Lexus RC & Lexus NX Nominated for European Car of the Year

Despite not yet being available for sale, both the Lexus RC & Lexus NX have been nominated for the 2015 European Car of the Year award. The annual award is decided by a jury of automotive journalists representing publications throughout Europe. There are currently are 32 candidate vehicles — a shortlist of seven nominees will …
Kevin · August 13th, 2014

First Production Lexus NX Rolls Off Assembly Line in Japan

Earlier today, the very first Lexus NX rolled off the assembly line at Miyata factory in Kyushu, Japan — here’s video from the line-off ceremony: A Matador Red Mica NX 200t F SPORT and Eminent White NX 300h were the first to be built — here’s some footage from the assembly line: [Source: Lexus International]
Kevin · August 8th, 2014

Video: Guided Tour of the Lexus NX

For anyone looking at purchasing a Lexus NX in the USA, this two-part video with Ming-Jou Chen of Lexus College is an excellent overview of the new crossover: (The new door handle is a real improvement over the current design — very stylish and functional. Look forward to seeing it on other models.)
Kevin · August 5th, 2014

Will.i.am to Design Limited Edition Lexus NX

Lexus Europe has teamed up with artist Will.i.am for the NX crossover marketing campaign — the first collaboration is a music video for the song “Dreaming about the Future”, which features the NX heavily: Will.i.am will star in the very first European NX commercial later this year, and will also be designing a limited edition …
Kevin · August 4th, 2014

New Lexus NX F SPORT Video from Japan

The Lexus Japan website has been updated to include the NX crossover, and this F SPORT driving video is part of the new marketing:
Kevin · July 31st, 2014

2015 Lexus NX F SPORT Body Kit by Modellista Japan

Official Lexus tuner Modellista has released images of their new NX body kit The body kit consists of a front under spoiler, side skirts, and a rear diffuser with a design that changes depending on the NX 200t or NX 300h. A rear spoiler add-on and 19-inch aluminum wheels are also available. Modellista has also …
Kevin · July 30th, 2014

Lexus NX F SPORT Body Kit by TRD Japan

Official Lexus tuner TRD Japan has released images of the world’s first NX aero parts: The kit is made up of a front under spoiler, rear diffuser, and a quad-exhaust muffler setup: There’s also aluminum forged 19-inch wheels: As with all things TRD, these aero parts are not cheap — the front spoiler is reasonable …
Kevin · July 29th, 2014

Comparing the Lexus NX & Toyota RAV4

How similar is the Lexus NX to the Toyota RAV4? As Chief Engineer Takeaki Kato explains to Automotive News, 90% of the parts used are different: From the center to the rear is basically new, with no commonized parts. The front bumpers and crash box are totally different. But while the inside rocker panel is …
Kevin · July 28th, 2014

Lexus Considering a Compact Crossover Below the NX?

Lexus is considering a crossover even smaller than the NX, according to an Autocar interview with Lexus Europe vice president Alain Uyttenhoven: Uyttenhoven said the launch of a small SUV was “not impossible” for Lexus and such a model “made sense” for the brand, but he stopped short of confirming it for production. Lexus is …
Kevin · July 18th, 2014

Kelley Blue Book Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Jack Nerad from Kelley Blue Book has a positive review of the 2015 Lexus NX: Designed to look like it was poured from a single batch of molten metal, the all-new NX isn’t just the right size, but it is also so filled with technical innovation and engineering sleight of hand that it is hard …
Kevin · July 16th, 2014

Video: Car Advice Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Car Advice Australia have published their video preview of the Lexus NX: There’s also a text review for a more in-depth assessment of the new compact crossover: The German brands have worried about rival Lexus models since the LS made a noise in 1989 with its hushed refinement. The Lexus NX isn’t going to upset …
Kevin · July 15th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Up Close with the Lexus NX

Lexus Europe released a rather artistic set of NX photos on their Facebook page: Included in the photos is the best shot yet of the NX panoramic roof: Disappointing that this option won’t be coming to North America, it looks great on the NX. [Source: Lexus Europe Facebook]
Kevin · July 10th, 2014

