Giant Cartoon Robots & Japanese Porches Inspired the Lexus UX Crossover Design

Posted by Kevin on September 18th, 2018

With every Lexus model, there are specific ideas and themes that help to shape the overall design. For the new UX crossover, two very different concepts influenced its appearance: an anime robot from the 1980s, and a Japanese-style house verdana called Engawa.

The cartoon robot Mazinger Z was a warning sign in the early design stages of the UX, as chief engineer Chika Kako did not want the crossover to resemble the anime legend — from Cool Hunting:

When Chika Kako, the first woman chief engineer at Lexus, saw designs for the brand’s all-new UX subcompact crossover, she thought of childhood days spent watching anime cartoons with her brother. The SUV’s rear lights reminded her of Mazinger Z, a hulking manga robot on the small screen in the late 70’s and early 80’s. It was a good look for an animated character, she thought, but not on the latest addition to the Lexus line-up.

“The original shape was really unnatural-looking,” Kako tells us via a translator at the vehicle’s global launch in Stockholm earlier this month. Once she told the all-male design team to soften the aggressive exterior, they got the message. “Simply by mentioning Mazinger, they understood what I meant.”

Engawa is essentially a porch that surrounds Japanese homes, extending the living space out into the world — from the Robb Report:

Because of the vehicle’s small size, [chief designer] Suga and Kako wanted to give the interior a greater sense of space. To achieve this, they drew inspiration from Japanese architecture. “We have this concept where you use the outside space as a continuation of your environment,” Suga says.

“Japanese houses are very small, but they have large windows, so the mountains and trees and nature outside are like a picture, an extension of your living space.” Kako adds, “One thing I asked for right away was this line that goes from the dashboard and continues to the outside of the fenders,” she says. The result was not only a sense of openness but also a commanding view of the road, despite the vehicle’s relatively low seating position and center of gravity (no top-heaviness here).

Lexus UX: First Generation
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S
Carmaker1
One thing that puzzles me about the 100B program was, we never really saw it in testing. Why was this never spotted in prototype (final design) nor mule form within the last 2 years? The last sight of this was, the CT based mules in May 2013, June I think the original source for that shot claiming Prius v, was an idiot and it was most likely the UX250h. I suggested this last year but didn't have enough evidence to prove it. No way it was worth anytime to be testing a Toyota hybrid nameplate on the Ring, unlike say a Lexus. Whoever came up with that silly rumour should ashamed, as this is how adequate news flow is weakened, by uninformative reporting.

Not sure what Lexus was so desperate to hide, compared to the LS and ES being spotted testing. Heck, even LC was spotted testing in mule and prototype form. It is really in their best interest not to do soley digital prototyping like a dozen years ago with some cars rushed into production.

They probably tested it in C-HR body and nobody guessed it is a Lexus.

Otherwise, that Toyota is likely a Prius SUV, similar to Rav4, maybe 7 seater? And it might indeed replace Prius v. It certainly looks bigger than C-HR and UX.

And Toyota has been testing on ring for quite a while... I remember C-HR was tested there and if my memory serves me, even 2011 Yaris was tested a lot there for high speed stability.
S
Carmaker1
One thing that puzzles me about the 100B program was, we never really saw it in testing. Why was this never spotted in prototype (final design) nor mule form within the last 2 years? The last sight of this was, the CT based mules in May 2013, June I think the original source for that shot claiming Prius v, was an idiot and it was most likely the UX250h. I suggested this last year but didn't have enough evidence to prove it. No way it was worth anytime to be testing a Toyota hybrid nameplate on the Ring, unlike say a Lexus. Whoever came up with that silly rumour should ashamed, as this is how adequate news flow is weakened, by uninformative reporting.

Not sure what Lexus was so desperate to hide, compared to the LS and ES being spotted testing. Heck, even LC was spotted testing in mule and prototype form. It is really in their best interest not to do soley digital prototyping like a dozen years ago with some cars rushed into production.

They probably tested it in C-HR body and nobody guessed it is a Lexus.

Otherwise, that Toyota is likely a Prius SUV, similar to Rav4, maybe 7 seater? And it might indeed replace Prius v. It certainly looks bigger than C-HR and UX.

