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
Popular Stories

Sorry. No data so far.

Comments
A
Lexus is playing it waaay too safe with the UX. Don't think it will sell well. Kind of reminds me of mazda, which btw looks better.
Trexus
Most likely the UX will sell well because the price point which obviously will be lower than the NX (which is on fire), it's an SUV and it's a Lexus, people want the badge (brand recognition) and of course the tech/hybrid, not too sure of the performance. Lexus is gonna make a killing with the UX, NX, RX, GX and somewhat of the LX...and in the future LF-1 limitless...
C
I share the disappointment. After the utterly desirable and unaffordable, (to me) LC, I really expected and hoped for a more 'edgy' styling of the UX.

A year ago we swapped our NX Premier for a C-HR thinking it would give me an insight into how good the UX was going to be. The C-HR has exceeded my expectations in all respects, fuel consumption, chassis, ride quality etc. My hope was to have the C-HR for a couple of years and then step back up to a Lexus.

Based on this image I can't see me paying a premium for something that looks so mediocre. I was really looking forward to the reveal next week at Geneva, I might not even bother to tap in now. Very underwhelmed, sorry Lexus.
A
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.

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.
There are also people, including myself, like the production teaser much over the concept. I feel the styling was too much in the concept especially for the tail part. It’s simply to many elements that I fail to appreciate completely. So I guess TMC has to balance out the flavors for the entire target audience
krew
spwolf
It wont outsell NX everywhere... NX has cool situation where it sells well EVERYWHERE.

For instance, UX might outsell it in Europe and even in Japan, but then in US it wont get more than 50% of NX sales and likely the same goes for China where they prefer larger vehicles too. Same goes for Russia.
Oh, you know what -- I assumed the NX was the #1 selling crossover for Lexus worldwide, which is pretty silly in retrospect. I take back my comment, and believe worldwide it will be RX, NX, then UX.

So embarrassed. :cold_sweat:
krew
amoschen7
There are also people, including myself, like the production teaser much over the concept. I feel the styling was too much in the concept especially for the tail part. It’s simply to many elements that I fail to appreciate completely. So I guess TMC has to balance out the flavors for the entire target audience
My feelings on the UX are complex, but I can say without a doubt that I like this production model over the concept. Lexus has chosen to be pragmatic with the UX, keeping it fairly close to the other current crossovers instead of pushing the Lexus crossover design forward. The UX will fit alongside the NX & RX -- remember, the RX hasn't even had a mid-cycle refresh yet and the NX update is less than a year old. There's still a lot of life left in these two models, and no real point to have the UX as an outlier with its design.

I echo what others are saying -- after the LS & LC & LF-1, I fully expected the UX to be wild. Even so, I wouldn't call the UX design "safe".
I
I feel awfully bad for my criticism. The UX is impressive and beautiful. I am just extremely enthusiastic about the concept. It is from another planet, don't you think?
https://goo.gl/images/Km8Lxo
S
krew
My feelings on the UX are complex, but I can say without a doubt that I like this production model over the concept. Lexus has chosen to be pragmatic with the UX, keeping it fairly close to the other current crossovers instead of pushing the Lexus crossover design forward. The UX will fit alongside the NX & RX -- remember, the RX hasn't even had a mid-cycle refresh yet and the NX update is less than a year old. There's still a lot of life left in these two models, and no real point to have the UX as an outlier with its design.

I echo what others are saying -- after the LS & LC & LF-1, I fully expected the UX to be wild. Even so, I wouldn't call the UX design "safe".
I hope you have seen full pics when you wrote this :)

I still feel a bit uneasy about exterior design, not sure if there are any negative surprises - i am hoping that shoulder lines and rear is a positive.

