ChrisJ74

Since the US version Lexus NX got specced recently, you might have noticed it comes with a more pointy nose, which makes it look kinda dumb from certain angles. Why does it look like that? Because of the government...

There’s a clear difference between the US NX’s lower bumper and its EU counterpart. If you haven’t noticed so far, it can’t be unseen now. In America, the nose of the car is more slanted, like a huge blade just shaved it off, while on the other markets the spindle grille remained almost like on the concept car.

Fortunately, Top Gear Philippines had the chance to speak with Lexus global manager of technical education and training Paul Williamsen, who cleared out the mystery. It’s because of CAFE rules.

The Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations in the US basically represent the average fuel economy of a carmaker’s fleet and if it falls below a certain number, the respective automaker gets penalized.

This means Lexus will sell the NX as a light truck in the US of A, simply because this category has a lower fuel economy standard than the car segment.

How do you market a car that’s considered a crossover in the rest of the world as as light truck in America? Improvise! Every car class comes with certain rules that define it. And to be a light truck, a vehicle must have a certain approach angle at the front, along with other dimensions and weights.

So Lexus drew a straight line over the overhang’s excess, said “this thing must go” and Boom!.... they made the NX a light truck. At least the F Sport version remained the same.

INTERESTING... AND LAME. I want F-sport front without F-sport tiny bolstered seats! (like 90% of everyone else)

kenji4861

Very surprised to find this thread.

I always thought the regular US - NX front end looked very bad and was considering the F-Sport just for the complete look.

From the side, it looks like someone carved the front.

So what's the solution for us stuck in the US?

Can we buy a NX 300h from Canada and drive it over?
http://www.lexus.ca/lexus/en/automobiles/nx#nx300h

corradoMR2

We have the same front ends as in the US. We're all in the same boat in N.America.

kenji4861

oh you're right. Thanks. I guess we're all screwed

rogerh00

Well, not all. I like my non-F sport front end! I don't see what all the negativity is about.

computerwi

Has anyone tried ordering the international front bumper and installing it? I would be interested if it was a simple bolt off, bolt on.

Nikeson