ydooby

Lexus is a premium brand. It is supposed to stay ahead of the curve. Just because some developing countries have a market for cheap 4-speeds it doesn't mean Lexus should cater to the bottom feeders. Lexus's rivals have shown meaningful gains in both fuel economy and performance by adopting 7- or 8-speeds even at the most entry levels. Lexus was the first to bring a production 8-speed auto to the world and it's about damn time that they apply it to the entire lineup.Actually the 6-speed in the current GS is exactly the same 6-speed that made debut 10 years ago in the 3LS.

spwolf

You can complain all you want if NX gets a. 6 speed, b. it has poorer performance c. and mpg than competing vehicles.

But to me it seems you are spec obsessed, to me it does not matter whats the spec, it matters that it is good. Transmission in 2013 4GS has same logic, quickness and features as 8 speed, which is confirmed by any magazine and anyone else posting their opinions of it.

So 6 or 8 does not matter, what matters is performance of it. You could have 9 speed that everyone complains about and that sucks a lot more than competing 6 speed's. Or you could have 7 speed that breaks so much that you have to offer 5 speed optional.

ydooby

While Lexus's 6-speed is still a smooth one, it is by no means quick. Nearly all of the magazines complain about the slowness of Lexus's 6-speeds in many of the recent reviews of any 6-speed Lexuses these days. And the 6-speed Lexuses are also falling behind in fuel economy, as evident by the IS350 AWD, which gets worse fuel economy than the Q50 AWD despite a lower weight and lower displacement/horsepower/performance and the fact the VQ is known to be a thirstier engine. And finally, Lexus's 8-speed is not known to break even with the torque of a 5.0 V8 so your reliability argument is invalid.

Lexus's 6-speed isn't bad, but it's just that the competition is better now in this department.

LexBob2

I wonder where the new Lincoln MKC(?) Will fall into the compact luxury field?

smardav

No!! American automakers wouldn't get a chance to win. Dont buy American-made luxury cars.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

No I agree the MKC is also a compelling little package and looker to boot.

LexBob2

I saw it at the auto show and it doesn't give up anything in the looks department. Whether buyers respond or not remains to be seen.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

While I don't think the MKC will be the solution Lincoln needs, I do think it will help drive some volume and instill more confidence in the brand

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

Ford seems to be giving away Lincolns and also great lease numbers.

corradoMR2

237 hp in the NX 200t

http://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/04/1...harged-engine/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

While not the at least 240hp I wanted. Oh well it's here and could be increased

pun intended

JDR76

Good find and thanks for posting it. I'm even more curious, however, about the torque value, and how (hopefully) low it peaks.

corradoMR2

I was hoping for 240hp as well but when some rumors pointed to "over 200 hp" or "between 220 and 230 hp", I'm more than pleased with the output on the NX.

JDR76: yeah, torque will play a big role: "how much" and "when/where" in the rpm band. I'm hoping for 240 ft-lbs on a fairly flat curve in the mid 2k rpm to 5k rpm.

4482

I'm hoping they vastly improve the suspension in the NX and not use the same suspension as in the RAV4. The RAV4 suspension is terrible !

rogerh00

Unique features,

active grille shutters
voice-activated navigation
hands-free liftgate
illuminating “welcome mats” on the ground to both front doors.
Lincoln signature push-button gear shift that controls the automatic transmission.
Overhead console with sunglasses holder!!!!
Easy Fuel® capless fuel filler
Remote start