But interior... OMG. So far i think it is big step up for affordable Lexus, just like how C-HR has been for Toyota.
meth.ix
am i the only person that likes the front end? :(
F1 Silver Arrows
meth.ix
am i the only person that likes the front end? :(
Nope. Surprisingly, other than that eyebrow DRL where in nicest terms I would say "not very appealing", but the front fascia is actually quite nice. The spindle is a lot more regal than the RX (where its spindle grille is horrifically comical), and it has cleaner lines than the NX. Still is not a LC/LS job but it is still nice.

So, nice one Lexus. Continue triggering the haters with their blinded comments, Lexus design always needed time for people to warm up to it, and this is no different.
Trexus
meth.ix
am i the only person that likes the front end? :(
I love the front end. It's not as aggressive as the concept. The grill on the F Sport looks good. I like how the front fender and hood are bulged right a the A pillar. The inner part of the headlight seems elongated. Overall I love it and can't wait to see it in person and drive it...
Andyl
corradoMR2
I agree with Krew. It's a mix of CT, IS, and NX.

It looks better than I expected. Let's see the rear now!
Me, too. Really want to see the rear. Not to mention more interior shots and engine choices, etc.. Still a week to go.. This 2nd teaser from Lexus is quite effective to keep people interested in what UX offers.
LDeleuran
meth.ix
am i the only person that likes the front end? :(
I think a lot of the comments have been misunderstood. The front end is pretty and homogenous. In other words it is "safe" like all the competitors. However. A lot of people expected more given other recent Lexus releases.
S
In any case, this is certainly the biggest thread so far here :). So people want it!

Lets hope Lexus prices it as subcompact premium suv... for instance around here, XC40 got similar price to XC60 if you want some options, which makes little sense to me.
S
spwolf
In any case, this is certainly the biggest thread so far here :). So people want it!

Lets hope Lexus prices it as subcompact premium suv... for instance around here, XC40 got similar price to XC60 if you want some options, which makes little sense to me.
XC40 is reasonably priced in USA, especially considering AWD comes standard. For some reason the XC60 is really overpriced in the U.S. which makes the XC40 look like a bargain.

Since all UX trims are less powerful than competitors, the price should be somewhat lower. Would be really great if it has CT prices. Anywhere above $33k would be hard to justify since all competitors have at least a 2.0 turbo that will comfortably outrun it.
S
ssun30
XC40 is reasonably priced in USA, especially considering AWD comes standard. For some reason the XC60 is really overpriced in the U.S. which makes the XC40 look like a bargain.

Since all UX trims are less powerful than competitors, the price should be somewhat lower. Would be really great if it has CT prices. Anywhere above $33k would be hard to justify since all competitors have at least a 2.0 turbo that will comfortably outrun it.
US is not the main market for UX, it is going to sell 1.5k-2k at best there. There is no way it will sell at CT prices, how can it? It cant.

Main markets are Europe and Japan. In Europe, XC40 base with FWD and 150hp diesel with cloth, ugly wheels and 6MT is 28k... better equipment with AWD and AT is 36k (not top!). XC60 with same engine and even better equipment is also 36k now.

Lets hope that premium over C-HR wont be more than 8k, with taxes included.
S
UX unveil in 10hrs (10AM CET)... can be watched at:


Toyota is also unveiling new Auris and Supra at 9:45 AM CET:
krew
Lexus UX to Debut Tomorrow at Geneva Motor Show

[​IMG]

The press conference will be livestreamed.
View the original article post
Tragic Bronson
krew
Lexus UX to Debut Tomorrow at Geneva Motor Show
mikeavelli
Without seeing it in person yet I like it a bit and it is exactly as I thought it would be, an honest looking car with the spindle grill. At this price one I don't expect amazing styling though I admit the CH-R is a knock-out for its price.

They are going to sell every last one. Also note a white show car isn't the best color and will seem bland compared to a more vibrant color like the LF-1.
mikeavelli
UK LIve Stream was good. I'm up so until KREW posts the good stuff here is some links.

http://pressroom.lexus.com/releases/all+new+lexus+ux+crossover+makes+world+debut+geneva.htm

4:20am here lol...

