Well, whatever else you can accuse the LF-NX concept of, it's certainly not following the herd. In fact, Lexus said quite bluntly, when it was unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show earlier this year, that the design of the car was supposed to push, break and probably set fire to the envelope of what people expect from a Lexus. We're also allowed, this time around, a bit more of a detailed look at the interior, which, with its big, tall centre console and sporty three-spoke steering wheel, very likely sets the tone for future Lexus interiors. Probably not with the gaudy yellow leather inserts though. Hopefully.
Underneath all the sharp angles and panel direction changes lies the structure of Lexus's Range Rover Evoque competitor, and for the Tokyo Show Lexus has updated the concept to include a first showing of its new turbocharged petrol engine. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder unit features Lexus' advanced high-tumble port, fan spray fuel injection, D-4S and VVT-i combustion technologies. Its design sees the exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, and it is fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger with an active wastegate valve. By optimising the exhaust gas temperature, the exhaust manifold delivers high performance, fuel efficiency and low exhaust emissions according to Lexus, while the turbo operates effectively across the widest possible rev range. The unit is engineered for fast throttle response, yet demonstrates excellent fuel economy.
Anything else?
Lexus (and Toyota) has a habit of spinning out concept cars for years before they make production, but with global premium compact SUV sales continuing to boom, expect Lexus to get this into production pretty quickly, by 2015 at the latest. With somewhat toned down styling, presumably.