Lexus debuts their first turbocharged car in Bejing, dubbed the NX 200t

There’s a time for everything and this evidently is the time for Lexus, in 25 years, to put out their first turbocharged car. Sure, everyone and their brother is making a 2 liter direct injected turbo four today for reasons of emissions, weight and fuel economy, but what is around the engine is the big topic. Slotting in below the RX, this will be Lexus’s entry into the small luxury SUV market. Built to seat five and be lifted and not go off road, the NX will likely be showing up at an urban center near you and, in the case of the NX 300h, rather quickly too.

Details are scant on output, but there will be a naturally aspirated 2 liter four in the NX 200 base model, so that initial bar will not likely be too high, so to speak. As this is a new Lexus, one can expect LED headlamps and taillamps, some sort of automatic gearbox, the obvious, pinched grille up front and the latest version of Lexus’s Human Machine Interface HMI infotainment system and an inductive charger for smartphones. Confirmed too is an optional AWD system, and the base model will get front wheel drive as standard. Check out the press release after the jump.

-By: Sawyer Sutton

Crossover Launches With Marque’s First Turbo Powertrain

  • Available With Three Powertrains: Gasoline Turbo NX 200t, Naturally Aspirated NX 200, and Full Hybrid NX 300h
  • Lexus Enters Luxury Compact Crossover Segment
  • NX Reveal at Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20
April 10, 2014
BEIJING – April 11, 2014 – There’s a first for everything! The all-new Lexus NX comes to market as the brand’s first entry into the luxury compact crossover segment and with the first turbo in the lineup. The NX will also be offered in naturally aspirated and hybrid powertrains. Powertrains will vary by region. The U.S. market will offer the NX 200t turbo and NX 300h hybrid. The NX 200t F SPORT will also be available with unique exterior and interior features.Lexus will maintain its role as the luxury hybrid leader with six hybrid models including the NX 300h. The NX will be the fourth vehicle in Lexus’ luxury utility vehicle lineup and positioned below the popular RX.The Lexus LF-NX concepts, originally introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt and Tokyo Motor Shows, influenced the striking and emotional design of the NX. The sharply styled crossover will be revealed at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20. Chief engineer Takeaki Kato and his team developed NX as a luxury vehicle that provides versatility and details unexpected in its class to young, urban drivers.
 
Exterior Design
The NX was developed to have more agility than a SUV plus a bold, eye-catching exterior with its low profile and unique roofline.As with all Lexus vehicles, the aggressive exterior starts with the spindle grille. Innovative LED headlamps and daytime running lamps firmly express Lexus’ bold styling.

The front and rear wheel arches add to the NX’s wide and low, muscular stance with bold flares. The arches house standard 17-inch or available 18-inch wheels.

The profile is accentuated by a roofline peak set towards the back of the vehicle to create a tight silhouette and provide ample head-room for rear seat occupants.

Subtle, luxury details are included in the innovative Lexus-first door handle with a hidden key barrel and integrated lighting.

The rear is punctuated by Lexus’ signature ‘L’ shape combination lamps, each with seamless LED lighting, while the bodywork echoes the spindle grille design.

 
Interior Design
The NX’s cabin combines the structural beauty of a high-performance machine with luxury materials that maximizes functionality. The combination of hard metallic surfaces and contrasting soft materials help create a unique interior.

A strong, center silver frame surrounds and defines the center instrument panel. Knee pads located at the base of the center stack help support the driver and passenger. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology continues the impression of an advanced vehicle and is also located at the bottom of the center stack.

Seating played a significant role in the cabin design. The NX possesses a low hip point adding to the connection of the driver to the vehicle and increasing overall head room. The NX also has a long cargo area length and a wide front to rear couple distance.
 
Technology
The NX introduces an innovative all-new 2.0-liter gasoline turbo in NX 200t and a naturally aspirated engine in NX 200 with the choice of front and all-weather drive. Lexus also offers a highly efficient hybrid in NX 300h.

The NX has an array of innovative on-board technology, including an available Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray to enable a mobile phone to be charged. Other available technology includes the first application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad; and a comprehensive Multi-information Display, including a Lexus-first G sensor and boost meter, Heads-Up Display, All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

 

Sawyer Sutton

Sawyer Sutton is a long-time Vermonter and lover of cars, big machinery, and photography. These are his words on cars as Senior Editor of egmCarTech.

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