Lexus LF-NX & GS 300h Debuts At Frankfurt
Today, Paul Van der Burgh, Director of Lexus Europe officially announced the global debut of the Lexus LF-NX Crossover Concept and the European debut of the GS 300h in Frankfurt, Germany. Smaller than the luxury crossover pioneer RX, the LF-NX a concept vehicle which “explores the potential for a compact sport utility vehicle” says Lexus.
LF-NX Crossover Concept – Global Debut
The new LF-NX features an evolution of the L-Finesse design philosophy incorporating the signature spindle grille, bold, aggressive lines and high tech and innovative features. First seen on the LF-NX are diamond shaped LED headlamps and seperated LED running lamps with underscored turnsignal lamps. Aggressive body lines help give the LF-NX a more masculine and modern appeal. There’s even a tinted panoramic moonroof! The exterior is painted a very upscale Brushed Metal Silver which helps accentuate the LF-NX’s sculpted body lines. This concept will be powered by a high efficiency 2.5L four cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine with a powerful electric motor, most likely a variation of the 2AR-FXE already utilized in the ES 300h.
The interior features a symmetrical instrument panel clad with a two-tone black and Sunrise Yellow leather interior with contrast stitching accented with carved metal accents all around. The blue instrument panel and interior lighting follow the Lexus hybrid theme. The upper display zone of the LF-NX’s dash places all the important instrumentation within view. New electrostatic switches operate the door locks and window on the door and a new version of the Lexus Remote Touch Interface. The new RTI will feature a combination touch tracer display (featured first on the HS 250h) with a new touch pad design eliminating extra buttons and the cumbersome joystick.
No official announcement has been made of a timeline for a production model, but we expect this LF-NX to be a future NX 200t or NX 300h from recent trademark filings.
2014 GS 300h – European Debut
Globally revealed at the 2013 Auto Shanghai back in April, the 2014 GS 300h joins the IS 300h in the European Lexus line up sharing the same 2.5L four cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine (2AR-FSE) mated to an E-CVT. The GS 300h falls into Europe’s E-premium segment and is expected to be the volume sales leader accounting for 2/3 of all GS sales. The GS 300 emits a low 109g of CO2 emissions and achieves just under 4.7L per 100km in fuel economy. There will be an F SPORT model available. The new GS 300h will offer value and ownership incentives to European customers.
New features for the 2014 GS:
- 3 New F Sport Colors: F White, Starlight Black and Midnight Blue
- Available LED Foglamps for F SPORT
- 19″ Alloy wheels available on Luxury grade models
- Boot type shift lever design for GS 300h
- Full color HUD (Head-Up Display)
- New Adaptive Cruise Control to 0 km/h on GS 300 & 450h models
- Available Rear Cross Traffic Alert with BSM
Source: [Lexus USA] & [Lexus Europe]