And Toyota has been testing on ring for quite a while... I remember C-HR was tested there and if my memory serves me, even 2011 Yaris was tested a lot there for high speed stability.
S
Carmaker1
One thing that puzzles me about the 100B program was, we never really saw it in testing. Why was this never spotted in prototype (final design) nor mule form within the last 2 years? The last sight of this was, the CT based mules in May 2013, June I think the original source for that shot claiming Prius v, was an idiot and it was most likely the UX250h. I suggested this last year but didn't have enough evidence to prove it. No way it was worth anytime to be testing a Toyota hybrid nameplate on the Ring, unlike say a Lexus. Whoever came up with that silly rumour should ashamed, as this is how adequate news flow is weakened, by uninformative reporting.

Not sure what Lexus was so desperate to hide, compared to the LS and ES being spotted testing. Heck, even LC was spotted testing in mule and prototype form. It is really in their best interest not to do soley digital prototyping like a dozen years ago with some cars rushed into production.

They probably tested it in C-HR body and nobody guessed it is a Lexus.

Otherwise, that Toyota is likely a Prius SUV, similar to Rav4, maybe 7 seater? And it might indeed replace Prius v. It certainly looks bigger than C-HR and UX.

And Toyota has been testing on ring for quite a while... I remember C-HR was tested there and if my memory serves me, even 2011 Yaris was tested a lot there for high speed stability.
Tragic Bronson
http://www.autonews.com/article/20180408/RETAIL01/180409739/lexus-ux-aims-to-bridge-price-age-gap
Lexus UX aims to bridge price, age gap

NEW YORK — The diminutive Lexus UX crossover has a 17.1-foot turning radius, which is best in segment. That means it could do a U-turn in a standard driveway or a regulation squash court.

Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken makes the comparisons to drive home a broader point about the entry-level Lexus arriving in December: It's looking for that elusive automotive fountain of youth.

Younger buyers, who are the gateway to a lifetime of brand loyalty, are most likely to be found in vertically oriented neighborhoods where space is tight and a maneuverable "urban explorer"— or UX — could draw them to the brand.

"We are trying to get at an audience that's probably about 35 years old, men and women by the way, and I suppose you could throw in the millennial group as well," Bracken told Automotive News on the sidelines of the New York auto show.

"And that would be a huge win for us because, clearly, with our current average buyer with all our vehicles at 60, we have a ways to go," Bracken said last month.

For Lexus to bridge the age gap, it has to bridge the price gap between its more affordable vehicles and the disposable income of younger buyers. Lexus' German rivals already have entry-level vehicles around $30,000 and are moving lower.

Lexus has said $30,000 is too low for luxury, but there's still some maneuvering room. Lexus' previous entry model, the CT hatchback, has been discontinued, and the compact NX crossover is about 6 inches longer than the UX, an inch wider and 4 inches taller, and starts at around $37,000 including shipping.

Lexus hasn't set prices for the UX, which will come in gasoline and hybrid versions, but clearly Bracken would like to have a competitive entry in a fast-growing segment. Lowering the average age of the Lexus buyer depends on both the younger demographic and on generating enough sales volume.

'The cool kids'

Dave Sullivan, manager of product analysis at AutoPacific, said he'd like to see a UX starting price of around $33,000. That price point would allow Lexus to test how the brand resonates with younger buyers. Sullivan would also like to see the hybrid as a no-cost option, though he doesn't think that's likely.

The UX is the right vehicle for Lexus to experiment with ownership options, such as the subscription pilot the brand is working on, Sullivan said in an email. "A subscription service is what all the cool kids are doing these days," he said.

Bracken said Lexus is still trying to figure out the model, which may not be called a "subscription," but would work like a monthly smartphone payment. It could be an "all inclusive" package that covers everything but gasoline. If that works, additional Lexus models could be included to draw younger buyers.

Not grandma's Lexus

Of course, Lexus has to get those customers through the door first, and that's where the crossover's provocative styling comes in, along with its lower ride height, which moves it away stylistically from the family-oriented crossovers and SUVs living in the suburbs.

"Our take on millenials is that it's really, really difficult to tell them, 'We're building a car for you.' That's almost a turnoff," said Bracken. So Lexus used market research and the expertise of its first female chief engineer, Chika Kako, to get their attention.

Sullivan thinks going bold was the right move. "The styling is polarizing but in a way that people won't mistake it for the Lexus their grandmother drives," he said.

