Photo: Lexus
The sharpest Lexus NX you can buy now is the 200t F Sport version, powered by the all new 2-liter turbocharged unit which cranks 235 hp. Comparing it to it’s main rival, the BMW X3, that’s about 70 hp less when you consider the xDrive35i. Not that much of a difference, but then comes the Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG boasting 355 hp. Reason why the model’s chief engineer wants a new higher performance version added up to the range, say an F model.
Speaking with GoAuto, Lexus NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato hinted at a high performance F version when asked if a model to match the GLA45 AMG was on the table - “I want one, yes.”
And the higher performance crossover could achieve that just by cranking up the power output of its current 2-liter, because Mr. Kato dropped another bombshell - the turbocharged four-pot has been designed to suit more models than that and it can be had with different power outputs. It is tunable!
Sounds extraordinarily to hear that the vicious-looking NX F Sport can bite even more, but there’s a problem with the F performance ideology, that doesn’t allow cars like the new crossover to be part of it.
Now, when’s the last time you saw a crossover racing championship? Exactly... never in the time of all history. So the idea of a Lexus NX F kinda’ gets axed even from the start.
Other than that, it would be quite odd for the brand’s image to have a turbocharged four-pot F, considering all the models so far had been/are powered by naturally aspirated V8s and come with the characteristic stacked double exhaust system.
We’d still like a more powerful NX though. Considering Mr. Kato’s experience, maybe there will be a more powerful version on the shelf some day. Not necessarily wearing the F badge. We don’t mind if it’s called a 250t, 300t, or F Sport Plus.
And the higher performance crossover could achieve that just by cranking up the power output of its current 2-liter, because Mr. Kato dropped another bombshell - the turbocharged four-pot has been designed to suit more models than that and it can be had with different power outputs. It is tunable!
Sounds extraordinarily to hear that the vicious-looking NX F Sport can bite even more, but there’s a problem with the F performance ideology, that doesn’t allow cars like the new crossover to be part of it.
Not gonna happen
Earlier this year, chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi, who handles everything about the F branch, said that in order for a model to wear the F badge, "it needs to have the characteristics to be able to run on track and a race course."Now, when’s the last time you saw a crossover racing championship? Exactly... never in the time of all history. So the idea of a Lexus NX F kinda’ gets axed even from the start.
Other than that, it would be quite odd for the brand’s image to have a turbocharged four-pot F, considering all the models so far had been/are powered by naturally aspirated V8s and come with the characteristic stacked double exhaust system.
We’d still like a more powerful NX though. Considering Mr. Kato’s experience, maybe there will be a more powerful version on the shelf some day. Not necessarily wearing the F badge. We don’t mind if it’s called a 250t, 300t, or F Sport Plus.
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