Driving the 2015 Lexus NX

Two weeks ago, Lexus invited me to Whistler, British Columbia, where I was able to test drive the all-new NX compact crossover in all its various forms. I posted a technical overview of the new model on Monday, and now it’s time for some personal impressions. Lexus describes the new NX compact crossover as Premium …
Kevin · July 9th, 2014

Road & Track Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Ben Stewart of Road & Track has published his first impressions of the 2015 Lexus NX: It may not be as aggressive as other F Sport models, but the NX 200t F Sport is still the one you want. It gets beefy strut tower braces that aren’t like any you’ve ever seen before. Instead of …
Kevin · July 8th, 2014

Autoweek Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Blake Z. Rong of Autoweek has driven the 2015 Lexus NX, and preferred the hybrid to the new turbo: Despite all the fanfare of the 2.0-liter, direct-injection, 235-hp, 258-lb-ft torque, 17-psi of boost, 0-60 in seven seconds dead (in AWD form: 7.2 with the FWD drivetrain), twin-scroll-turbocharged engine in the NX200t…we’d go for the hybrid …
Kevin · July 8th, 2014

Extensive Video Review of the 2015 Lexus NX

Just finished watching the extensive 23-minute Lexus NX video review from Alex on Autos and really enjoyed it — if you’re interested in the new Lexus compact crossover, I recommend you sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for a whole heap of detail:
Kevin · July 7th, 2014

Motor Trend Drives the 2015 Lexus NX

Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend was one of the auto journalists that drove the 2015 Lexus NX last month: Color me a convert. The NX’s ride is first-class, a strong engineering feat for a vehicle with such a small wheelbase. This is particularly true of the non-F Sport model. The steering is properly weighted and …
Kevin · July 7th, 2014

2015 Lexus NX & NX F SPORT Preview

Two weeks ago, Lexus invited me to Whistler, British Columbia, where I was able to test drive the all-new NX compact crossover in all its various forms. The following is a technical overview of the new model — my personal impressions will posted on Wednesday. As the vehicle that established the luxury crossover market, the …
Kevin · July 7th, 2014

Massive Photo Gallery of the Lexus NX & NX F SPORT

Before the first reviews of the Lexus NX compact crossover start showing up on the Internet tomorrow, here are a new set of official photos presented without comment. (Big shoutout to David Dewhurst Photography for an amazing job with these images!) NX 200t Exterior NX 200t Interior NX 300h Exterior NX 300h Interior NX F …
Kevin · July 6th, 2014

Have Questions About the Lexus NX?

Last week, I travelled to Whistler, British Columbia, and drove the new 2015 Lexus NX in all its North American varieties: the NX 200t, NX 200t F SPORT, & NX 300h. I can’t share much detail about my experience until next week, but thought some of you may have some questions about the NX. Ask …
Kevin · July 1st, 2014

Video: Developing the Lexus NX Turbo & Hybrid Engines

The Lexus NX will be offered with two powertrain options: a 2.5L hybrid system and a Lexus-first 2.0L turbo engine — here are project engineers Izumi Watanabe and Kenji Otsuka discussing the development of the two engines: Really enjoying this “Development Story” video series — be sure to check out the first two parts if …
Kevin · June 16th, 2014

Lexus NX Configurator Now on Lexus International Website

Lexus International has updated their website with a basic NX configurator, showing off four grades, ten colors, and five wheel options. Available Grades: NX 200t · NX 200t F SPORT · NX 300h · NX 300h F SPORT Colors: Sonic Quartz · Mercury Grey Metallic · Platinum Silver · Sonic Titanium · Black · Starlight …
Kevin · June 13th, 2014

Video: Black Lexus NX 200t F SPORT in Japan

Earlier this week, we saw some photos of a black Lexus NX 200t F SPORT at the Lexus International Gallery in Aoyama, Tokyo, and now we have some (very strangely filmed) video — be warned, turn the sound way down: An NX in Sonic Quartz was also on display, and the video also features the …
Kevin · June 12th, 2014