Bracken said the brand has set an initial sales target of 20,000 per year for the UX, which is similar to initial expectations of the NX when it arrived for the 2015 model year. NX sales surprised on the upside and hit nearly 60,000 units last year.

"It would be wonderful if the UX heads down that same path," Bracken said.
Tragic Bronson
http://www.autonews.com/article/20180408/RETAIL01/180409739/lexus-ux-aims-to-bridge-price-age-gap
Lexus UX aims to bridge price, age gap

NEW YORK — The diminutive Lexus UX crossover has a 17.1-foot turning radius, which is best in segment. That means it could do a U-turn in a standard driveway or a regulation squash court.

Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken makes the comparisons to drive home a broader point about the entry-level Lexus arriving in December: It's looking for that elusive automotive fountain of youth.

Younger buyers, who are the gateway to a lifetime of brand loyalty, are most likely to be found in vertically oriented neighborhoods where space is tight and a maneuverable "urban explorer"— or UX — could draw them to the brand.

"We are trying to get at an audience that's probably about 35 years old, men and women by the way, and I suppose you could throw in the millennial group as well," Bracken told Automotive News on the sidelines of the New York auto show.

"And that would be a huge win for us because, clearly, with our current average buyer with all our vehicles at 60, we have a ways to go," Bracken said last month.

For Lexus to bridge the age gap, it has to bridge the price gap between its more affordable vehicles and the disposable income of younger buyers. Lexus' German rivals already have entry-level vehicles around $30,000 and are moving lower.

Lexus has said $30,000 is too low for luxury, but there's still some maneuvering room. Lexus' previous entry model, the CT hatchback, has been discontinued, and the compact NX crossover is about 6 inches longer than the UX, an inch wider and 4 inches taller, and starts at around $37,000 including shipping.

Lexus hasn't set prices for the UX, which will come in gasoline and hybrid versions, but clearly Bracken would like to have a competitive entry in a fast-growing segment. Lowering the average age of the Lexus buyer depends on both the younger demographic and on generating enough sales volume.

'The cool kids'

Dave Sullivan, manager of product analysis at AutoPacific, said he'd like to see a UX starting price of around $33,000. That price point would allow Lexus to test how the brand resonates with younger buyers. Sullivan would also like to see the hybrid as a no-cost option, though he doesn't think that's likely.

The UX is the right vehicle for Lexus to experiment with ownership options, such as the subscription pilot the brand is working on, Sullivan said in an email. "A subscription service is what all the cool kids are doing these days," he said.

Bracken said Lexus is still trying to figure out the model, which may not be called a "subscription," but would work like a monthly smartphone payment. It could be an "all inclusive" package that covers everything but gasoline. If that works, additional Lexus models could be included to draw younger buyers.

Not grandma's Lexus

Of course, Lexus has to get those customers through the door first, and that's where the crossover's provocative styling comes in, along with its lower ride height, which moves it away stylistically from the family-oriented crossovers and SUVs living in the suburbs.

"Our take on millenials is that it's really, really difficult to tell them, 'We're building a car for you.' That's almost a turnoff," said Bracken. So Lexus used market research and the expertise of its first female chief engineer, Chika Kako, to get their attention.

Sullivan thinks going bold was the right move. "The styling is polarizing but in a way that people won't mistake it for the Lexus their grandmother drives," he said.

Bracken said the brand has set an initial sales target of 20,000 per year for the UX, which is similar to initial expectations of the NX when it arrived for the 2015 model year. NX sales surprised on the upside and hit nearly 60,000 units last year.

"It would be wonderful if the UX heads down that same path," Bracken said.
Tragic Bronson
http://www.autonews.com/article/20180408/RETAIL01/180409739/lexus-ux-aims-to-bridge-price-age-gap
Lexus UX aims to bridge price, age gap

NEW YORK — The diminutive Lexus UX crossover has a 17.1-foot turning radius, which is best in segment. That means it could do a U-turn in a standard driveway or a regulation squash court.

Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken makes the comparisons to drive home a broader point about the entry-level Lexus arriving in December: It's looking for that elusive automotive fountain of youth.

Younger buyers, who are the gateway to a lifetime of brand loyalty, are most likely to be found in vertically oriented neighborhoods where space is tight and a maneuverable "urban explorer"— or UX — could draw them to the brand.

