2013 Lexus LF-NX TURBO

Following the unveiling of the LF-NX HV compact premium crossover concept at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, a new version -the LF-NX Turbo- makes its world debut at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

Combining spirited performance with optimum fuel efficiency, the new LF-NX Turbo’s 2.0 litre engine paves the way for the introduction of turbocharged powerplants in future Lexus models.

Design

The new LF-NX Turbo shares the LF-NX HV’s bold, striking and innovative design, but incorporates numerous exterior and interior detail changes to reinforce the performance potential of the new 2.0 litre turbocharged powertrain.

The Lexus spindle grille now features a smoked chrome trim, while the base is underscored by a narrow, black mesh air intake above a sharp, fin-shaped, matt chrome-finished chin spoiler which reinforces the crossover concept’s low centre of gravity and sporting credentials. The vertical front air intakes are trimmed in high-gloss black paint, with a black mesh duct finish.

Both the wheel arches and the lower rocker panel are now finished in a high-gloss black painted trim, and the upper rocker panel moulding is finished in matt chrome. Above the belt line, the glazing surrounds and the door mirror upper surface share the smoked chrome finish of the front grille surround.

To the rear, a new lower bumper design is underscored by a sharp, full-width, matt chrome-finished aerodynamic diffuser. It is flanked by highly sculpted chrome exhausts shaped to reflect the styling of the front wing vertical air intakes.

A new, more aggressive alloy wheel design and a change in tyre size from the HV’s 255 50R 20 to 255 45 ZR 20 give the LF-NX Turbo concept a more sporting appearance and a wide, confident stance.

On board, reflecting the performance potential of the concept’s 2.0 litre turbocharged powerplant, instrument and switchgear including the meters, navigation screen, RTI touch tracer and touch pad, and the roof and door panels are now illuminated in a sporting red.

Powertrain

The LF-NX Turbo concept is equipped with Lexus’ first turbocharged petrol engine.

The 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder unit combines Lexus’ advanced high tumble port, fan spray fuel injection, D-4S and VVT-i combustion technologies with a cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold and a twin scroll turbocharger with an active wastegate valve.

Through optimisation of the exhaust gas temperature, the cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold combines a high level of performance with fuel efficiency, clean exhaust emission reliability, while the twin scroll turbocharger operates effectively across the widest possible rev range.

The LF-NX Turbo’s new powerplant targets a fast throttle response and exhilarating performance while demonstrating outstanding fuel efficiency.