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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DDas
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.
Nothing wrong with your reply except the "if you don't like, don't buy" could be left out. What if I like nothing but need to have? Start my own company?
James
Is there any chance that Lexus will ever have an F SUV? I know hybrid technology is really cool and all that but some of us want faster cars! Just hopeful that one day I can get an F SUV!
Trexus
James
Is there any chance that Lexus will ever have an F SUV? I know hybrid technology is really cool and all that but some of us want faster cars! Just hopeful that one day I can get an F SUV!
Most likely it would be from the LF-1 limitless concept. Lexus needs to expand the F division.

IS F (please bring back with a vengeance)
RC F
LC F (hopefully this come)
GS F
LF-1 F (not sure what designation it would ultimately have)
LFA (bring us 2LFA)
ct200e
I was hoping that the UX project would be an opportunity for Lexus for some major strategy change. Seeing the "250h" was like living 2011 all over again...I love the design philosophy and quality of the brand and i was one of the first -proud- owners of the Lexus CT200h back in 2011 and i was looking forward to replace it with the first EV Lexus car (at least as an option) after 8 years! Well, sadly, it seems that i should look for other brands now. Maybe an electric Volvo XC40 or sth similar.


Sorry for my bad english, it's not my native language but i am a fan of LexusEnthusiast for almost a decade now ( this is my first post ).
Trexus
Lexus EV's won't be here for awhile. I love your avatar name ct200e. Hopefully one day we'll get a CT 200e.
S
ct200e
I was hoping that the UX project would be an opportunity for Lexus for some major strategy change. Seeing the "250h" was like living 2011 all over again...I love the design philosophy and quality of the brand and i was one of the first -proud- owners of the Lexus CT200h back in 2011 and i was looking forward to replace it with the first EV Lexus car (at least as an option) after 8 years! Well, sadly, it seems that i should look for other brands now. Maybe an electric Volvo XC40 or sth similar.


Sorry for my bad english, it's not my native language but i am a fan of LexusEnthusiast for almost a decade now ( this is my first post ).
but electric Volvo XC40 does not exist... even hybrid XC40 does not really exist but their diesel does. All they sell is mostly diesel and petrols around the world, and PR the heck out of their plugin hybrid that they sell (in numbers) only in few countries where there are huge incentives to do so.

Your best bet right now would be Jaguar I-pace... seems like really nice EV.
S
spwolf
but electric Volvo XC40 does not exist... even hybrid XC40 does not really exist but their diesel does. All they sell is mostly diesel and petrols around the world, and PR the heck out of their plugin hybrid that they sell (in numbers) only in few countries where there are huge incentives to do so.

Your best bet right now would be Jaguar I-pace... seems like really nice EV.
Yeah, buying any high-end EV in the next two or three years seems a risky decision because of how disruptive solid state batteries are. The first Lexus EV could completely trash the value of existing EVs using old Li-ion technology.
S
ssun30
Yeah, buying any high-end EV in the next two or three years seems a risky decision because of how disruptive solid state batteries are. The first Lexus EV could completely trash the value of existing EVs using old Li-ion technology.
true too.

But with all the PRs, you would think there are tens of EV SUVs around, and with exception of China, there really are not.

UX250h will fit nicely into Europe, and same powertrain will fit nicely in various TMC products worldwide. They should be able to increase their hybrid sales with it to a lot more than current 1.5M/year... I just feel it is silly that Lexus/Toyota are not somehow not at forefront of tech because others do a lot of PR and then sell 99% diesel/petrol.
ct200e
ssun30
Yeah, buying any high-end EV in the next two or three years seems a risky decision because of how disruptive solid state batteries are. The first Lexus EV could completely trash the value of existing EVs using old Li-ion technology.
Thank you guys for all your answers!

So should I wait 2-3 more years for our loving brand makes some ground-brake innovation in EV technology (solid state batteries)?

Because, at the present, Lexus seems like a sleeping giant to me that insists to mediocre innovations as their business model... It's really disappointing to see a CT200h 2018 model using a 2009 technology ( Gen 3 PRIUS ) !! Even the new BMW 1-series will be offered with a plug-in version! (and i hate this brand for several reasons...)
S
ct200e
Thank you guys for all your answers!

So should I wait 2-3 more years for our loving brand makes some ground-brake innovation in EV technology (solid state batteries)?

Because, at the present, Lexus seems like a sleeping giant to me that insists to mediocre innovations as their business model... It's really disappointing to see a CT200h 2018 model using a 2009 technology ( Gen 3 PRIUS ) !! Even the new BMW 1-series will be offered with a plug-in version! (and i hate this brand for several reasons...)
With the exception of a Tesla, I wouldn't suggest buying any hype EV that's too expensive. Even the Tesla decision should be with some cautions.

The Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf, on the other hand, are some practical EVs with solid technology behind them, plus they are cheap after incentives. If you were living in China, there are some solid indigenous options as well.

You should not worry about Lexus not being innovative, because the only piece missing in their EV strategy is the solid state battery. There is a reason DoE and EPA use the Prius and sometimes a Lexus hybrid as benchmarks for EV technology evaluations every year.
S
ct200e
Thank you guys for all your answers!

So should I wait 2-3 more years for our loving brand makes some ground-brake innovation in EV technology (solid state batteries)?

Because, at the present, Lexus seems like a sleeping giant to me that insists to mediocre innovations as their business model... It's really disappointing to see a CT200h 2018 model using a 2009 technology ( Gen 3 PRIUS ) !! Even the new BMW 1-series will be offered with a plug-in version! (and i hate this brand for several reasons...)
Bmw is good at offering plugins that they dont sell in big numbers, so bmw is innovator with not existing 1 series plugin, but toyota is lagging while selling 1.5m hybrids in 2017 :)

Answer is that you should not wait for Lexus plugin or ev if you want to buy vehicle in next 2-3... Toyota was never about selling cars for PR reasons, they wont do ev or plugin until is needed by regulations or makes sense.

More than 95% sales of BMW (or more) , are from dirty diesel and dirty turbo petrols, while 98% of Lexus in western europe are hybrid but it is lexus thats bad.
S
UX engine specs confirmed:

UX200 169hp
UX250h 175hp (143+32)
UX250 208hp

No I don't post peak torque here because it's irrelevant.
S
ssun30
UX engine specs confirmed:

UX200 169hp
UX250h 178hp (143+35)
UX250 208hp

No I don't post peak torque here because it's irrelevant.
So 35hp max battery output, not bad.

edit: NA 2018 Camry HSD has 176hp + 32hp for 208. This is a good sign for 250h powertrain, it will have a nice electric boost.
S
spwolf
So 35hp max battery output, not bad.

edit: NA 2018 Camry HSD has 176hp + 32hp for 208. This is a good sign for 250h powertrain, it will have a nice electric boost.
I thought the Camry uses a 25kW battery so I assumed 35hp from batteries. But 3hp is not a big deal. The idea is that it will use Camry hybrid's battery instead of the less powerful Prius battery.
S
ssun30
I thought the Camry uses a 25kW battery so I assumed 35hp from batteries. But 3hp is not a big deal. The idea is that it will use Camry hybrid's battery instead of the less powerful Prius battery.
Yes, the difference might be simply in the way of measuring hp.

As you say, as long as it is 50% more than Prius, that's good.

Is there any performance info?
S
TOYOTA just announced new 2.0l petrol, hybrid and new awd and e-awd systems as well as new direct shift cvt and 6mt.

All of these will likely debut in new UX in 2 weeks.

Interesting part is video showing performance between old and new awd.... I am pretty sure it shows difference between chr and ux, but cars are blanked out... Still nice video:



Basically it solves a problem that dynamic systems have when a wheel is in the air, as we can see in all those videos where rav4 cant climb steps and ditches.
L
Nice, it is time for TMC to have a new AWD system with torque vectoring rather than wheel braking. But is is only rear axle right-left torque vectoring, or vectoring each wheel individually? This is definitely needed for the new Land Cruiser, the current one not having rear differential lock, and the Prado deactivating front axle traction control when rear diff lock is engaged.

For proper off-roading (does not concern Lexus, but Toyota), I would like them to stick with solid axles and three diff locks (LC 70).
S
Levi
Nice, it is time for TMC to have a new AWD system with torque vectoring rather than wheel braking. But is is only rear axle right-left torque vectoring, or vectoring each wheel individually? This is definitely needed for the new Land Cruiser, the current one not having rear differential lock, and the Prado deactivating front axle traction control when rear diff lock is engaged.

For proper off-roading (does not concern Lexus, but Toyota), I would like them to stick with solid axles and three diff locks (LC 70).
This is specific system for part time awds, like in fwd applications, as in rav4, chr, nx, ux, etc.

It debuts in 10 days in new lexus ux.
L
I expect to LF-1 to have a similar set up, but reversed as RWD application.
S
Levi
Nice, it is time for TMC to have a new AWD system with torque vectoring rather than wheel braking. But is is only rear axle right-left torque vectoring, or vectoring each wheel individually
Unfortunately this is a brake-based torque vectoring system a.k.a. eLSD. D here stands for "device" instead of a real differential: it's all open diffs. The info is in the video Toyota posted.

eLSD gets the job done in lots of scenarios as demonstrated by Subaru, their eLSD equipped AWD system is no worse than previous mechanical systems. But Subaru's torque vectoring is available for all four wheels so this is actually still inferior. Just like before this is an intentional decision on Toyota's part to improve fuel efficiency at the cost of offroad capabilities, but they made a step forward nonetheless.

