TX: Talk about missed opportunities. It has been 10 years since Lexus unveiled the HPX seven-seat car-based crossover concept at the New York auto show -- and we'll wait at least three more years to see a production version on public roads when it arrives in late 2016 or early 2017. Toyota has applied for a trademark for the TX nameplate. Toyota is secretive about whether the TX would use the RX-Avalon front-wheel-drive architecture for packaging benefits or use the IS/GS rear-wheel-drive architecture for a sportier feel.

Lexus HPX Concept

Lexus introduced its latest concept vehicle today at the New York International Auto Show. Known as the HPX, or High Performance Crossover, the vehicle combines the versatility of a luxury utility vehicle and the performance of a sports sedan in a sleek and stylish package.

The HPX concept was initiated and designed by Calty Design Research, Inc., Toyota's California-based design center in Newport Beach.

"We wanted to develop a next-generation SUV concept that would help lead us into the future of luxury sport utility vehicles," said Calty Vice President Kevin Hunter. "Our objective was to look beyond the current SUV formulas and define a vehicle that expresses strong emotional styling with high levels of performance, utility, comfort and luxury. We see the HPX as an intelligent evolution of the SUV."

The Lexus GS 430 luxury sport sedan platform provided "technical inspiration" for the HPX. The concept proposes the security of all-wheel drive with a dynamic form that yields utility and dramatic styling. The HPX is powered by a 4.3-liter 300-horsepower V8 engine and paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It has an athletic chassis with height-adjustable suspension to match high-performance expectations. Premium levels of comfort and luxury complete the picture.

"The luxury sport utility market is growing and changing rapidly," said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements. "The HPX concept is something we think would appeal to forward-thinking, affluent buyers with active lifestyles."

The HPX concept also serves as the first expression of a new Lexus design philosophy. This design philosophy is not a strict formula that will be used to calculate new forms and styles for Lexus. Rather, it is an idea that will be adapted in many forms to introduce more continuity to the Lexus line-up. The HPX incorporates key characteristics representative of the new approach that includes innovation, confidence, dynamic posture, intriguing elegance and the infusion of technology.

The overall shape of the HPX seeks to communicate the strength of all-wheel drive capability and the power of the highly capable GS 430 underpinnings. The distinctive shoulder form and low-set Lexus brand grille confirm the high performance intentions. LED light modules imbedded in the jeweled head and taillights suggest a rich, high-technology look.

"We strived to convey a dynamic profile that expresses speed and agility," said Hunter. "At the same time, we also wanted the HPX to give clues to its technical sophistication."

Intended to evoke the sophistication, functionality and luxurious comfort of an executive jet, the interior is remarkably clean and uncluttered with a driver-oriented feel. The instrument panel uses advanced technology to allow drivers to customize displays and information to their needs. Readouts can be scaled, repositioned, and color-adjusted for individual preference. Small cameras situated on the side and rear of the vehicle feed their images to the front display.

A drive-by-wire steering system is employed and a single interface is used to navigate various control menus as well as the GPS navigation system.

Full volume bucket seats are provided for the front and middle rows, while a third row seat designed for children folds into the rear floor. LCD display screens deploy from the center console to provide DVD entertainment for the second and third row passengers.

"Recognizing the increasing complexity of vehicle interiors, we really tried to simplify the environment for drivers, while allowing customizing features to fit their special needs and preferences," said Hunter. "The simple, clean environment helps drivers relax and minimize distractions while driving."

"The HPX represents an innovative approach to a high-performance vehicle that combines luxury, sport and utility to help drivers make the most of every moment," said Clements.

While the two-row Lexus RX has been a sales success for Toyota’s premium brand, the automaker lacks a three-row crossover that sells as well as the Buick Enclave and Infiniti JX/QX60, or larger vehicles including the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class or Cadillac Escalade. That could change, however, with the introduction of the three-row Lexus crossover possibly named the TX and expected to arrive as early as late 2016, reports Automotive News.

2013 Lexus HPX concept right rear 1 300x199 imageLexus hinted at a unibody three-row crossover at the 2003 New York auto show with HPX concept. While that model was based on the then-current GS 430 sedan, the automaker hasn’t confirmed plans for a large crossover, whether it’s based on the front-drive Toyota Avalon or the rear-drive Lexus IS/GS sedan platform. While the HPX concept was powered by a 4.3-liter V-8, a three-row Lexus SUV called the TX could use a version of the company’s 3.5-liter V-6 plus a hybrid powertrain, regardless of its underpinnings.

Currently, the body-on-frame Lexus LX SUV is the premium automaker’s lone three-row offering, though, in the first half of 2013, that model (2016 units) has been outsold by the body-on-frame Cadillac Escalade (10,663 for all three variants), Infiniti QX56 (5967 units), and Lincoln Navigator (3829 units) as well as unibody models such as the Mercedes-Benz GL (14,946 units), Infiniti JX35 (14,783 units), and Lincoln MKT (3256 units). The Lexus LX, however manages to outsell its less expensive Toyota Land Cruiser (1484 units) platform-mate.

If Lexus decides to build a three-row crossover with a price well under the $82,000 LX SUV, should it be based on the front-drive Toyota Avalon or the rear-drive Lexus IS/GS? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

Should Lexus’ Future Three-Row SUV be Avalon- or GS-Based?