(July 8, 2014) WHISTLER, British Columbia — Lexus created the luxury-utility crossover category with the original midsized RX model in 1998 and is now poised to disrupt the growing compact segment with the all-new 2015 NX. Lexus says the 2015 NX unites the engineering input of racers with the impeccable touch of Lexus luxury in a design that steals the show.

"Following in the tire tracks of the new-generation Lexus GS and IS sedans, the 2015 NX brings dramatic design to a segment populated by boxy offerings. The boldest interpretation yet of the signature Lexus spindle grille and L-finesse design envelops a platform engineered by a team that includes active racers," Lexus said in introducing the new vehicle.



The 2015 Lexus NX debuts in two versions, the NX 200t with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the NX 300h hybrid, which brings the brand’s number of hybrid offerings to six, the most among luxury brands. The hybrid offers a real driving kick, thanks to a new transmission with a kick-down function. The racers on the team insisted on splitting the hybrid battery into two separate pods for better weight distribution; with the benefit of more efficient use of cabin space.

Both NX models offer their own version of pro-active all-weather drive (AWD).

Looking more sports-car than sport-utility, the 2015 NX’s cabin is bristling with new, onboard, standard and available technology, including a Lexus-first Wireless Charging Tray for compatible phones and devices; the new Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) with a touch pad; and a comprehensive Multi-information Display that features a Lexus-first G-Force meter and boost gauge.

The F SPORT badge on a Lexus tells you to expect a special driving experience. That’s certainly the modus operandi of the NX F SPORT, which looks a bit sinister with its more aggressive grille and front lower bumper. Special wheels, black exterior mirrors and exclusive interior trim and front sport seats round out the package.
          
If there’s an overt performance spirit permeating the 2015 Lexus NX, thank chief engineer Takeaki Kato. A racer himself, who won his class in a long distance race at the famed Fuji Speedway, Kato found kindred spirits in driving dynamics expert Keiichi Nishiyama, who races go-karts; product planning chief Hiroshi Inoue, who competes in club events, and powertrain specialist Sunao Ichihara, who played an important role in the Lexus LFA V10 engine program.
          
Kato combined experience with youth in his design team. Both interior designer Atsushi Narita and color and trim expert Momoko Okamoto are younger than 30 years old.

For its first-ever turbocharged gasoline engine, Lexus created an all-new engine architecture. The 2.0-liter turbocharged port and direct-injection engine uses an advanced valve control system to switch between Atkinson cycle and Otto cycle operation to optimize performance and fuel efficiency.
          
To minimize turbo lag, the four-into-two exhaust manifold system pairs cylinders according to their expansion or compression stroke to reduce pumping losses and eliminate exhaust gas interference. This results in improved acceleration response and wide torque band. The turbo engine produces 235 hp at 5,600 rpm with 258 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,650-4,000 rpm and up to 17psi of boost at wide open throttle. A balance shaft enhances smoothness.
          
The combination of direct fuel injection and additional port fuel injectors, as used on some other Lexus models, ensures ample power and crisp responsiveness at all engine speeds.

An all-new sequential six-speed automatic transmission networks with the turbo engine to achieve an ideal level of boost pressure for performance and fuel economy. Torque-demand control logic calculates required engine torque and maximizes it, delivering quick response and exhilarating acceleration feel with good fuel efficiency.
          
The G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system is also adopted for more spirited driving. G-AI automatically selects the optimum gear and downshift pattern in response to G force.

The NX 300h hybrid shares the sporty persona of its turbocharged sibling while delivering higher fuel efficiency. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system can be matched to 2WD or the Lexus E-Four AWD system.
          
Lexus tuned the 2AR-FXE 2.5-liter gasoline engine especially for use in the 2015 NX 300h. Enhancements include a water-to-oil cooler for the electric drive motor and a revised front drive reduction ratio, improving fuel economy and hill climbing.
          
Put your foot down on the highway, and you’ll feel the hybrid’s performance-tuned attitude. Its new P314 transmission provides a kick-down function for greater acceleration performance. The transmission consists of an electric motor generator and an electric drive motor linked by a double set of planetary gears. The planetary gearset simultaneously fulfills three roles: as a power split device between the generator and the front wheels; as a reduction gear for the electric motor and, when both work together, as an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).
          
The transmission offers sequential shift which allows maximum power to be delivered on demand and increases engine braking when decelerating.
          
The NX 300h employs Lexus’ electronically controlled braking system known as ECB-R to provide cooperative control of stopping power and regenerative braking while saving on vehicle weight.