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
LDeleuran
DDas
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.
There is a chance that it might beupscale compared to NX given that the Toyota C-HR (which this will very likely be based on) has an upscale interior compared to the larger Rav4 (which the NX is a cousin of).
PeterF
not being a big SUV or CUV fan, all I can say is that I like it!
S
Lasse J. Nordvik
I wonder if this new hybrid drive line will be of the multi-stage type. Any thoughts?
The multi-stage hybrid system is too long for transverse platforms and too complicated for a low-end vehicle. The UX is not a performance vehicle so it does not the torque amplification from the automatic transmission.
D
  • D
    DDas
  • February 20, 2018
These things are going to sell very well I feel! I can't wait to see the full thing; it's looking like the concept so far (even in the dark teaser). I like the single "unibrow" taillight, but definitely used on a lot of cars/brands nowadays (Audi, Dodge, Lincoln, Toyota, etc).
bogglo
Not too surprised with the taillight considering what they did with the Avalon. I think this is the new trend.
bogglo
I think Geneva would be more interesting than Detroit. The supposed supra and the UX would be unveiled there.
S
Gecko
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.
too expensive... as to the hybrid, by now we know it is not an cvt but psd :)

and it still might be nimh, like in Camry.
Trexus
Levi
At least '50' more than CT200h.
Could it be similar to the HS 250h?

Lexus needs to bring the 2CT with a CT 250h or CT 300h. Lexus could do a lot with the CT if they wanted to.

I'm sure the UX 250h will sell well. Is there gonna be a petrol version as well such as UX 200 to UX 300?
S
Trexus
Could it be similar to the HS 250h?

Lexus needs to bring the 2CT with a CT 250h or CT 300h. Lexus could do a lot with the CT if they wanted to.

I'm sure the UX 250h will sell well. Is there gonna be a petrol version as well such as UX 200 to UX 300?
200 and 250 petrols and 250h... depending on the market i guess.

200 and 250h should be 165hp-175hp, 250 should be 205 hp.

Basically it should be "fast enough" where C-HR Hybrid and 2.0l are a bit underpowered.
Trexus
It's great that Lexus is expanding hybrid models. Lexus needs to promote, advertise and market their hybrids much much more. A lot of people don't even know that Lexus makes hybrids. I have a few clients that didn't even know Lexus had hybrid models.

Hybrid SUV's
UX 250h
NX 300h
RX 450h

Hybrid Sedan's
HS 250h
IS 300h (need to bring to North America)
ES 300h
GS 300h/450h
LS 500h

Hybrid Hatchback
CT 200h

Hybrid Coupe
RC 300h (need to bring to North America, LC hybrid is here but no RC hybrid?)
LC 500h
S
Trexus
It's great that Lexus is expanding hybrid models. Lexus needs to promote, advertise and market their hybrids much much more. A lot of people don't even know that Lexus makes hybrids. I have a few clients that didn't even know Lexus had hybrid models.

Hybrid SUV's
UX 250h
NX 300h
RX 450h
there was a good article recently how they lowered hybrid premium and sales jumped in the usa - 150% for NX and 33% for RX.

In Europe, people ask me every time if my IS220d is hybrid, they basically became synonym for hybrids.
L
Whatever 250h is, we know it will be at least HEV, if not PHEV, but I hope the ICE is turbocharged, because while TMC has turbocharged engines, they have never yet been combined with hybrid tech, which always uses naturally aspirated engines.
S
Levi
Whatever 250h is, we know it will be at least HEV, if not PHEV, but I hope the ICE is turbocharged, because while TMC has turbocharged engines, they have never yet been combined with hybrid tech, which always uses naturally aspirated engines.
it would be very cool if they paired 1.2t with hybrid system to get higher output system, but they wont... it not only increases cost, it also lowers mpg compared to modern 2.0l engine with atkinson cycle and D4S.

But at least lets hope for higher max output battery that can provide more electric turbo power in short time, for instance 40hp instead of 23hp in Prius powertrain... it would certainly be noticed in small vehicle like this.
A
So it will be the 2AZ-FXE hybrid from the HS250h...
S
arrow1982
So it will be the 2AZ-FXE hybrid from the HS250h...
Do you know some info or? That hybrid got upgraded to latest powertrain in Camry... If they use that one, that would be great
Joaquin Ruhi
arrow1982
So it will be the 2AZ-FXE hybrid from the HS250h...
spwolf
That hybrid got upgraded to latest powertrain in Camry... If they use that one, that would be great
My best guess (and I believe this has been suggested elsewhere in the forums) is that UX 250h will be powered by an A20A-FXS. This would be a downsized version of the A25A-FXS Dynamic Force Hybrid from the latest 8th-gen Toyota Camry and upcoming 5th-gen Avalon.
S
Joaquin Ruhi
My best guess (and I believe this has been suggested elsewhere in the forums) is that UX 250h will be powered by an A20A-FXS. This would be a downsized version of the A25A-FXS Dynamic Force Hybrid from the latest 8th-gen Toyota Camry and upcoming 5th-gen Avalon.
I also think so, main reason is that Toyota already said that in Europe, every vehicle will have 2 hybrid powertrains, base one and sport... but honestly, I would preffer if they use A25 version of the engine, since then it would quite sporty with 210hp or whatever it is in DIN hp... for small cars such as Auris/Corolla/Avensis/C-HR this would be quite nice.

A20A based would have 30-40hp less, still 35-45hp more than current Prius powertrain but not as special as 210hp.
S
arrow1982
So it will be the 2AZ-FXE hybrid from the HS250h...
No it won't. That drivetrain went out of production along with HS250h/Toyota SAI last November. It's unfathomable that Lexus use a hybrid drivetrain from the last decade on its most important product.

