[Thai]

Source: http://www.carscoops.com/2014/04/new-lexus-nx-compact-suv-detailed-in.html

"Furthermore, the NX features a new Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) that Lexus says is capable of variable control in 30 stages, with the SUV to be offered in both front and all-wheel drive editions, the latter sporting a Dynamic Torque Control All-Wheel Drive system that automatically switches from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive "by calculating the driver's intended driving line and adjusting the distribution of torque to the rear wheels as required"."

I think that this is only in Japan...****! BUT, what is interesting is the AWD system description. It looks like the same one in the Acura RDX (and Honda CRV). 2wd, but when you're accelerating, it pushes more torque/power to the rear axle. There is no mention of torque side-to-side vectoring. I can live without that.

 

[toyotafan]

i believe the split is just front and rear for this system

the acura system is wheel to wheel

 

[Thai]

i believe the split is just front and rear for this system

the acura system is wheel to wheel

Yes, that is what i said about NX AWD system...front to rear.

Acura has two systems. ONLY the SH-AWD system does torque vectoring on the rear axle...and that system (at least in USA) is only available on Acura MDX and TL presently.

Acura RDX dumped that SH-AWD system with the current re-design...and now uses the same AWD system as Honda CR-V. No torque vectoring with the RDX/CR-V system. RDX/CR-V system is called, "All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control". You can read more about it by scrolling down on this page and clicking on link: http://www.acura.com/Pricing.aspx?model=RDX&modelYear=2015



The RDX all-wheel drive system is designed to help maximize the use of available traction in both dry and slippery conditions, while minimizing system-wide friction and power loss to help optimize fuel efficiency.

• In normal cruising, the system operates as an efficient FWD vehicle with 100% of engine torque being directed to the front wheels.
• During moderate acceleration or when front wheel slip is detected in dry conditions, 25% of engine torque is transferred to the rear wheels.
• On a wet or slippery surface, wheel slippage will cause a reduction in engine output to the front wheels possibly to a point where torque is distributed 50/50 between the front and rear wheels.
• Systemic efficiencies allow the AWD system to have a combined EPA fuel economy rating of only one mile per gallon below the front-wheel drive model.

-------------------------------

Therefore, the Lexus NX system sounds a lot like that of Acura RDX (and Honda CRV) system...no torque vectoring, just front to rear torque distribution based on load & slippage.

 

[mojo]

Its better theres no torque vectoring on the NX. T would be a wasteful feature in an SUV like this. Likely the reason Acura dropped it from the RDX. IT just pushes cost up for a feature that 2% of shoppers will understand and 0% will be able to say WOW I REALLY NEEDED THAT!

as an aside, the RLX comes with a choice of either PAWS or SH-AWD, as will the TLX (maybe not PAWS I've forgotten)...

 

[Thai]

Its better theres no torque vectoring on the NX. T would be a wasteful feature in an SUV like this. Likely the reason Acura dropped it from the RDX. IT just pushes cost up for a feature that 2% of shoppers will understand and 0% will be able to say WOW I REALLY NEEDED THAT!

as an aside, the RLX comes with a choice of either PAWS or SH-AWD, as will the TLX (maybe not PAWS I've forgotten)...

Well, true...but it does NOT have to be like SH-AWD. In other words, you can have torque-vectoring side-to-side with just programming of ABS/VSC/VDIM software. Newer cars have torque-vectoring by BRAKING the inside wheel around a corner (vs. overdriving the outside wheel in SH-AWD)...thus, in reality, it is using hardware that already on the car without needing new hardware (like SH-AWD). It is using the same brakes as VSC/VDIM/ABS...it just requires re-programming the ECU/CPU whatever to slightly apply pressure to the inside brakes, much like what VSC/VDIM does when slippage is detected. Ford, Mercedes, Audi all now use this brake-enforced torque vectoring. No hardware is needed...it uses existing hardware. Thus, no additional cost needed...just maybe the initia R&D to adjust the system properly.

I think that Lexus & Toyota are usually slow to implement new stuff, which is undertandable.

RLX will come with SH-AWD but ONLY the Hybrid version. And in that version, it is a whole new system...where there are two electrical motors, one on each rear wheel driving. Non-hybrid RLX has no option for SH-AWD of any kind.