Video: Lexus NX Music Video in Madrid

Lexus Europe has released a new two-minute music video featuring the NX F SPORT: Likely the first cut of the NX commercial filmed in Madrid, this video is very well put together — elegant, stylish, and very modern. Lexus Europe have captured the NX perfectly.
Kevin · June 11th, 2014

Photos: Black Lexus NX F SPORT in Japan

A black NX 200t F SPORT is now on display at the Lexus Aoyama Gallery in Tokyo: (NX pre-orders have started in Japan, and different models & colors are being displayed around the country, including a NX F SPORT in Matador Red Mica.) [Source: Club Lexus] (Thanks AndyL & corradoMR2!)
Kevin · June 8th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX F SPORT in Matador Red Mica

A Lexus NX 200t F SPORT in Matador Red Mica is currently on display at Midland Square in Nagoya, Japan — here are some photos from Japanese blogger Renoba: (Japanese consumers will be able to pre-order NX models starting this weekend, and different colors are being displayed all over the country — more photos shortly!) …
Kevin · June 5th, 2014

New Lexus NX Photos from Europe

Lexus Europe has released three new NX images, including this shot of the all four NX variants (click for a larger image): Lexus Europe also released some nice behind-the-scenes from their upcoming NX brochure: (With the NX expected to bring in 20,000 additional sales for Lexus Europe, it’s no surprise that they’re pulling out all …
Kevin · May 28th, 2014

Lexus Expects NX Compact Crossover to be Big Seller in Europe

Lexus is expecting big things from the NX compact crossover in Europe — from Autocar: Asked to explain why customers would consider the NX over rival brands’ products, Alain Uyttenhoven, vice president of Lexus Europe, said: “The first reason people buy a car in this segment is because it is trendy in its design. We …
Kevin · May 28th, 2014

New Lexus NX Video Shows Off Panoramic Glass Roof

As part of the an NX preview event last week in London, Lexus Europe released a new video showing off the compact crossover in F SPORT trim: Have to say, that optional panoramic glass roof is a beauty: (I’ve said it before, the panoramic glass roof is probably my favorite single option on a vehicle …
Kevin · May 27th, 2014

Lexus UK Releases NX 300h Pricing & Package Information

Lexus UK has announced pricing for the 2015 NX 300h and its various packages, with the entry-level NX 300h FWD starting at £29,495 and the fully loaded NX 300h Premier AWD topping out at £42,995. There are five packages in total, and all models will include the Pre-Crash Safety system, Adaptive Cruise Control, and the …
Kevin · May 23rd, 2014

Video: The Lexus NX Driving Experience

Lexus International has released a new video detailing the driving dynamics of the new NX: Project manager Kei-ichi Nishiyama is bold in his description of the NX driving experience, which should bode well for the final vehicle handling — it’s a great sign that the IS sedan was used as a benchmark in development.
Kevin · May 19th, 2014

Lexus NX to Debut New Audio Improvement Technology

The Lexus NX will introduce a world-first audio technology from Harman called Clari-fi, which significantly improves the sound quality of compressed audio: Unlike other solutions in the market today, Clari-Fi does not simply add equalization and boost bass, or focus only on leveraging high-resolution file formats on a proprietary device, according to Harman. Harman said …
Kevin · May 7th, 2014

Interview with Lexus NX Chief Engineer Takeaki Kato

Lexus NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato answered fan questions during the Beijing Auto Show — here are some of the highlights from the interview: Q: How will you differentiate NX from RX? Both vehicles have the same innovation and finesse of Lexus. One customer could choose the RX for its elegant, stately, sophisticated shape, just …
Kevin · May 7th, 2014