"We are trying to get at an audience that's probably about 35 years old, men and women by the way, and I suppose you could throw in the millennial group as well," Bracken told Automotive News on the sidelines of the New York auto show.

"And that would be a huge win for us because, clearly, with our current average buyer with all our vehicles at 60, we have a ways to go," Bracken said last month.

For Lexus to bridge the age gap, it has to bridge the price gap between its more affordable vehicles and the disposable income of younger buyers. Lexus' German rivals already have entry-level vehicles around $30,000 and are moving lower.

Lexus has said $30,000 is too low for luxury, but there's still some maneuvering room. Lexus' previous entry model, the CT hatchback, has been discontinued, and the compact NX crossover is about 6 inches longer than the UX, an inch wider and 4 inches taller, and starts at around $37,000 including shipping.

Lexus hasn't set prices for the UX, which will come in gasoline and hybrid versions, but clearly Bracken would like to have a competitive entry in a fast-growing segment. Lowering the average age of the Lexus buyer depends on both the younger demographic and on generating enough sales volume.

'The cool kids'

Dave Sullivan, manager of product analysis at AutoPacific, said he'd like to see a UX starting price of around $33,000. That price point would allow Lexus to test how the brand resonates with younger buyers. Sullivan would also like to see the hybrid as a no-cost option, though he doesn't think that's likely.

The UX is the right vehicle for Lexus to experiment with ownership options, such as the subscription pilot the brand is working on, Sullivan said in an email. "A subscription service is what all the cool kids are doing these days," he said.

Bracken said Lexus is still trying to figure out the model, which may not be called a "subscription," but would work like a monthly smartphone payment. It could be an "all inclusive" package that covers everything but gasoline. If that works, additional Lexus models could be included to draw younger buyers.

Not grandma's Lexus

Of course, Lexus has to get those customers through the door first, and that's where the crossover's provocative styling comes in, along with its lower ride height, which moves it away stylistically from the family-oriented crossovers and SUVs living in the suburbs.

"Our take on millenials is that it's really, really difficult to tell them, 'We're building a car for you.' That's almost a turnoff," said Bracken. So Lexus used market research and the expertise of its first female chief engineer, Chika Kako, to get their attention.

Sullivan thinks going bold was the right move. "The styling is polarizing but in a way that people won't mistake it for the Lexus their grandmother drives," he said.

Bracken said the brand has set an initial sales target of 20,000 per year for the UX, which is similar to initial expectations of the NX when it arrived for the 2015 model year. NX sales surprised on the upside and hit nearly 60,000 units last year.

"It would be wonderful if the UX heads down that same path," Bracken said.
S
$33k would be a great starting point for the 250h AWD, definitely not for the FWD 200. At that point the 250h could potentially steal some Subaru buyers (and better-off young people in general).
S
$33k would be a great starting point for the 250h AWD, definitely not for the FWD 200. At that point the 250h could potentially steal some Subaru buyers (and better-off young people in general).
S
$33k would be a great starting point for the 250h AWD, definitely not for the FWD 200. At that point the 250h could potentially steal some Subaru buyers (and better-off young people in general).
S
ssun30
$33k would be a great starting point for the 250h AWD, definitely not for the FWD 200. At that point the 250h could potentially steal some Subaru buyers (and better-off young people in general).
As we wrote about previously, CT200h was $33k starting price (little bit less than that), so there is no way UX200 will start lower. CT200h will be at least 35k, and probably more like $36k but with AWD standard.

Lexus does not need to steal Subaru buyers in the US, it is Lexus. They certainly wont undercut Volvo either.

But yeah, this is why they also estimate 20k sales per year, 3x less than NX. It is not vehicle targeted for the US.
S
ssun30
$33k would be a great starting point for the 250h AWD, definitely not for the FWD 200. At that point the 250h could potentially steal some Subaru buyers (and better-off young people in general).
As we wrote about previously, CT200h was $33k starting price (little bit less than that), so there is no way UX200 will start lower. CT200h will be at least 35k, and probably more like $36k but with AWD standard.

Lexus does not need to steal Subaru buyers in the US, it is Lexus. They certainly wont undercut Volvo either.