Don't worry, the BoFs will keep using the good old manual lockers.
S
ssun30
Unfortunately this is a brake-based torque vectoring system a.k.a. eLSD. D here stands for "device" instead of a real differential: it's all open diffs. The info is in the video Toyota posted.

eLSD gets the job done in lots of scenarios as demonstrated by Subaru, their eLSD equipped AWD system is no worse than previous mechanical systems. But Subaru's torque vectoring is available for all four wheels so this is actually still inferior. Just like before this is an intentional decision on Toyota's part to improve fuel efficiency at the cost of offroad capabilities, but they made a step forward nonetheless.

Don't worry, the BoFs will keep using the good old manual lockers.
It is not just brake based, it has two way clutches on both from and rear driveshafts... so it can actually disconnect the wheel which is obviously way better than just ABS trying to stop it.

If you look at the video, at the end it likely shows CHR vs UX difference, where in CHR (and Rav4), if rear wheel is up, it wont be able to overcome the step.



from the PR:

The new Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system is used in gasoline engine vehicles. By adopting a torque vectoring mechanism, which independently distributes torque to the left and right rear wheels according to driving conditions, the Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD system enables the driver to steer the vehicle exactly as intended. It achieves high off-road performance even on the toughest roads. It also incorporates a disconnect mechanism, which features the world's first ratchet-type dog clutches* on both the front and rear wheel shafts. These clutches stop the drive system rotations, which transmit driving force to rear wheels when in 2WD mode, significantly reducing energy loss and improving fuel efficiency.
View attachment 2750
mikeavelli
http://pressroom.lexus.com/releases...+urban+crossover+from+lexus.htm?view_id=39709

First image!

View attachment 2755
E
  • E
    EDLee
  • February 27, 2018
S
exterior shot looks pretty standard Lexus, kind of boring compared to C-HR.¸Hopefully other colors will bring out more from the design.

Interior looks amazing.
ct200e
When i first saw the 250h logo , i thought (as i've already wrote) that i am living 2011 all over again. Now i am sure...My time machine works!

Zero innovation for both interior and exterior of the car (i never thought that i would say that for my favourite brand(!)). Even the front reminds me -a lot- of the BMW X1... in a more aggressive design (and X1 is ugly...)

At least they will offer an EV option...
S
ct200e
When i first saw the 250h logo , i thought (as i've already wrote) that i am living 2011 all over again. Now i am sure...My time machine works!

Zero innovation for both interior and exterior of the car (i never thought that i would say that for my favourite brand(!)). Even the front reminds me -a lot- of the BMW X1... in a more aggressive design (and X1 is ugly...)

At least they will offer an EV option...
Interior actually looks pretty amazing, while X1 is... nothing special at all.

Maybe you will like some new Chinese SUV EV? They are introducing a lot of outrageous concepts, some of them will have crazy interiors that are all screen. But sure, dont expect a price below €70k
ct200e
spwolf
Interior actually looks pretty amazing, while X1 is... nothing special at all.

Maybe you will like some new Chinese SUV EV? They are introducing a lot of outrageous concepts, some of them will have crazy interiors that are all screen. But sure, dont expect a price below €70k
I agree BMW X1 is uglier than UX but that does not mean that UX is a good looking car for 2018.



This is Jaguar i-Pace interior that is going into production the same year as Lexus UX. Not a concept, nor a chinese "futuristic" interior. This is 2018 Lexus!

OlFius
mikeavelli
http://pressroom.lexus.com/releases...+urban+crossover+from+lexus.htm?view_id=39709

First image!

View attachment 2755

Did we have to wait so long for this? Boring, and I think we see here a F Sport version ?
Even the C-HR looks sexier...
S
ct200e
I agree BMW X1 is uglier than UX but that does not mean that UX is a good looking car for 2018.



This is Jaguar i-Pace interior that is going into production the same year as Lexus UX. Not a concept, nor a chinese "futuristic" interior. This is 2018 Lexus!

Actually that Lexus interior looks better than Jags, even if Jags price is 2.5x more. You can actually brighten up the image to see more there.
S
OlFius
Did we have to wait so long for this? Boring, and I think we see here a F Sport version ?
Even the C-HR looks sexier...
it is F-Sport for sure, it has big lcd inside instead of the combo meters, like in LS. Heck might be same as in LS.

Lets hope shoulder lines stand out a lot more in real life than in this image... looks like they might.

S