Lexus Announces LF-NX Crossover Concept

News I By John Beltz Snyder I September 04, 2013

Lexus has announced the LF-NX crossover concept in advance of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

This concept is a study of design, and according to Lexus, it “reflects a further evolution of Lexus’ L-finesse design language,” of which “seamless anticipation,” “incisive simplicity,” and “intriguing elegance” are the core principles.

The LF-NX’s exterior sports many creases and angles in its design. In front, we see what is almost an exaggeration of the spindle grille we’ve been seeing on recent Lexus vehicles. It features sharply swept-back lighting and bold wheel arches. Lexus says the shape and color suggest an appearance of the vehicle being “carved from a single piece of solid metal.”

The interior reflects the sharpness of the exterior, and offers a very futuristic look. The dashboard is separated into a lower operational and upper display zone. It features touch-sensitive electrostatic switches, and a touchpad Remote Touch Interface. We’ll probably learn more about that new system in the days to come.

The LF-NX concept is powered by an updated version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. At this point, though, we have little actual data about this particular powertrain.

We can expect more details to become available when the LF-NX debuts in Frankfurt on September 10.

Scroll down for more information in the press release, below.

WORLD PREMIERE OF THE LEXUS LF-NX CROSSOVER CONCEPT AT THE 2013 FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW

Distinctive and sculpted styling
‘Human Oriented’ interior design with new, touch-sensitive instrumentation
Highly efficient full hybrid powertrain

FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 4, 2013 – A new Lexus compact crossover concept, the LF-NX, will make its world premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). This concept explores the potential for a compact crossover within the Lexus model range.

Reinforcing Lexus’ leading position in full hybrid drive technology, the LF-NX concept is powered by a new variant of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system tuned for SUV performance.

With its highly distinctive and powerfully sculpted styling, the LF-NX concept’s exterior design reflects a further evolution of Lexus’ L-finesse design language.

The front is dominated by a strong interpretation of the Lexus spindle grille, extremely expressive signature front lighting with independent Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and unique corner styling which separates the bumper from the front wing with an aggressive vertical cut.
In profile, muscular wheel arches are trimmed with the black protective finish which typifies an urban crossover. Above the pronounced diamond shape of the belt line, a classic Lexus side glazing profile and steeply raked tailgate create the sweeping silhouette of an athletic coupe.

The rear features highly articulated lamp clusters. They are detailed to project downwards to the full depth of the bumper, creating a sharp, aerodynamic trailing edge to the vehicle which mirrors the front wing detailing.

The Lexus LF-NX concept is finished in a new Brushed Metal Silver exterior colorwhich gives the striking impression that the bodyshell has been carved from a single piece of solid metal.

The interior mirrors the LF-NX’s highly sculpted exterior with bold, powerful forms creating a driver-focused cockpit within an ergonomically ideal environment.

In a continuation of the ‘Human Oriented’ L-finesse design concept, the cabin features the ideal, upper display zone and lower operation zone dashboard format perfected over successive Lexus generations.

This allows for intuitive interaction with the vehicle’s next generation technology, which includes touch-sensitive electrostatic switches, and a new touch pad Remote Touch Interface (RTI) design.

Reinforcing the LF-NX concept’s premium crossover credentials, the strength and refinement of the interior’s carved metal surfacing is complemented throughout by Sunrise Yellow / Black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, and sophisticated blue instrument lighting.

The Lexus press conference is scheduled on September 10 at 13:00 CET on the Lexus stand, Hall 8, Frankfurt Messe.