But yeah, this is why they also estimate 20k sales per year, 3x less than NX. It is not vehicle targeted for the US.
S
ssun30
$33k would be a great starting point for the 250h AWD, definitely not for the FWD 200. At that point the 250h could potentially steal some Subaru buyers (and better-off young people in general).
As we wrote about previously, CT200h was $33k starting price (little bit less than that), so there is no way UX200 will start lower. CT200h will be at least 35k, and probably more like $36k but with AWD standard.

Lexus does not need to steal Subaru buyers in the US, it is Lexus. They certainly wont undercut Volvo either.

But yeah, this is why they also estimate 20k sales per year, 3x less than NX. It is not vehicle targeted for the US.
Carmaker1
mikeavelli
^^ I assume that some vehicles go under the radar as they are not something that really appeals to a spy photographer. Looking at those Nurburgring pics it could be confused with a number of vehicles.

Personally I was very happy to see a nice reveal without 100,000 spy photos and theories. The UX in pics exceeded my expectations.
Most likely under the radar...hopefully. However it is not about "spy shots" for the sake of it. Toyota tries to replicates many situations in the real world at their facilities but they can only get so close and have trial their vehicles in environments where will truly be used the most.

spwolf
They probably tested it in C-HR body and nobody guessed it is a Lexus.

Otherwise, that Toyota is likely a Prius SUV, similar to Rav4, maybe 7 seater? And it might indeed replace Prius v. It certainly looks bigger than C-HR and UX.

And Toyota has been testing on ring for quite a while... I remember C-HR was tested there and if my memory serves me, even 2011 Yaris was tested a lot there for high speed stability.
You still need to test it in the final body sufficiently, well in advance of pilot production or there are things that can go wrong during that stage and then POSSIBLY delay mass production start-up, which is set for October.

I understand the need for privacy but unless they're doing night testing it still needs to be done as needed and a CHR body is not going to achieve that fully. They likely also used a lifted CT as well, as I already posted. Surely it has been seen by the eyes of people testing in its final body, but not photographed most likely and maybe at night.

I trust they got enough feedback with internal facility testing and will not discover problems later. I only mentioned this as it reminds me of the era where Toyota never built any physical prototypes and relied too much on virtual testing, which led them into a period of quality control issues.

It's not about seeing staged photographs as "spy shots", but some evidence they are putting it through the paces and not just controlled scenario testing which has its negatives in the long run. Which probably might explain the typical deficit in driving ability against competitors.
Carmaker1
mikeavelli
^^ I assume that some vehicles go under the radar as they are not something that really appeals to a spy photographer. Looking at those Nurburgring pics it could be confused with a number of vehicles.

Personally I was very happy to see a nice reveal without 100,000 spy photos and theories. The UX in pics exceeded my expectations.
Most likely under the radar...hopefully. However it is not about "spy shots" for the sake of it. Toyota tries to replicates many situations in the real world at their facilities but they can only get so close and have trial their vehicles in environments where will truly be used the most.

spwolf
They probably tested it in C-HR body and nobody guessed it is a Lexus.

Otherwise, that Toyota is likely a Prius SUV, similar to Rav4, maybe 7 seater? And it might indeed replace Prius v. It certainly looks bigger than C-HR and UX.

And Toyota has been testing on ring for quite a while... I remember C-HR was tested there and if my memory serves me, even 2011 Yaris was tested a lot there for high speed stability.
You still need to test it in the final body sufficiently, well in advance of pilot production or there are things that can go wrong during that stage and then POSSIBLY delay mass production start-up, which is set for October.

I understand the need for privacy but unless they're doing night testing it still needs to be done as needed and a CHR body is not going to achieve that fully. They likely also used a lifted CT as well, as I already posted. Surely it has been seen by the eyes of people testing in its final body, but not photographed most likely and maybe at night.

I trust they got enough feedback with internal facility testing and will not discover problems later. I only mentioned this as it reminds me of the era where Toyota never built any physical prototypes and relied too much on virtual testing, which led them into a period of quality control issues.

It's not about seeing staged photographs as "spy shots", but some evidence they are putting it through the paces and not just controlled scenario testing which has its negatives in the long run. Which probably might explain the typical deficit in driving ability against competitors.
Carmaker1
mikeavelli
^^ I assume that some vehicles go under the radar as they are not something that really appeals to a spy photographer. Looking at those Nurburgring pics it could be confused with a number of vehicles.