Lexus NX: Turbo vs. Hybrid Sales

In a recent Automotive News interview, Lexus International vice president Mark Templin discussed NX sales projections and the expected take-rate between the turbo & hybrid powertrains: Although Lexus gave no official fuel economy estimates for the hybrid, a source said it should get in the 34-36 mpg range in combined city and highway driving. The …
Kevin · May 5th, 2014

Video: Driving the Lexus NX 300h

Update: Both videos have been removed by request of their owners. When a Lexus NX 300h prototype visited Flow Lexus of Greensboro in North Carolina this week, YouTube channel Saabkyle04 took the opportunity to film this twenty minute video packed with nearly every detail of the Lexus NX 300h: (Video Removed) There’s so much information …
Kevin · May 3rd, 2014

Video: Q&A with Lexus International Vice President Mark Templin

Here’s an excellent video with Lexus International executive vice-president Mark Templin answering questions about China, the NX, and the future of the brand: Mark Templin’s answers are insightful and full of confidence — in particular, it’s interesting to learn that Lexus wants to grow at a controlled pace in order to preserve their customer experience. …
Kevin · April 29th, 2014

Video: The Lexus Four-Cylinder Turbo Engine in Detail

Here’s a video overview of the new 2.0L turbo engine installed in the Lexus NX 200t: The NX 200t will be the first model to get the 8AR-FTS 2.0L engine, which is equipped with a twin-scroll turbo and generates 235 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm. The engine can flip between the …
Kevin · April 27th, 2014

Lexus NX Spotted in Another Parking Lot

A Lexus NX 300h F SPORT has popped up in another parking lot — this time, it’s the Toyota Burniston factory in the United Kingdom: The NX was spotted in a California parking lot last week, marking the first time the compact crossover had been seen outside of the studio — I imagine these two …
Kevin · April 24th, 2014

Photo Gallery: Lexus NX at the Milan Design Week

The Lexus NX F SPORT made an appearance at the Milan Design Week, here are a mass of photos from the display: The NX in Ultra White is attractive enough, but it will be nice seeing high quality images of the crossover in different colors — I’m hoping for Starlight Black, what colors would you …
Kevin · April 23rd, 2014

Video: The Lexus NX in Detail

Lexus UK has posted three brief videos of the NX compact crossover: Other than the press conference and the stylized launch commercials, this is the first real video footage of the NX that I’ve seen — this vehicle keeps getting better and better.
Kevin · April 23rd, 2014

Video: The Lexus NX Development Story

There are two new videos detailing the development story of the Lexus NX compact crossover — first, NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato describes the overall concept, new turbo engine, and some of the vehicle’s unique features: In the second video, project managers Nobuyuki Tomatsu and Tetsuo Miki walk through the exterior & interior design from …
Kevin · April 22nd, 2014

Lexus NX Key Features: A Video Tour

Here’s a video overview of the key features found in the Lexus NX: The level of detail on the NX is impressive — the compact crossover makes a strong statement at the new Lexus design movement, but even more important is the focus on functionality. This is a vehicle that will fit very comfortably into …
Kevin · April 21st, 2014

Lexus USA Shares NX Sales Projections

Mark Rechtin of the Automotive News recently spoke with Lexus USA general manager Jeff Bracken about NX sales projections: …he expects Lexus to sell about 2,200 NX units a month in the United States. He added, however, that Lexus’ U.S. dealer council has informed him that such an estimate is too conservative. “From a sizing …
Kevin · April 21st, 2014

Live Photos of the Lexus NX 300h & NX 200t F SPORT

After its debut last night in China, the Lexus NX is now on display at both the Beijing Motor Show and the New York Auto Show — a few photo galleries of the NX 300h & NX 200t F SPORT have been popping up online, here’s what I’ve found so far. Marc Berger from the …
Kevin · April 20th, 2014

2015 Lexus NX Specifications (Including Horsepower)

There’s a significant amount of new information on the Lexus NX with the crossover’s debut at the Beijing Motor Show today — let’s start things off with the full international press release. Lexus’ first luxury compact crossover, the NX, made its world premiere here today at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, which runs through …
Kevin · April 20th, 2014