Car looks much better in professional photos. I am beginning to think those initial images are computer renderings/complete photoshops.

The UV also looked much better live. Very well done.
http://pressroom.lexus.com/album_display.cfm?album_id=1283&section_id=421

Killer photos there..
View attachment 2759
View attachment 2762
View attachment 2758

View attachment 2760

View attachment 2761
krew
Introducing the Lexus UX 200 & Lexus UX 250h

[​IMG]

Revealed today at Geneva.
View the original article post
L
It is ok from a product/sales perspective. Interior is really nice, especially compared to other cars, even premium, in this class.
zeusus
F Sport will sell like hot cakes!

Going on sale in the US in December, seems like its Lexus' strategy to pad up their 2018 sales reports.
krew
Photo Gallery: The Lexus UX Subcompact Crossover

[​IMG]

60 official photos released.
View the original article post
Brooks2IS
Would love to see a closer look of the center console near the Remote Touch interface--Integrating radio controls into the hand rest is an interesting idea.
Ian Schmidt
It's actually kind of cute, in a "honey, I shrunk the RX" kei car sort of way. That interior is phenomenal for the class - it's better than the NX, IMO.
J
  • J
    J Le
  • March 6, 2018
Love the looks and interior But why a 2.0 non turbo combined with a turbo, it is definitly going to be under powered compared to the GLA or Q3.
Ian Schmidt
mikeavelli
Car looks much better in professional photos. I am beginning to think those initial images are computer renderings/complete photoshops.
Agreed, I like it better in these new photos than I did in the teasers. As I said, it's actually a genuine cute-ute.
S
Predictive Efficient Drive
Some hybrid drivers enjoy using “hypermiling” techniques to maximize fuel efficiency. The Lexus UX 250h introduces new technologies that take hypermiling to new heights. The UX 250h debuts Predictive Efficient Drive, a Lexus-first system that analyzes driving habits and the expected road and traffic conditions to optimize charging and discharging of the hybrid battery. The more the UX 250h is driven, the more data is gathered to help optimize fuel consumption. (The system can be turned off if desired.)

Predictive Deceleration Support technology uses accumulated knowledge about a driver’s behavior to predict when and where the vehicle is likely to slow down or stop. For example, when the UX approaches a location where the driver has slowed or stopped in the past, and the driver releases the accelerator pedal, Predictive Deceleration Support increases regenerative braking, allowing more efficient energy recovery and recharging of the hybrid battery. The system can provide deceleration support up to about 1,000 feet ahead of the vehicle.

Predictive State of Charge (SOC) control for the hybrid battery is a world-first technology that functions on both downhill roads and in congested traffic. Operating when the UX is following guidance from the navigation system, it will predict the route for a distance of up to about six miles (10km) ahead.
This is something that I wanted to post on the forum but never found an appropriate opportunity for it. The next big thing in vehicle efficiency is Predictive Hybrid System Control. I expected TMC to debut such technology on the next-gen Prius, but it seems they are putting a Beta version right now. The Predictive Regenerative Braking thing is already a feature on the Prius Prime. Looks like the UX takes it a step further.

In an ideal world, a highly intelligent hybrid system can predict how much energy it will take to complete a certain route. It will then divide that energy by the optimal power at which the ICE is the most efficient, and only operate the ICE at that point. Whenever there is a power overflow or deficiency, the battery will balance the power budget by regeneration or boost. Such a hybrid system will be completely neutral to driving style, so any driver can get close to hypermiler MPGs. As a hybrid hypermiler myself, I commit a considerable amount of my attention span during driving on managing regen and boost. A computer that will do it automatically will be super helpful.

It looks like Lexus incorporates some level of machine learning here. To fully unlock the potential of the system, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication working in tandem with machine learning is a necessity. A fleet of networked hybrid vehicles can automatically work out a solution to minimize congestion, and every vehicle in that fleet knows how to perfectly balance the individual power budget.

S