Personally I was very happy to see a nice reveal without 100,000 spy photos and theories. The UX in pics exceeded my expectations.
Most likely under the radar...hopefully. However it is not about "spy shots" for the sake of it. Toyota tries to replicates many situations in the real world at their facilities but they can only get so close and have trial their vehicles in environments where will truly be used the most.

spwolf
They probably tested it in C-HR body and nobody guessed it is a Lexus.

Otherwise, that Toyota is likely a Prius SUV, similar to Rav4, maybe 7 seater? And it might indeed replace Prius v. It certainly looks bigger than C-HR and UX.

And Toyota has been testing on ring for quite a while... I remember C-HR was tested there and if my memory serves me, even 2011 Yaris was tested a lot there for high speed stability.
You still need to test it in the final body sufficiently, well in advance of pilot production or there are things that can go wrong during that stage and then POSSIBLY delay mass production start-up, which is set for October.

I understand the need for privacy but unless they're doing night testing it still needs to be done as needed and a CHR body is not going to achieve that fully. They likely also used a lifted CT as well, as I already posted. Surely it has been seen by the eyes of people testing in its final body, but not photographed most likely and maybe at night.

I trust they got enough feedback with internal facility testing and will not discover problems later. I only mentioned this as it reminds me of the era where Toyota never built any physical prototypes and relied too much on virtual testing, which led them into a period of quality control issues.

It's not about seeing staged photographs as "spy shots", but some evidence they are putting it through the paces and not just controlled scenario testing which has its negatives in the long run. Which probably might explain the typical deficit in driving ability against competitors.
S
Is there a possibility that they are trying to combine a lot of tests with winter testing? It is usually for drivetrain calibration (e.g. to meet cold start emission standards). That could make spotting a lot harder since the cars will be tested in less accessible areas that attract little attention.
S
Is there a possibility that they are trying to combine a lot of tests with winter testing? It is usually for drivetrain calibration (e.g. to meet cold start emission standards). That could make spotting a lot harder since the cars will be tested in less accessible areas that attract little attention.
S
Is there a possibility that they are trying to combine a lot of tests with winter testing? It is usually for drivetrain calibration (e.g. to meet cold start emission standards). That could make spotting a lot harder since the cars will be tested in less accessible areas that attract little attention.
S
Carmaker1
I understand the need for privacy but unless they're doing night testing it still needs to be done as needed and a CHR body is not going to achieve that fully. They likely also used a lifted CT as well, as I already posted. Surely it has been seen by the eyes of people testing in its final body, but not photographed most likely and maybe at night.

I trust they got enough feedback with internal facility testing and will not discover problems later. I only mentioned this as it reminds me of the era where Toyota never built any physical prototypes and relied too much on virtual testing, which led them into a period of quality control issues.

It's not about seeing staged photographs as "spy shots", but some evidence they are putting it through the paces and not just controlled scenario testing which has its negatives in the long run. Which probably might explain the typical deficit in driving ability against competitors.
they probably used that lifted CT for C-HR development too, and now using C-HR for UX. Since its main market is Europe, I bet it was driving a lot there and nobody noticed :). They share the same wheelbase, so I dont see why they could not test it properly when it comes to handling, etc.

These days even 2020 Corolla is tested on Nurburgring.
S
Carmaker1
I understand the need for privacy but unless they're doing night testing it still needs to be done as needed and a CHR body is not going to achieve that fully. They likely also used a lifted CT as well, as I already posted. Surely it has been seen by the eyes of people testing in its final body, but not photographed most likely and maybe at night.

I trust they got enough feedback with internal facility testing and will not discover problems later. I only mentioned this as it reminds me of the era where Toyota never built any physical prototypes and relied too much on virtual testing, which led them into a period of quality control issues.

It's not about seeing staged photographs as "spy shots", but some evidence they are putting it through the paces and not just controlled scenario testing which has its negatives in the long run. Which probably might explain the typical deficit in driving ability against competitors.
they probably used that lifted CT for C-HR development too, and now using C-HR for UX. Since its main market is Europe, I bet it was driving a lot there and nobody noticed :). They share the same wheelbase, so I dont see why they could not test it properly when it comes to handling, etc.