 

[Thai]

Monday...and more interesting stuff from media: http://www.autonews.com/article/201.../lexus-nx-crossover-goal-2200-sales-per-month

For my interest (NX300h), i find this interesting:

"The hybrid system is basically the same as that in the ES 300h, though the all-wheel-drive version gets a rear-motor layout similar to that of the RX. The battery is nickel-metal hydride.

Although Lexus gave no official fuel economy estimates for the hybrid, a source said it should get in the 34-36 mpg range in combined city and highway driving."
--------------------------------------------------

The AWD system is neat...electric rear motor to power the rear. So, still a very FWD biased vehicle. But, this system does lend itself to decrease torque steer by giving torque to the rear axle on acceleration (and when slipping). Not much drag on the main powertrain. Cool. Not the best of things, but perfect for me.

Fuel economy of COMBINED 35mpg AWD hybrid ain't bad either! Camry is 40mpg. ES300h is also around 40mpg. Avalon hybrid is 40mpg.

So, this has me wondering if this hybrid AWD system is activated more often than not; thus bringing down the numbers.

In addition, the NX200t is also going to be quite an engine!

Templin said Lexus tuned the turbo to deliver smooth acceleration, rather than jerky power thrusts.

Quote:

"I think ours is going to be more refined than the rest of them in the market," he said. "Ours is more linear, smoother. Much more luxurylike."

And interior space is very nice:

"The NX is 5.5 inches shorter than the RX. But rear legroom is only 0.4-inch shorter and luggage space surrenders just 0.8 inch from the RX cargo bay, Chief Engineer Takeaki Kato said.

"Packaging was our biggest challenge," Kato said. "But we were able to make the interior much roomier than anticipated." "

 

[Thai]

And here are some folks' experiences with RX450h AWD system: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/hybrid-technology/675625-rx-450h-snow-traction.html

 

[NXorable]

@Thai, thanks for all of the great info!

 

[Thai]

Link: http://www.caradvice.com.au/283057/...s-coming-but-affordable-base-model-ruled-out/

Tidbits from article:

Both the NX200t and NX300h will be available with a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive. The NX200t is available with a newly developed six-speed automatic and features the brand’s first stop-start system for a non-hybrid model, while the NX300h is equipped with a CVT automatic and, if optioned, an electronic four-wheel-drive system.

A range of safety systems will be available, such as ‘panoramic view monitor’ which uses the brand’s highest resolution camera yet, and ‘all-speed dynamic radar cruise control’, which enables the SUV to follow the car ahead and slow the car to a halt without driver intervention. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a head-up display will also be offered.

 

[toyotafan]

do we get the adaptive suspension in north america?

 

[Thai]

do we get the adaptive suspension in north america?

My guess is no bc i don't see it mention anywhere in US press release. I think that the price range that the NX is in kinda rules it out. Lexus RX does not have it, even in their F sport range. I am sure that the F-sport NX will have firmer suspension (like RX F-sport), but adaptive suspension will put its price range well above $45k. The cheapest Lexus with adaptive is the IS350 F-sport i think and that comes out around $49k.

With Mark Levinson, surround cameras, radar cruise already on the list, NX with all these will likely be around $45k tops. Adding adapative will put it well into RX territory.

I am HOPING that Lexus does not go crazy with their prices...i would be very happy to get NX300h with all options for around $45k max. Anything more, and i will move up the food chain.

 

[Thai]

Excellent FAQ answered here: http://blog.lexus.co.uk/2014/04/interview-takeaki-kato-chief-engineer-lexus-nx/#.U2GQZl7oY_N

Pure joy for me!!!!

 

[Thai]

http://lexusenthusiast.com/2014/04/29/video-qa-lexus-international-vice-president-mark-templin/

 

[toyotafan]

My guess is no bc i don't see it mention anywhere in US press release. I think that the price range that the NX is in kinda rules it out. Lexus RX does not have it, even in their F sport range. I am sure that the F-sport NX will have firmer suspension (like RX F-sport), but adaptive suspension will put its price range well above $45k. The cheapest Lexus with adaptive is the IS350 F-sport i think and that comes out around $49k.

With Mark Levinson, surround cameras, radar cruise already on the list, NX with all these will likely be around $45k tops. Adding adapative will put it well into RX territory.

I am HOPING that Lexus does not go crazy with their prices...i would be very happy to get NX300h with all options for around $45k max. Anything more, and i will move up the food chain.

that sucks