
2.0l in CHR is only for Russia and USA, so I wonder when will they change it. This engine should come in new Camry and ES for Asian and Russian markets too.
There are two different 2.0L NA engines used by Toyota: the 6AR-FSE with a square block (shared with 8AR-FTS), VVT-iW, and D-4S; the 3ZR-FAE with an undersquare block (similar to Dynamic Force) and Valvematic. The two are very close in output and efficiency; basically Toyota wants to spread technology between the two to reduce cost and risk.

The AR is the 'big block' four cylinder while ZR is the 'medium block'; there's also the 'utility block' TR and 'small block' NR. With Dynamic Force, Toyota won't be distinguishing block families since all engines will use unified architecture (I doubt TR will be replaced though) and no intermediate displacement will be offered: engine output will be tuned by ECU mapping only. Naturally we can expect a 1.5L Dynamic Force for their smaller vehicles, but considering the NR is still relatively new, I think such engine won't appear until 5th gen Prius.

At the mean time TMC's engine lineup will be even more of a mess: the Asian market TNGA Camry still uses the 6AR-FSE, and the 8AR-FTS is not due for a replacement yet (which sucks since the 8AR isn't that good). The 3ZR-FAE will still be used by the RAV4/NX and USDM C-HR until they get their remodels. FAW/Toyota will be producing 'A20A' for the Izoa and possibly share the capacity with GAC's own C-HR. Lexus will probably produce their own Dynamic Force 2.0, with and without turbo, for the UX/ES.

In three years the situation will get much cleaner. Every manufacturer experienced logistic headaches when they started downsizing and standardizing engine architecture; GM/VAG/Ford are still cleaning up dozens of engine models populating the same segment. The ones who have sorted out are relatively lightweight, agile players like Mazda/MB/BMW. That's why these companies are always at the forefront of engine technology.
S
ssun30
At the mean time TMC's engine lineup will be even more of a mess: the Asian market TNGA Camry still uses the 6AR-FSE, and the 8AR-FTS is not due for a replacement yet (which sucks since the 8AR isn't that good). The 3ZR-FAE will still be used by the RAV4/NX and USDM C-HR until they get their remodels. FAW/Toyota will be producing 'A20A' for the Izoa and possibly share the capacity with GAC's own C-HR. Lexus will probably produce their own Dynamic Force 2.0, with and without turbo, for the UX/ES.
nobody replaces every engine at the same time, it would be impossible and logistical nightmare. Usually it comes with MMC and it this case, some engines have to wait for FMC before introduction.

Since Toyota sells around 100+ different models worldwide, there will always be a wide range of engines for them... Indian, Brazilian and other markets will likely never get all the same engines like Europe or China, it all depends on the cost.

What I like here is that Toyota is willing to sell their vehicles at premium cost these days and is including extra technology even in base models, like never before. With TNGA, new engines and finally new multimedia, there will be few weaknesses to their range but it will certainly be a bit more expensive than before.
maiaramdan
Sorry but I have a question

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2018/01/spied-2019-toyota-rav4-reborn-breadwinner/

The next gen. Rav-4 will be appeared this year as next year model, is this means that the next NX will appear within this year or next year at most?

And if so, I think it will have the same LF-UX, LF-1 body concept
S
maiaramdan
Sorry but I have a question

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2018/01/spied-2019-toyota-rav4-reborn-breadwinner/

The next gen. Rav-4 will be appeared this year as next year model, is this means that the next NX will appear within this year or next year at most?

And if so, I think it will have the same LF-UX, LF-1 body concept
As much as I remember, NX is behind Rav4 at least 2 years, possibly more. It just got an facelift.
krew
krew

Lexus UX Subcompact Crossover Set to Debut at Geneva Motor Show
[​IMG]

Lexus Norway confirms reveal to media.
View the original article post
R
  • R
    RAL
  • January 30, 2018
I think I like the front of the UX better than the conglomerated bodacious fascia of the LF-1
J
I wonder what powerplant they will decide to use and if a hybrid version would be launched alongside it?
M
I hope they are planning a BEV model of the UX too. But with the rumors of the CT coming back as an EV model, maybe it will happen as a MMC or with the second generation UX.
Lexus Cohen
Finally!
R
  • R
    RAL
  • January 30, 2018
Welcome new member! ... @John Estrella
S
John Estrella
I wonder what powerplant they will decide to use and if a hybrid version would be launched alongside it?
2.0L Dynamic Force with 160-170hp (UX200), hybrid with 170-180hp (UX250h) 2.5L Dynamic Force with 201hp (UX250). The three will launch simultaneously.

That's what they'll offer at the beginning
Gecko
I feel like US will probably just get UX 250 and UX 250h... 165hp would be a tough sell here. 206hp if they do quad exhaust! :joy:
D
  • D
    DDas
  • January 31, 2018
Can't wait to see it! Lexus needs to bring it to the States (mostly because I think I want one lol)! I would love to see the same shaped spindle grille as the concept - looks unique and works well for that body size. The interior canNOT be cheap like the NX. Please, please, Lexus.
maiaramdan
After many times watching videos and steady pics for both LF-UX and LF-1 I found a lot of common design cues which makes me believe this design language will be their design language for the next generations CUVs
Joaquin Ruhi
The 2018 Geneva Motor Show has finally posted its press conference schedule. Although, nominally, there are 2 press days, all the carmaker press conferences are crammed into the first day, much more often than not happening 2 at the same time. A Lexus press conference (widely expected to be for the new UX line) will be held on Tuesday 6 March starting at 10:00 AM Central European Time (4:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time / 1:00 AM U.S. Pacific Time)
krew
Lexus UX Subcompact Crossover Confirmed for Geneva Motor Show

[​IMG]

The UX 250h has been confirmed.
View the original article post
Gecko
I was hoping the unibrow wouldn't make production, but otherwise, very excited!
L
I wonder if this new hybrid drive line will be of the multi-stage type. Any thoughts?
L
At least '50' more than CT200h.
Gecko
Lasse J. Nordvik
I wonder if this new hybrid drive line will be of the multi-stage type. Any thoughts?
My sense is that the packaging of the multi-stage hybrid system would probably be nearly impossible for a FWD vehicle that's so small. Plus, it might be engineering overkill for what's about to be Lexus' most entry level product.

However, we can still dream :innocent:o_O

I'm expecting a new 2.0L Dynamic Force I4 with a Li-Ion battery pack, mated to a CVT.

G