These days even 2020 Corolla is tested on Nurburgring.
S
Carmaker1
I understand the need for privacy but unless they're doing night testing it still needs to be done as needed and a CHR body is not going to achieve that fully. They likely also used a lifted CT as well, as I already posted. Surely it has been seen by the eyes of people testing in its final body, but not photographed most likely and maybe at night.

I trust they got enough feedback with internal facility testing and will not discover problems later. I only mentioned this as it reminds me of the era where Toyota never built any physical prototypes and relied too much on virtual testing, which led them into a period of quality control issues.

It's not about seeing staged photographs as "spy shots", but some evidence they are putting it through the paces and not just controlled scenario testing which has its negatives in the long run. Which probably might explain the typical deficit in driving ability against competitors.
they probably used that lifted CT for C-HR development too, and now using C-HR for UX. Since its main market is Europe, I bet it was driving a lot there and nobody noticed :). They share the same wheelbase, so I dont see why they could not test it properly when it comes to handling, etc.

These days even 2020 Corolla is tested on Nurburgring.
T
I'm not too worried about whether they tested it enough. Lexus generally does a more than adequate job to make sure their vehicles are reliable, as evidenced by the excellent resale values. Any chance they'll trickle out some more information at the Beijing auto show at the end of the month? It's already guaranteed that there will be a new ES reveal.
T
I'm not too worried about whether they tested it enough. Lexus generally does a more than adequate job to make sure their vehicles are reliable, as evidenced by the excellent resale values. Any chance they'll trickle out some more information at the Beijing auto show at the end of the month? It's already guaranteed that there will be a new ES reveal.
T
I'm not too worried about whether they tested it enough. Lexus generally does a more than adequate job to make sure their vehicles are reliable, as evidenced by the excellent resale values. Any chance they'll trickle out some more information at the Beijing auto show at the end of the month? It's already guaranteed that there will be a new ES reveal.
S
telithos
I'm not too worried about whether they tested it enough. Lexus generally does a more than adequate job to make sure their vehicles are reliable, as evidenced by the excellent resale values. Any chance they'll trickle out some more information at the Beijing auto show at the end of the month? It's already guaranteed that there will be a new ES reveal.
best part about UX is that C-HR and TNGA are already very competent drives... When I had extensive test of C-HR, it felt like best handling car in the class, with good balance between ride and sportiness, something that most other cars I tried in same category could not match. My problems with it were different - I drive on long highways at 100mph, so C-HR was too noisy at those speeds, and tad underpowered. Both things that UX and 2.0l hybrid can solve.
S
telithos
I'm not too worried about whether they tested it enough. Lexus generally does a more than adequate job to make sure their vehicles are reliable, as evidenced by the excellent resale values. Any chance they'll trickle out some more information at the Beijing auto show at the end of the month? It's already guaranteed that there will be a new ES reveal.
best part about UX is that C-HR and TNGA are already very competent drives... When I had extensive test of C-HR, it felt like best handling car in the class, with good balance between ride and sportiness, something that most other cars I tried in same category could not match. My problems with it were different - I drive on long highways at 100mph, so C-HR was too noisy at those speeds, and tad underpowered. Both things that UX and 2.0l hybrid can solve.
S
telithos
I'm not too worried about whether they tested it enough. Lexus generally does a more than adequate job to make sure their vehicles are reliable, as evidenced by the excellent resale values. Any chance they'll trickle out some more information at the Beijing auto show at the end of the month? It's already guaranteed that there will be a new ES reveal.
best part about UX is that C-HR and TNGA are already very competent drives... When I had extensive test of C-HR, it felt like best handling car in the class, with good balance between ride and sportiness, something that most other cars I tried in same category could not match. My problems with it were different - I drive on long highways at 100mph, so C-HR was too noisy at those speeds, and tad underpowered. Both things that UX and 2.0l hybrid can solve.
krew
krew

Video: Quick Tour of the Lexus UX Subcompact Crossover
[​IMG]

A new video from Lexus Canada.
View the original article post
krew
krew

Video: Quick Tour of the Lexus UX Subcompact Crossover
[​IMG]

A new video from Lexus Canada.
View the original article post
krew
krew

Video: Quick Tour of the Lexus UX Subcompact Crossover
[​IMG]

A new video from Lexus Canada.
View the original article post

K