Lexus continues to drop hints of a compact crossover to fit into the lineup beneath the RX with the LF-NX Turbo. As a follow-up to the LF-NX HV shown in Frankfurt, the LF-NX Turbo debuted at the Toyko Motor Show with a sportier version of the distinctive styling shown on previous incarnations and a more powerful engine.
Under the hood, the 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder is Lexus’ first stab at a turbocharged powerplant. The engine features a cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold and twin-scroll turbocharger. Lexus did not offer horsepower figures or any hints at production plans for the engine, though as other premium manufacturers downsize their powertrains it’s likely that Lexus intends to follow suit.
The blocky, sharp-edged LF-NX Turbo’s styling offers a strong indicator of what to expect when Lexus’ compact crossover hits the streets. Diamond-shaped LED headlamps and a complicated, multi-planed version of Lexus’ “spindle” grille create a strong family resemblance, while the mesh that takes up most of the front end’s real estate reminds that this is a performance vehicle. Bold flaring on the fenders is an SUV hallmark, though the LF-NX Turbo’s styling owes more to Lexus’ performance cars than to the SUVs. Taut lines and a diamond-shaped silhouette provide a very distinctive look overall. It comes off as a bit too extreme for production, but the lines of a compact Lexus crossover are visible beneath the extravagant sheet metal.