Levi
Whatever 250h is, we know it will be at least HEV, if not PHEV, but I hope the ICE is turbocharged, because while TMC has turbocharged engines, they have never yet been combined with hybrid tech, which always uses naturally aspirated engines.
I don't think a turbo-hybrid will happen until the next-gen Prius. The nature of hybrid drivetrain prefers an ICE with the lowest BSFC possible; so far that title is still held by naturally aspirated engines. A turbocharged motor is not going to give any improvement to MPG (on hybrids) at this stage.
Joaquin Ruhi
ssun30
No it won't. That drivetrain went out of production along with HS250h/Toyota SAI last November.
Wow! I hadn't heard that Lexus HS and Toyota Sai had already gone out of production. Sure enough, Wikipedia says that "On November 15, 2017, the Sai was discontinued and integrated with the XV70 Camry". And a page on Lexus Japan's English-language International site states that "Sales of the HS ended on Monday, December 11, 2017".
Y
Looks good so far. Thankfully the radical look of the concept has been toned down quite a bit. Hopefully the front will not be nearly as radical as the concept either.
I
First things first, I am not an expert. But, I don't like the rear.
May I request from you to put pressure on Lexus to replace those unsightly taillight horns with the center taillight part along with the center upper crease, making it extended upto above the rear wheel arches? And that sculpture that resembles the NX taillights must go away. And that spoiler needs to go away.

My biggest gripe with that design is, it makes the car look like a commodity. Where is the UX concept? If they can't follow the concept design, then why are they making use of the same name with the concept?
OlFius
isanatori
First things first, I am not an expert. But, I don't like the rear.
May I request from you to put pressure on Lexus to replace those unsightly taillight horns with the center taillight part along with the center upper crease, making it extended upto above the rear wheel arches? And that sculpture that resembles the NX taillights must go away. And that spoiler needs to go away.

My biggest gripe with that design is, it makes the car look like a commodity. Where is the UX concept? If they can't follow the concept design, then why are they making use of the same name with the concept?
OK no problem.
Your concerns will be transferred to Lexus, but maybe we'll wait a little longer before we see the end result? For certain comments it is now too late.:relieved:
I
OlFius
OK no problem.
Your concerns will be transferred to Lexus, but maybe we'll wait a little longer before we see the end result? For certain comments it is now too late.:relieved:
Wow! I am grateful for the prompt reply. Sincerely, thank you so much for your time to share my concerns.
Andyl
To me, even the teaser picture looks promising. The rear looks different and yet you can see Lexus likes to see no break point between the light on the tailgate and the rear lights. Just like the NX and RX.. Haven't been excited about a new car for some time...
S
isanatori
Wow! I am grateful for the prompt reply. Sincerely, thank you so much for your time to share my concerns.
this is lexus fan forum, maybe few people work for some dealers and maybe few in corporate, but nobody can influence anything about anything.

Looking at teaser pic, it looks pretty crazy like the concept so I am not sure whats the problem there, most people will likely hate that it is too crazy designed.
D
  • D
    DDas
  • February 22, 2018
isanatori
First things first, I am not an expert. But, I don't like the rear.
May I request from you to put pressure on Lexus to replace those unsightly taillight horns with the center taillight part along with the center upper crease, making it extended upto above the rear wheel arches? And that sculpture that resembles the NX taillights must go away. And that spoiler needs to go away.

My biggest gripe with that design is, it makes the car look like a commodity. Where is the UX concept? If they can't follow the concept design, then why are they making use of the same name with the concept?
I find it hilarious that you think just because you don't like it, people here can "pressure Lexus" to change it. It looks very, VERY similar to the concept. It looks really good in the teaser - speaking of the teaser, it's blacked-out so you can't tell what it is, so why judge it before it is revealed? Lexus always does an amazing job at matching the concept, so I think it'll look really good. If you don't like it, then don't buy one when it comes out. Simple as that.
I
I apologize if I confused anyone with my wording. I acknowledge this site is not related to Lexus company and I expect nothing particular from any member. It was just a request only. I should did not make the request.

I just assumed from the brightened photo, there are major deviations from the concept and expected something different.

Having seen the chassis of the production version of LC, remaining identical to the concept, I was expecting Lexus to bring the UX design more closely to the concept too.

From the brightened photo, it seems to me, the rear columns were moved outwards (I guess in favour of cabin roominess). Also the rear windshield is less curved.
As a consequence, the rear design changed dramatically. Basic design elements and shapes had to be changed or removed. Having the impressively raised & sculptured sheet metal next to the rear columns removed, the taillight edges twisted and shortened, degenerated lying in the air like horns. This is what I meant.

Having seen the Toyota CHR, I can say that it's silhouete favours style over function, which is a surprising and quite risky decision for a budget car.

I believe Lexus should aim for making a luxury and sensational statement even more radical and futuristic than the budget car Chr. That's my concern and I hope my worries to be proved unreasonable.
S
isanatori
I apologize if I confused anyone with my wording. I acknowledge this site is not related to Lexus company and I expect nothing particular from any member. It was just a request only. I should did not make the request.
there is no need to apologize, just that we cant make requests here, but we can discuss it... and it is allowed not to like it :) :) :)

But to me it looks very true to the concept vehicle, I think many people will think it is outrageous when it gets revealed, but thats fine too. We Europeans like it like that, as you know from C-HR and its sales.
maiaramdan
So I am looking forward for this double hybrid per every model strategy
The only model have it now is the GS with the 300h & 450h
S
maiaramdan
So I am looking forward for this double hybrid per every model strategy
The only model have it now is the GS with the 300h & 450h

well this is for Toyota EU, but I guess UX will show what will Auris and C-HR get as upgraded powertrain...

S