Launch Video: Introducing the Lexus NX

Lexus has publicly debuted the all next NX compact crossover at the Beijing Motor Show, and here’s the official launch video: Balancing footage of the vehicle with a healthy dose of lifestyle imagery, there’s a heavy focus on physical activity — love the inclusion of parkour, it’s a perfect fit for this vehicle. More shortly!
Kevin · April 19th, 2014

Lexus NX to Debut Today at Beijing Motor Show

Later today, Lexus will officially unveil the new NX compact crossover at the Beijing Motor Show. The reveal will be broadcast live online on the Lexus International website, starting at 10:30 ET/7:30 PT, with more details on the NX to be released at that time. Update: The press conference is now over — here is …
Kevin · April 19th, 2014

Imagining a Lexus NX Crossover Coupe

Photochopper Theophilus Chin has removed two doors from the Lexus NX, creating a crossover coupe — here’s another rendering from the back: The obvious parallel would be the Range Rover Evoque Coupe, an eminently stylish but essentially impractical two-door version of their super-successful crossover. It may be a model that Lexus will never make, but …
Kevin · April 18th, 2014

Lexus NX Spotted in California Parking Lot

There are two Lexus NX models at the Lexus USA headquarters in Torrance, California, which means the first photos of the new compact crossover out in the wild: Seeing the crossover in a more natural setting makes it all the more appealing — very impressed with the grille on the standard NX, and loving the …
Kevin · April 17th, 2014

Details on the Lexus NX 200t Turbo Engine

Auto Week has some finer detail on Lexus NX 200t and its Lexus-first turbocharged engine: The NX 200t will feature Lexus’ first turbo engine, a 2.0-liter four with VVT-iW. Yes, that W is new. It signifies advance and retard of the intake cam. At low loads and rpm it can operate as an Atkinson cycle …
Kevin · April 14th, 2014

Questions About the Lexus NX? Ask Chief Engineer Takeaki Kato

Have a question about the Lexus NX? Takeaki Kato, the chief engineer of the new compact crossover, will be answering questions about the NX direct from the Beijing Motor Show: You can ask questions online now via Facebook or Twitter by using the hashtag #LexusInBeijing — answers will be posted on the Lexus International Facebook …
Kevin · April 13th, 2014

2015 Lexus NX F SPORT Photo Gallery

Lexus has released a massive new photo collection of the new NX F SPORT compact crossover — here’s the full gallery, posted without comment (that’s coming later):
Kevin · April 11th, 2014

First Live Photos of the Lexus NX F SPORT

Autoguide has posted the first live photos of the new Lexus NX F SPORT — here’s a selection of exterior shots: There’s also an extensive interior gallery — here’s a small taste: Definitely head over to the Autoguide website and look through the photos — I’ve been going through the galleries for the last 20 …
Kevin · April 10th, 2014

2015 Lexus NX & NX F SPORT Information

Lexus has released the first real details on the new NX, including 11 new photos of the compact crossover in both standard and F SPORT models: The Full Lexus NX Press Release Lexus will unveil its new luxury compact crossover, the Lexus NX, at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition to be held in Beijing, …
Kevin · April 10th, 2014

Lexus NX Compact Crossover Revealed Early by French Magazine

Scans of an article from French magazine L’Automobile have revealed the Lexus NX compact crossover before its official debut: The scans, which were posted earlier today on Club Lexus & World Car Fans, show a production NX that sticks close to the LF-NX concept — much of the exterior body work mirrors the concept, right …
Kevin · April 10th, 2014

More Details on the Lexus NX Compact Crossover

An automotive site in Slovakia had an advance look at the upcoming Lexus NX compact crossover last month, and have published the above photo along with a text teaser (please excuse the paraphrased Google-assisted translation): Despite the fact that the public has not yet officially seen the new Lexus NX, we had the pleasure to …
Kevin · April 7th, 2014

Lexus Releases First Image of NX Compact Crossover

Lexus has released the very first teaser image of the NX compact crossover, which is set to debut at the Beijing Motor Show on April 20th — here’s the image in high resolution: The RC-style tri-LED headlights are visible, as are some of the defining sharp angles of the LF-NX concept. One of the biggest …
Kevin · April 3rd, 2014

Correction Regarding Yesterday’s Lexus NX Image

There’s a correction on yesterday’s post regarding the Lexus NX crossover: Lexus Europe has informed me that the image above is the LF-NX concept, and not a teaser of the production NX model. (The confusion was caused by a mislabeled image on the Lexus Europe pressroom.)
Kevin · March 5th, 2014

Production Lexus NX Compact Crossover to Debut at Beijing Motor Show

During a press conference today in Geneva, new Lexus Europe general manager Alain Uyttenhoven announced the NX production compact crossover will debut at the Beijing Motor Show in April: The LF-NX Concept, presented last year in Frankfurt, showed the Lexus design direction for a mid-size crossover, positioned below our RX. Today I can confirm that …
Kevin · March 4th, 2014

New Information on the Lexus NX Compact Crossover

Auto Express has some new information on the Lexus NX, including the new rendering seen above: Lexus has revealed that its new NX crossover will arrive in the UK in October, and prices are expected to start at around £30,000 – putting it in close contention with its Audi Q5 and BMW X3 rivals. A …
Kevin · February 10th, 2014

Lexus NX Prototypes Spotted!

Japanese magazine Mag-X has released two spy photos of the upcoming Lexus NX compact crossover — the masked version above, and this camouflaged prototype: These two images don’t show nearly as much detail as the recently leaked production NX photo, but they do give a better indication of the compact crossover’s overall shape — really, …
Kevin · February 6th, 2014

Production Lexus NX Compact Crossover Leaked?

An unusual slide was shown during Toyota CEO Jim Lentz’s speech to the Society of Automotive Analysts prior to the Detroit Auto Show — while talking about Lexus in 2014, an image of what looks like a production LF-NX compact crossover was shown: There’s little reason to doubt the authenticity of this image, which is …
Kevin · January 28th, 2014

Camouflaged Lexus NX Prototype Spotted in Japan

A Lexus NX prototype has been spotted by Japanese magazine Mag-X in some pretty wild camouflage — here are the two photos: The vehicle has been expertly disguised, with only the front spindle grille giving away that fact the model is a Lexus at all — makes me wonder, wouldn’t this amount of camouflage affect …
Kevin · December 10th, 2013

First Impressions of the Lexus LF-NX Turbo Concept

After staring at photos for months, I finally had a chance to see the Lexus LF-NX concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. Before seeing the LF-NX in person, I had no idea how Lexus was going to transform it into a production model — the concept appeared architectural, more structure than automobile, like a solid …
Kevin · December 5th, 2013

Production Lexus NX Compact Crossover to Debut at the Geneva Motor Show?

Auto Express is reporting that the production version of the Lexus LF-NX concept will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March: Previewed by the striking LF-NX concept, first shown at the Frankfurt show in September, the compact SUV will retain the concept’s stand-out styling, according to Lexus’ European director Paul Van der Burgh. “What …
Kevin · December 4th, 2013

Videos: Up Close with the Lexus RC & LF-NX

During the Tokyo Motor Show last week, Lexus asked their Twitter followers to submit ideas for videos from the show floor — 20 videos were created over the course of a single day, including my request for a detailed look at the RC’s headlights: The full collection of videos can be seen on the Lexus …
Kevin · November 28th, 2013

Lexus to Introduce Full Range of Turbocharged Engines?

Motoring Australia has some details on the future of turbo engines in the Lexus lineup: Little technical information was released in Tokyo and no outputs confirmed, however Lexus group manger engine product design Teru Ogawa told motoring.com.au that a family of engines was being developed. Asked what capacities would be offered, he said “both larger …
Kevin · November 25th, 2013